53. What are some of the benefits gained from the light duration studies?
Remember that it is the night length which is important, allowing the phytochrome (molecule above) to re constitute so that the florigen can be produced. It has been used to stop sugar cane from flowering (keep the sugar in the cane), and to make pineapples all flower at the same time so that it is easier to harvest. Carnation (left) is a short night, long day plant. Sugar cane (middle) and pineapple are both long day(right) plants.
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Carnation |
Sugar Cane |
Pineapple Plant |
The flowering of carnations in the lab can be controlled by exposure to sunlight or electric lights to ensure even flowering of all the plants. |
The use of large search lights in the field exposes the plant to additional light at night which interrupts the re-constitution of the phytochrome to prevent the production of florigen. |
Spraying with florigen brings all of the flowers and plants into flowering at the same time. |