Starch and apparent rate of photosynthesis of leaves of Lolium perenne grown at different temperatures

Summary Leaves from Lolium perenne plants grown at day/night temperatures of 15°/10° had slower rates of apparent photosynthesis at 15° than leaves from plants grown at 25°/20°. Electron microscopy showed a higher starch concentration in chloroplasts from low- compared with the higher temperature-grown plants. However, all differences in apparent photosynthesis were negatively associated with differences in size of mesophyll cells. It is suggested that the presence of starch per se had no effect on photosynthesis rate and that temperature during growth influences subsequent rates because leaves from the higher temperature have smaller cells and chloroplasts than those from the lower one.     

The effect of temperature on salt uptake by tomato plants with diurnal and noctural waterlogging of salinized rootzones

Summary Tomato plants were grown at three constant temperatures (10, 20 and 28°C) with drained or waterlogged rootzones and were irrigated with saline solution (0.09M NaCl).Each increase in temperature resulted in an increase in leaf Na-ion and Cl-ion concentrations in plants grown with drained rootzones. However, with plants grown with waterlogged rootzones, maximum leaf concentrations of Na-ions and Cl-ions occurred at 20°C.At 10°C there were no differences between Na-ion and Cl-ion concentrations for drained or waterlogged treatments. At 20 and 28°C, waterlogging of the rootzone resulted in significantly higher concentrations of Na-ions and Cl-ions in leaf and stem tissues than occurred with drained rootzones.There were no differences in Na-ions and Cl-ions and Cl-ions in plant tops if plants were waterlogged with saline solution during the day or night.Transpiration increased significantly with each increase in temperature but showed no other treatment dependent responses.     

The specificity of carrier-mediated auxin transport by suspension-cultured crown gall cells

1. The specificity of the auxin transport system of suspension-cultured crown gall cells from Parthenocissus tricuspidata Planch- is examined with regard to 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4 D), l-Naphthylacetic acid (NAA) and Benzoic acid (BA) as well as for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). — 2. All four weak acids can be accumulated by the cells from a medium more acidic than the cytoplasm. This is by virtue of non-specific passive diffusion of their lipid-soluble protonated forms down a concentration gradient. The corresponding anionic species are much less permeant. The extent of the accumulation is dependent on the pH difference that is maintained by the cells between their cytoplasm and the incubation medium. Studies of the concentration dependence of BA and NAA net uptake at a series of external pHs suggest that an acidification of the cytoplasm can be eventually brought about by the entry of weak acid into the cells. — 3. The uptake of 2,4 D, as well as that of IAA, has a saturable carrier-mediated component in addition to the passive diffusion of the undissociated acid. These saturable components probably represent anion uptake and appear to be mediated by a common carrier. The kinetic studies provided no evidence for the participation of carriers in the transport of BA or NAA. — 4. It was shown that the efflux of 2,4 D also has a carrier-mediated component and it is suggested that both the influx and efflux of IAA and 2,4 D occur on a common carrier. — 5. The inhibitor of polar auxin transport, 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), stimulates the net uptake of IAA by inhibiting carrier-mediated efflux of IAA from the cells. However, TIBA could not be demonstrated to have a significant effect on 2,4 D transport and any perturbation that occurs is very small in comparison with its effect on IAA movement. To account for this, the proposed common carrier could exhibit some difference in its internal binding characteristics betweend 2,4 D and IAA. An alternative explanation is that a second carrier is present, which mediates IAA efflux only, and which is inhibited by TIBA. — 6. TIBA has no significant effect on the transport of either BA or NAA, except to bring about an inhibition of net uptake, and a corresponding stimulation of efflux, when it is present at concentrations sufficient to acidify the cytoplasm. —7. The crown gall cells are compared to intact plant tissues capable of polar auxin transport with regard to the specificities exhibited for the transport of the auxins IAA, 2,4 D and NAA and the non-auxin BA.Abbreviations IAA indol-3-yl acetic acid - 2,4 D 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - NAA 1-Naphthylacetic acid - BA Benzoic acid - TIBA 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid     

