Effect of source-sink ratio on seed set and filling in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

47Citations
Citations of this article
56Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Poor seed development in sunflower may result from insufficient assimilate supply (source limitation). To test this hypothesis, the effects of changed source-sink ratio on seed set (measured as percentage of empty achenes) and seed filling (measured as dry mass per filled achene) in individual plants were investigated. Source-sink ratio, defined as leaf area per floret (LAF), was experimentally altered using invasive (floret removal, defoliation) and non-invasive (pulse of chilling, short days or shading during leaf or floret initiation) treatments. Shading at floret initiation proved the most effective non-invasive method. Generally, an increase, or decrease, in LAF improved, or impaired, both seed set and filling. Increasing LAF by 2.0 cm2 [95% confidence interval (1.5,2.5)] decreased the percentage of empty achenes by 36.9%-points (-41.9, -30.9) and increased dry mass per filled achene by 20.1 mg (13.6, 26.7) in the capitulum centre. The effect of source-sink ratio on seed set was always strongest in the centre, whereas peripheral whorls were not affected. Achene mass was affected in all parts of the capitulum. It is concluded that source limitation is a major cause for empty achenes in sunflower plants grown under non-stress conditions.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Alkio, M., Schubert, A., Diepenbrock, W., & Grimm, E. (2003). Effect of source-sink ratio on seed set and filling in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Plant, Cell and Environment, 26(10), 1609–1619. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0016-8025.2003.01077.x

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free