Vernalization Responses of Campanula ‘Birch Hybrid’

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize the influence of vernalizing temperatures and durations based on different flowering responses of Campanula ‘Birch Hybrid’. Clonally propagated plants of Campanula ‘Birch Hybrid’ were exposed to −2.5, 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, or 20 °C for 0, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 12 weeks and were subsequently grown at 20 °C in a greenhouse. Campanula ‘Birch Hybrid’ exhibited a near-obligate vernalization requirement, and all flowering responses studied were influenced by the treatment temperatures, durations, and their interactions. The minimum and maximum cardinal temperatures for vernalization were <0 °C and between 15 and 17.5 °C, respectively. The range of optimal vernalizing temperatures (Topt) varied based on the flowering response assessed. For instance, Topt for flowering percentage ranged between 2.5 to 7.5 °C, while Topt for number of open flowers was 0 to 12.5 °C when plants were vernalized for 5 weeks. Topt for flowering time also varied when analyzed as rate to flower, time to flower from the end of temperature treatments, total time to flower measured from the start of temperature treatments, and thermal time to flower. For example, after 12 weeks of treatment, Topt for thermal time to flower was 0 to 2.5 °C yet shifted to 2.5 to 12.5 °C for total time to flower. Because the flowering response being assessed altered the Topt, this study reiterates the significance of considering all relevant flowering responses while developing and interpreting vernalization models.