Abstract
Small Shorea stenoptera Burck. (Dipterocarpaceae) trees of reproductive age growing in an arboretum in west Java were studied to determine the pattern of vegetative shoot development, the time and method of floral initiation and the effect of paclobutrazol on floral enhancement. Vegetative buds were enclosed by two stipules between which was a leaf primordium, a small axillary vegetative bud and another pair of stipules. This sequence was reiterated five to seven times before the vegetative apex was visible. At the time of floral initiation, axillary buds developed into floral spikes and compound inflorescences formed at the end of drooping branches. A compound inflorescence might bear many floral spikes and each floral spike bore many flowers. The compound inflorescence was a modification of the reiterative developmental pattern observed in vegetative shoots. The time of floral initiation began in late June or early July and continued until about November. Floral enhancement using paclobutrazol as a soil drench was attempted in mid-July, but this was later found to be after the onset of floral initiation, and the treatment failed to enhance flowering; however, it appeared to enhance the rate of floral and fruit development. The similarity in vegetative bud development among dipterocarp genera suggests that the time of floral initiation may be easily determined in many species based on simple dissection techniques.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.