Assessing Chilling Tolerance in Roses using Chlorophyll Fluorescence

Abstract

Chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) was evaluated as a technique to assess chilling injury of rose (Rosa sp.) leaves exposed to low temperatures. In the more susceptible genotypes, variable fluorescence (Fv) decreased dramatically as the temperature was lowered. In the less susceptible genotypes, Fv was more stable and decreased more slowly as temperature fell. Our results suggest that measurement of CF may provide a rapid method to prescreen genotypes for chilling susceptibility, as required in plant breeding.