The subdominant status of Echinocereus viridiflorus and Mammillaria vivipara in the shortgrass prairie: The role of temperature and water effects on gas exchange

Summary The subdominant CAM species, Echinocereus viridiflorus and Mammillaria vivipara, collected from the shortgrass prairie in northeastern Colorado were pretreated and analyzed for gas exchange under cool temperatures (20/15°C) and warm temperatures (35/15°C). Well watered plants of both species under a 35/15°C thermoperiod fixed atmospheric CO₂ during the night and early moring. Echinocereus viridiflorus grown and analyzed at 20/15°C fixed CO₂ during the night, early morning and late afternoon but total carbon gain over a 24 h period is less than when grown and analyzed under the 35/15°C thermoperiod. Mammillaria vivipara grown and analyzed at 20/15°C assimilates CO₂ at low rates during all parts of a 24 h period with the greatest CO₂ fixation rates occuring from midday to late afternoon. The total carbon gain under the 20/15°C thermoperiod is less than that for this species under the 35/15°C thermoperiod. Decreasing the night temperature of plants grown under the warm conditions to 10°C or 5°C results in a depression of the night CO₂ fixation in both species. E. viridiflorus from the cool growth conditions showed an enhancement of the CO₂ uptake during the night, early morning and late afternoon when subjected to the cooler night temperatures (10°C and 5°C). The CO₂ uptake of M. vivipara grown at 20/15°C shows an enhancement during the night and early morning while the CO₂ fixation during midday and late afternoon is slightly depressed under cool night temperatures (10° and 5°C). Under the 35/15°C thermoperiod both species exhibit depressed rates of CO₂ fixation during the night and early morning when water stressed. Plants of both species grown under the 20/15°C thermoperiod exhibit no net CO₂ fixation following five weeks of water deprivation. Upon rewatering, E. viridiflorus begins to recover its capacity for CO₂ fixation within 24 h under both the warm and cool temperature regimes. However, M. vivipara did not show recovery within 48 h following rewatering under the warm or cool temperature regime. Contrasting the patterns of gas exchange of the subdominant species, E. viridiflorus and M. vivipara, with a dominant CAM species of the shortgrass prairie, Opuntia polyacantha reveals significant differences that may well dictate the role of these species in this ecosystem. E. viridiflorus and M. vivipara have a lower capacity of carbon gain and recovery from water stress than O. polyacantha mainly due to their lack of late afternoon CO₂ uptake. This study suggests that carbon gain plays an important role in limiting E. viridiflorus and M. vivipara in the shortgrass prairie ecosystem.     

Comparison of the effects of nitrate and ammonium forms of nitrogen on auxin content in roots and the growth of plants under different temperature conditions

Average root length, root/shoot ratio and auxin content in roots were higher in plants supplied with nitrate rather than ammonium and grown at 18, 21, 24°C. The effects on root length were most pronounced at the highest temperatures (21 and 24°C); and the warmer the temperature, the earlier appearance of the differences in growth rate between NO₃- and NH₄-fed plants. A sharp acceleration of root growth was characteristic of NO₃-fed plants grown at 21 and 24°C and was associated with a temporary increase in auxin concentration measured by immunoassay.     

