Abstract
In deciduous fruit species, floral bud initiation, differentiation and organogenesis take place during the summer–autumn season that precedes anthesis. Among factors able to modify the regularity of these processes, water availability represents a crucial aspect. This investigation aimed to assess the influence of different summer and autumn water deficit and re-watering treatments on floral morphogenesis, xylem vessel differentiation and quality of flower buds. Trials were carried out on two-year-old potted apricot trees (cv. ‘Portici’) which were submitted to different regimes: (i) fully irrigated plants; (ii) stressed plants in June (S1), July (S2) and October (S3) followed to re-watering. Midday stem water potential was used to determine water status, and leaf gas exchanges were measured during trials. Histological analyses on floral differentiation, xylem progression within flower buds and biological observations were carried out. Both summer water stress periods affected the floral differentiation leading to a temporary shutdown. The S1 trees were able to recover the development of meristematic apices while S2 had a strong delay. All drought treatments caused a slower xylem progression, variations in bud size, blooming entity and flower anomalies. Results particularly highlights the importance of water availability also in early autumn.
Highlights
The process of flowering starts with the formation of flower buds which is regulated by the interaction and coordination of endogenous and environmental factors, leading to the development of the flower
This investigation aimed to assess the influence of different summer and autumn water deficit and re-watering treatments on floral morphogenesis, xylem vessel differentiation and quality of flower buds
Histological analyses on floral differentiation, xylem progression within flower buds and biological observations were carried out. Both summer water stress periods affected the floral differentiation leading to a temporary shutdown
Summary
The process of flowering starts with the formation of flower buds which is regulated by the interaction and coordination of endogenous and environmental factors, leading to the development of the flower. The role of genes, hormonal balance and presence of sufficient assimilates is supposed to be included in the induction [3]. This is an irreversible phase that evolves with the progressive appearance of floral organs (sepals, petals, anthers, pistil). The floral organ identity factors control the expression of many genes involved in the metabolism or the response to different phytohormones, including auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins, and jasmonic acid. These hormones have been shown to mediate diverse processes during
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