Floral induction in growing buds of lychee (Litchi chinensis) and mango (Mangifera indica).
Batten D. J., McConchie C. A.
Author Affiliation: Tropical Fruit Research Station, NSW Agriculture, PO Box 72, Alstonville, NSW 2477, Australia.
Australian Journal of Plant Physiology 22 : 783-791
Abstract : Buds of potted Litchi chinensis and mango plants forced to begin growth at high temperatures (florally non-inductive) and then transferred to low temperatures produced inflorescences, from which it was concluded that the whole process of floral induction can occur in growing buds. Floral initials were visible within 39 and 30 days of transfer to low temperature in L. chinensis and mango, respectively, indicating that floral induction occurs relatively quickly in both species. In most cases where plants were transferred to winter ambient temperatures for floral induction, pre-activated (growing) buds flowered more consistently than buds that were dormant at the time of transfer. If the buds were small when plants were transferred from high temperature to low temperature, leafless inflorescences formed. If buds were a little larger, leafy inflorescences formed with leaves basal and flowers terminally. If the buds were larger again, the shoots were purely vegetative.