The Effects of Ascorbate on Root Regeneration in Seedling Cuttings of Tomato

The changes in ascorbate (ASC) and dehydroascorbate (DHA) levels and the activities of ascorbate metabolising enzymes were examined during adventitious root formation in cuttings of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Paw) seedlings. The effects of ASC, DHA and the immediate ascorbate precursor – galactono-γ-lactone (GalL) supplemented to the culture medium on the rooting response, ascorbate content and the activities of the ASC-metabolising enzymes were also investigated. The cuttings treated with abovementioned compounds formed more roots then control plants. However, in contrast to the number of regenerated organs, the elongation of newly formed roots was markedly inhibited. Treatment with auxin (IAA) resulted in a similar phenotype. The inhibitor of auxin polar transport-TIBA (2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid) effectively blocked rooting. The inhibitory effect of TIBA was reversed by auxin and ASC treatments, while DHA and GalL were ineffective. Both auxin and ASC stimulated cell divisions in an area of pericycle layer of TIBA-treated rooting zones, that enabled cuttings to form roots in the presence of the inhibitor of auxin polar transport. It has been found that the first stages of rooting, preceding the emergence of roots, are accompanied by an increase in endogenous content of ASC with a peak in the 3rd day of rooting. Subsequent stages, when elongation of newly formed roots occurs, are characterised by low level of ASC. The activities of the ascorbate peroxidase (APX), ascorbate oxidase (AOX), ascorbate free radical reductase (AFRR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHR) increased in the first 3 days of root formation. The initial period of rooting was also accompanied by the increase of the hydrogen peroxide content and the activities of catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) in the rooting zones. IAA, ASC, DHA as well as Gal stimulated the APX activity, however the rise of the enzyme's activity induced by ASC, DHA and Gal was reversed by TIBA, which was found to inhibit APX. Only exogenous IAA was able to maintain the high level of APX activity in the TIBA-treated cuttings. AOX was strongly affected by ASC and GalL – treatments, its activity increased in the cuttings grown on the media containing ASC in the absence as well as in the presence of TIBA. On the other hand, GalL-dependent stimulation of its activity was suppressed if TIBA was present in a rooting medium.     

Factors affecting the Abscission of Reproductive Organs in Yellow Lupms (Lupinus luteus L.): II. THE EFFECTS OF GROWTH SUBSTANCES, DEFOLIATION, AND REMOVAL OF LATERAL GROWTH

Abscission of flowers in Lupinus luteus L. (var. Weiko II) withoutgrowth of ovaries is followed by abscission of small pods (15–20mm. long). Normally flower abscission is much more pronouncedthan pod abscission. Abscission was delayed on plants from which laterals or theirterminal and axifliary buds were removed. Flower abscissionwas not affected, but pod abscission increased as a result ofdefoliation. When flowers at the base of the main inflorescence were replacedby auxins and anti-auxins flower abscission was induced in eitheran auxin pattern in which most of the flowers near the siteof application dropped, and pods developed on the apical whorls,or an anti-auxin pattern in which pods developed on basal whorlsnear the site of application but not higher up. The anti-auxinpattern was similar to the pattern of abscission normally inducedby developing pods on basal whorls. -Naphthylacetic acid (NAA) was much more effective in inducingabscission than ß-indolylacetic acid (IAA). 2:3:5-triiodobenzoicacid (TIBA), NAA, and IAA applied in mixtures at various concentrationsacted mainly antagonistically, i.e. the abscission-inducingeffect of NAA and LAA was depressed in basal whorls, and inapical whorls the effect of TIBA was less prevalent. Consequentlythe effect of the mixtures on the total number of pods was aboutequal to that of the most active component by itself. All growth substances seemed to move much more efficiently inacropetal direction than in basipetal direction in the flowerstalk. Transport in lateral direction was very limited. The effect of growth substances applied on laterals was enhancedby defoliating the main 8tem. The influence of assimilates on flower and pod abscission andtransport of growth substances is discussed.     

Modulation of TDZ-induced morphogenetic responses by anti-auxin TIBA in bud-bearing foliar explants of Kalanchoe pinnata

This investigation was conducted to study the range of TDZ-induced morphogenetic responses displayed by foliar explants of Kalanchoe pinnata with or without an epiphyllous bud and to assess their possible auxin mediation by using potent anti-auxin TIBA. Each epiphyllous bud developed into a healthy plantlet when cultured in vitro without nutrient/hormonal supplements. The bud on 10⁻⁶ M TDZ-treated leaf disc produced a compact, dwarf and rootless plantlet having achlorophyllous leaves with increased number of marginal notches. TDZ also caused a significant enlargement of the leaf disc as well as induced an organized hypertrophic growth at a specific site, with either effect being more pronounced in discs without an epiphyllous bud. Treatment with 10⁻⁴ M TIBA completely checked the plantlet growth. In combined dispensations, the TDZ-induced responses were modified by the anti-auxin TIBA in more than one way. Whereas it caused a complete reversal of hypertrophic growth on leaf discs and partially restored pigmentation of plantlet leaves, it could not annul the leaf disc enlargement. The diverse morphogenetic modulations were tissue and response specific. A complete reversal of TDZ-induced leaf disc hypertrophy by TIBA indicated an auxin mediation, whereas a complete non-reversal of the induced leaf disc enlargement pointed to the non-involvement of auxin, for the respective responses. The latter response could probably be manifested through cytokinin-activity of TDZ, while still others may not be interpreted exclusively through either one of the two hormonal options.     

