Plant development and hormonal status in the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.)

Abstract Four cultivars of Jerusalem artichoke ( Helianthus tuberosus L.) were grown under different day length and temperature conditions. The plants were analysed for growth parameters, initiation of stolons and tubers and for concentrations of trans-zeatin riboside and abscisic acid at different growth stages. H. tuberosus was shown to be highly sensitive to differences in photoperiod but a wide variability existed between the cultivars tested. Generally, short photoperiods resulted in reduced stem length, stem dry matter and leaf growth, induced stolon and tuber growth, and enhanced senescence. Long photoperiods promoted leaf and stem growth, but stolon and tuber induction was only delayed and not prevented. The cultivars mainly differed in the degree of retardation of tuber growth at certain day lengths. Tuberization was not only dependent on inducing photoperiodic conditions and on previous induction of stolons but also on a sufficient supply of carbohydrates. When increased respiration reduced the carbohydrate storage pool in the stem, the induction of tubers (but not of stolons) was delayed or even prevented. Plant hormone analysis showed increased concentrations of trans-zeatin riboside at conditions that promoted assimilate export from the stem and induction of tuber growth. Based on these results, a modified hypothesis for the hormonal control of stolon and tuber growth is put forward.

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