Vernalization of Marquis Wheat and Other Spring Cereals

Abstract

Acceleration of flowering of a number of spring cereals when vernalized did not exceed 2.3 days when grown in the field, with the exception of Hannchen barley (Hordeum distichon) which flowered 7 days in advance of controls. The formula 133:33 (13 days chilling at 3[degree]C, the water added being 33% of the original air-dry weight of the seeds) resulted in an acceleration of flowering of 3-4 days in the case of O.A.C. barley (H. hexastichon), Prolific rye (Secale cereale), and Banner oats (Avena sativa) grown in the greenhouse; 8:3:60 gave an acceleration of flowering of Marquis wheat of 21 days. Increases in yield of 21% were obtained on 5-acre plots. Acceleration due to treatment was less when the plants were grown in a 24-hr. day than in normal day length. Grown at soil temps. of 22[degree] to 44[degree]C, vernalized Marquis wheat (Triticum vulgare) showed a greater acceleration of flowering or larger number of flowering than controls, at higher soil temps. The top/root ratio of all plants rose to a maximum at a soil temp. of 34[degree], falling to approx. the original value at 42CC. Treatment of embryos of Marquis wheat with FeCls and K ferrocyanide showed a loss of ability of the growing point to reduce FeCla as vernalization progressed. A shift of the iso-electric point of the embryo tissues from pH 5.32 to pH 4.88 upon completion of vernalization was detected using McIlwain''s buffers and staining with eosin and methylene blue.