Effect of photosynthetic photon flux and temperature on floral evocation and development in the vernalization-sensitive ornamental perennial Salvia x superba 'Blaukonigin'

Varying photothermal ratios (PTR) were supplied to Salvia xsuperba Stapf 'Blaukonigin' during pre-inductive vegetative development with the exception of a short germination period under uniform conditions. In addition, both unvernalized plants and plants receiving a saturating vernalization treatment of 6 weeks at 5 degrees C were given two photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) levels (50 or 200 micromol.m(-2).s(-1)) during subsequent inductive 16-hour long days. There were no effects of PTR treatments during vegetative development on subsequent flowering. However, the higher PPF level during inductive long days significantly accelerated floral evocation in unvernalized plants, lowering the leaf number at flowering. The effect was practically negligent after the vernalization requirement was saturated. In a second experiment, varying periods (4, 7, 10, and 14 days or until anthesis) at a PPF of 200 micromol.m(-2).s(-1) during 20-hour days were given at the beginning of a long-day treatment, either with or without preceding vernalization treatment. Flowering percentage increased considerably as the period at 200 micromol.m(-2).s(-1) was extended compared with plants grown at a lower PPF of 50 micromol.m(-2).s(-1). However, the leaf number on flowering plants was not affected, except in unvernalized plants receiving the highest PPF continuously until anthesis, where leaf number was reduced by almost 50%. We propose that the PPF-dependent flowering is facilitated either by the rate of ongoing assimilation or rapid mobilization of stored carbohydrates at the time of evocation. Abortion of floral primordia under the lower PPF (50 micromol.m(-2).s(-1)) irrespective of vernalization treatment indicates that the assimilate requirement for flower bud development is independent of the mechanism for floral evocation.