Photoperiodic Induction of Flowering in the Late Pea Cultivar Greenfeast: The Role of Exposed Cotyledons and Leaves

Abstract

Masking of leaf, stem, and cotyledon tissue below and including the first foliage leaf at node 3 delayed flowering. These masking treatments did not change the rate of node formation and the delayed flowering of masked plants involved equivalent increases in node of first flower and time of initiation of the first flower primordium. Masking of the cotyledons and masking of the first foliage leaf appeared equally effective in delaying flowering. Exposed cotyledons were competent to respond to continuous light before the epicotyl hook opened. It appears that the cotyledons are thus involved' in photoperiodic induction in continuous light in addition to the foliage leaves at nodes 3, 4, and 5.