Low Temperature Stimulates Cell Enlargement and Intracellular Calcification of Coccolithophorids

Temperature effect on growth, cell size, calcium uptake activity, coccolith production was studied in coccolith-producing haptophytes, Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) Hay & Mohler (strain EH2) and Gephyrocapsa oceanica Kamptner (strain GO1) (Coccolithophorales, Prymnesiophyceae). E. huxleyi grew at a wider temperature range (10°–25°C), while G. oceanica growth was limited to warmer temperatures (20°–25°C). Cell size was inversely correlated with temperature. At low temperature, the enlargement of chloroplasts and cells and the stimulation of coccolith production were morphologically confirmed under fluorescent and polarization microscopes, respectively. ⁴⁵ Ca uptake by E. huxleyi at 10°C was greatly increased after a 5-day lag and exceeded that at 20°C. These results clearly showed that low temperature suppressed coccolithophorid growth but induced cell enlargement and as stimulated the intracellular calcification that produces coccoliths.     

Components of auxin transport in stem segments of Pisum sativum L.

1. The uptake of indol-3-yl acetic acid ([1-¹⁴C]IAA, 0–2.0 M) into light-grown pea stem segments was measured under various conditions to investigate the extent to which mechanisms of auxin transport in crown gall suspension culture cells (Rubery and Sheldrake, Planta 118, 101–121, 1974) are also found in a tissue capable of polar auxin transport. — 2. IAA uptake increased as the external pH was lowered. IAA uptake was less than that of benzoic acid (BA), naphthylacetic acid (NAA) or 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4D) under equivalent conditions. TIBA enhanced net IAA uptake through inhibition of efflux, and to a lesser extent, also increased uptake of NAA and 2,4D while it had no effect on BA uptake. — 3. Both DNP and, at higher concentrations, BA, reduced IAA uptake probably because of a reduction of cytoplasmic pH. However, low concentrations of both BA and DNP caused a slight enhancement of IAA net uptake, possibly through a reduction of carrier-mediated IAA efflux. In the presence of TIBA, the inhibitory effects of DNP and BA were more severe and there was no enhancement of uptake at low concentrations. — 4. Non-radioactive IAA (10 M) reduced uptake of labelled IAA but further increases in concentration up to 1.0 mM produced first an inhibition (0–10 min) of labelled IAA uptake, followed by a stimulation at later times. Non-radioactive 2,4 D decreased, but was not observed to stimulate, uptake of labelled IAA. In the presence of TIBA labelled IAA uptake was inhibited by non-radioactive IAA regardless of its concentration. — 5. Sulphydryl reagents PCMB and PCMBS promoted or inhibited IAA uptake depending, respectively, on whether they penetrated or were excluded from the cells. The penetrant PCMB also reduced the promotion of labelled IAA uptake by TIBA or by high concentrations of added non-labelled IAA. — 6. Our findings are interpreted as being consistent with the diffusive entry of unionised IAA into cells together with some carrier-mediated uptake. Auxin efflux from the cells also appears to have a carrier-mediated contribution, at least part of which is inhibited by TIBA, and which has a capacity at least as great as that of the uptake carrier. The data indicate that pea stem segments contain cells whose mechanisms of trans-membrane auxin transport fit the model of polar auxin transport proposed from experiments with crown gall suspension cells, although differences, particularly of carrier specificity, are apparent between the two systems.Abbreviations IAA indol-3-yl acetic acid - BA benzoic acid - NAA 1-naphthylacetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - TIBA 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid - DNP 2,4-dinitrophenol - PCMB p-chloromercuribenzoic acid - PCMBS p-chloromercuribenzene sulphonic acid This work was performed in Cambridge during the tenure of a sabbatical leave by P.J.D. Supported by a grant for supplies from the American Philosophical Society to P.J.D.     

