Effects of temperature on the flowering and seed production of Stylosanthes guianensis cultivars

Abstract

SUMMARYSeedlings of Stylosanthes guianensis var. guianensis were grown for 75 days in 16 h photoperiods and transferred to controlled environment cabinets for a further 112 cycles set at 12 h days and 18, 21, 24 or 27 OC constant temperatures. Floral initiation (FI) occurred in cv. Cook after 21 short‐day cycles of 12 h and was independent of temperature. Warm temperatures delayed FI in cv. Schofield and hastened it in cv. Endeavour. Rate of node appearance was positively and the duration of the phase FI to flower appearance negatively related to temperature. Spike production and floret number per spike were maximal for Cook and Endeavour at 24°C; seed setting was independent of temperature above 18°C in Cook. Growth, flowering, and seed production of Endeavour required warm temperatures, but Cook was more versatile in its adaptation to varying temperature regimens.