Floral Induction of Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum) as Influenced by Temperature and Photoperiod

Abstract

Seedling vernalization was more effective than seed vernalization in promoting flowering of downy brome (Bromus tectorumL. # BROTE). Vernalizing imbibed downy brome caryopses at 3 C for 0 to 30 days did not induce rapid flowering when the caryopses were planted. Downy brome seedlings were exposed for 30 days to six photoperiod/temperature treatments. After subsequent transfer to long days, plants from the short-day/3 C treatment flowered within 30 days. Flowering was delayed or was absent in treatments with higher temperatures or long days. The shoot apex increased in volume during the short-day/3 C vernalization period. Two days following vernalization, floral initiation had occurred. By day 5, lateral organs had proliferated. Rudimentary glumes and lemmas were visible by day 8.