Growth Cycle Metabolism of Plants in Relation to Flowering

Abstract

An examination of the percentages of total carbohydrate, nitrogen (Kjeldahl) and ash has been made at various times in the growth cycle in six plants of varying growth habit. The time of formation of the flower initial in four species (fumitory, leek, radish and yellow water‐lily) corresponds to a maximum in the curve showing percentage of total carbohydrate plus percentage of ash in the whole plant. The other two species (pea and bean) make their flower initials very early in the growth cycle, at a time when the amounts of carbohydrate plus ash are high because of the attachment of the plant to the large seed. These two species therefore also make their flower initials at a virtual maximum of carbohydrate plus ash. All six species of plants studied have mobile carbohydrate. The distribution of nutrients after flowering is discussed.