1. Temperature dependence of seedling establishment of a perennial, Dioscorea tokoro
- Author
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Zhong, X., Nishino, E., and Okagami, N.
- Subjects
Germination -- Research ,Stems (Botany) -- Physiological aspects ,Stems (Botany) -- Research ,Temperature -- Research ,Temperature -- Environmental aspects ,Yams -- Research ,Science and technology - Abstract
Byline: X. Zhong (1), E. Nishino (2), N. Okagami (2) Keywords: Key words Dioscorea tokoro; Petiole elongation; Rhizome thickening; Seed germination; Seedling establishment; Temperature Abstract: The temperature dependence of seed germination and seedling growth was analyzed in Dioscorea tokoro, an East Asian summer-green perennial. Seeds were able to germinate fully only at 11deg--20degC. At around 17deg--20degC the first leaf petiole of the seedling elongated and quickly set the first leaf blade at a position enabling photosynthesis. At temperatures higher than 20degC petiole elongation was retarded, and seedlings formed a rhizome and established as a perennial. The rhizome size increased with temperature up to 29degC. Thus, during growth immediately after germination, temperature appears to be a key factor in determining whether the plant establishes as a perennial or grows rapidly without rhizome thickening. Author Affiliation: (1) Agrometeorology Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China, CN (2) Faculty of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo 271-8510, Japan Tel./Fax +81-47-308-8946 e-mail: okagami@midori.h.chiba-u.ac.jp, JP Article note: Received: April 6, 2001 / Accepted: September 14, 2001
- Published
- 2002