The Influence of Season on Phenotypic Plasticity Symptoms in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Crested Peach Flowers

Abstract

The variation of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower in the form of a crested peach is thought to show phenotypic plasticity symptoms in nature. Phenotypic plasticity is a condition in which genotypes give rise to different phenotypes in different environments. The aim of this study was to determine the plasticity response of H. rosa-sinensis crested peach flowers to seasonal changes, both morphologically and anatomically. Flower samples were taken from the residential area of Bojong Gede, Bogor, in two different seasons: the dry season in 2018 and the rainy season in 2021. Morphological observations were made by calculating the number and size of each flower section using measuring instruments and a Dino-Lite microscope. Anatomical observations were made by observing the internal structure of the ovaries using a 4× magnification light microscope. Measurement of environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity, was also carried out in this study to determine the symptoms of phenotypic plasticity. The phenotypic plasticity responses of H. rosa-sinensis crested peach flower are clearly observed in the number and composition of the stamen, staminodium petaloid, intermediate stamen-petal, and external-internal structure of the ovary. H. rosa-sinensis, in the form of crested flowers, showed a different phenotypic plasticity response in different seasons. The light intensity and temperature factors play an important role in phenotypic plasticity. Research with various observation times is still needed to determine the range of phenotypic plasticity responses of the H. rosa-sinensis flower form of crested peach in nature.