Abstract
The influence of photoperiod and temperature on the production of flowers by a New Guinea hybrid Impatiens, cv. Starburst, was investigated. Delayed flowering below 20 °C was due only to effects on flower bud development. Although flower initiation was day-neutral, the number of flowers produced was significantly influenced by photoperiodic control of axillary branch elongation. In 8-, 14- or 16-h photoperiods axillary branches on the lower nodes remained compact but in a 12-h photoperiod the axillary branches elongated, and flower production on these axillary branches was enhanced. Night-break (NB) treatments indicated that this was a photoperiodic effect. This photoperiodic control of plant growth habit provides a means of regulating the rate of flowering of this cultivar.Key words: Impatiens, photoperiod, flowering, apical dominance
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have