Work

In vitro flowering of the distylous plant Plumbago auriculata Lam

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: • Our work demonstrates a stable system for the induction of in vitro flowering in P. auriculata . • We found that in vitro flowering in P. auriculata could be obtained by adjusting only light and temperature and it did not require hormone induction. • We found that in vitro flowering in P. auriculata also presented dimorphism, and the morphs could be quickly identified in the bottle. • Compared with flowers grown in the ground, in vitro flowering in P. auriculata also had unique ornamental value, which could be indoor furnishings. Plumbago auriculata Lam., a typical distylous plant, undergoes heteromorphic self-incompatibility (HetSI). The use of in vitro flowering allows the early identification of a plant's style morphology, and this process can be used to increase the efficiency of the breeding process and expedite research on the flowering mechanisms of P. auriculata . Here, we used seeds of P. auriculata as explants; obtained plantlets; and assessed the effects of temperature, thermoperiod, photoperiod, and light intensity on the in vitro flowering of the plants. The optimum temperature treatment was a diurnal alternation of 35 °C for 12 h and 25 °C for 12 h. Under these conditions, flower bud formation occurred within approximately 33 d, and the flowering percentage was as high as 91%. A photoperiod of 16 h and a light intensity of 200 µmol m −2 s −1 also promoted in vitro flowering. Under these conditions, flower buds formed within approximately 33 d, and the flowering percentage was approximately 90%. However, relatively long photoperiods and high light intensity suppressed flower bud development, reduced flowering, and shortened flower lifespan. The in vitro flowers had a lighter colour and smaller petals than did the in vivo flowers, although their floral structures (including their reproductive structures) were intact. This work demonstrates a stable system for the induction of in vitro flowering in P. auriculata and describes suitable temperature (35 °C/25 °C) and light (16 h photoperiod and 200 µmol m −2 s −1 ) conditions for rapid in vitro flowering. This system allows the efficient identification of long and short P. auriculata morphs and allows the formulation of a reasonable cultivation plan. The methods described here provide technical support for the development, utilization, and rapid propagation of excellent new P. auriculata varieties.

Source: South African Journal of Botany

DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2020.11.018

Authors: Ping Shen, Suping Gao, Ju Hu, Yurong Li, Ting Lei, Lisha Shi

Institution: Sichuan Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Flowering Plant Growth and Cultivation

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,750

Funder: Sichuan Province Science and Technology Support Program