Phytochrome Regulation of Flowering in the Long-Day Plant, Hyoscyamus niger

Abstract

A daylength extension with incandescent light is more effective in promoting flowering of long-day plants like Hyoscyamus niger than fluorescent light. A low phytochrome photoequilibrium (Pfr/P(tot)), attained by a far-red irradiation at the close of long days under fluorescent light, also promotes flowering. Moreover, if flower initiation processes are initiated by several long days, a low phytochrome photoequilibrium at the end of short, postinduction photoperiods also enhances flowering. The initiation phase of flowering requires Pfr to be present whereas the development phase proceeds more rapidly in the absence of Pfr. Spectral dependence studies, therefore, could be misinterpreted if the initiation and development stages are combined into a single audit of flowering.