Abstract
The weight–length ratio ( W/ L) of a flowering stem is the ratio of its dry matter weight to its total length (g cm −1). Weekly samples of W/ L were taken over 2 years for two cultivars (`Sweet Promise'-Sonia and `Jelrocami'-Koba) and four quality grades (Extra, 1st and 2nd grades, and unmarketable cut flowers). The values for both cultivars were statistically identical. However, there was great variation linked with the quality grades (the higher the W/ L ratio, the higher the grade) and the time of the year (the values were at their lowest in Fall, November–December, and at their highest in Spring, April–May). Variation within the year was mostly explained by the seasonal variation in the weight of the leaves, because the W/ L ratio of the axis of the stem (measured without any leaf or flower) did not vary throughout the year for a given quality grade. When studied with weekly increments, seasonal variation in W/ L appeared to be a periodical, but asymmetrical, function of the day of the year. A mathematical model of this time response function is presented.
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