Mechanism by which<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus</Emphasis>-Derived 2-Aminobenzoic acid inhibits the growth of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Arabidopsis thaliana</Emphasis> Roots

To analyze the growth inhibitory mechanism of a 2-aminobenzoic acid (2-AA) derived fromBacillus cereus EJ-121, we treatedArabidopsis thaliana plants with 2-AA, 2-AA analogs, auxin (NAA), a known auxin transport inhibitor [2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA)], and an ethylene action inhibitor [silver thiosulfate (Ag)]. Root development was significantly inhibited by 50 μM 2-AA, whereas the growth of bacteria and yeast was undeterred. The application of two 2-AA analogs - 3-aminobenzoic acid (3-AA) and 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-AA) - did not impairArabidopsis root growth at concentrations below 100 μM. These results suggest that the effect of 2-AA is not due to its chemical structure, but because of its conversion to another metabolite, IAA. To confirm this, we supplemented TIBA in the growth medium, and found that the degree of inhibition was significantly reduced. Similarly, when plants were co-treated with 100 μM Ag, the negative effect of 50 μM 2-AA was greatly diminished. All of these observations support the proposal that this inhibition results from the conversion of 2-AA to IAA. Furthermore, the increased auxin level leads to a rise in ethylene synthesis, which then blocks root growth and, ultimately, retards overall plant development.     

Influence of Thermoperiod on Growth and Development in Cucumber

We studied the influence of gradient temperature regimes on various parameters of the formation of shoots and roots of cucumber plants, such as rate of leaf appearance, rate of growth, duration of growth and length of leaves, and the rate of growth shoots organs and roots. The plants were grown under the controlled conditions: at different combinations of day and night temperature, illumination 100 W/m², and 12 h photoperiod. The comparison of constant and fluctuating diurnal temperature regimes has shown that in the optimal area for all studied indices, the highest values were recorded at the constant daily temperature (25°C for all growth indices of shoots and 20°C for growth of roots), while all gradient regimes either did not affect, or exerted inhibitory effects on the plant. Outside the optimum area, the effects of gradient temperatures differed. The main acting fluctuating temperatures, that exerted stimulating effects, combined low hardening (15°C) and optimal temperatures (25°C), which was earlier described for animals. The 15/35 and 35/15°C combinations were unambiguously inhibitory, since both temperatures are hardening for the cucumber. A lesser stimulating effect of gradient temperatures on the developmental rate in a plant, as compared to poikilothermic animals, could be due to a greater autonomy of plant ontogenesis because of autotrophy and, correspondingly, a greater degree of homeostasis. The mechanisms accounting for the responses to temperature gradients are similar in different groups of ectotherms.     

Involvement of Hormonal Balance in the Control of the 'Bullhead' Malformation in Baccara Rose Flowers

Gibberellin activity is much lower and cytokinin activity ishigher in the flowers of roses grown at a relatively low temperatureand in ‘pbullhead’ malformed flowers which appearin such conditions, compared to ‘normal’ flowersgrown at higher temperatures. Injection of gibberellin intothe receptacle of flowers grown at low temperature preventsthe symptoms of malformation. Injection with cytokinin of thoseflowers had no effect, but addition of BA¹ to GA injection abolishesthe malformation-preventing effect of the gibberellin. Cytokinintreatment of plants grown at higher temperatures causes proliferationof the nectary and promotes appearance of adventitious floretswhich are characteristic symptoms of malformed flowers. The level of auxin is higher in higher temperatures, but therewas no effect on the development of flowers at the various temperaturesby applying auxin. The involvement of hormonal balance in theabnormal development of rose flowers is discussed.     

Temperature and water regulation of gas exchange of Opuntia polyacantha

Summary Opuntia polyacantha was collected from the shortgrass prairie in Colorado. Carbon dioxide and water vapor exchange was monitored in plants pretreated and analyzed under cool temperatures (20/15°C) and warm temperatures (35/15°C). Well watered plants under a 35/15 thermoperiod supported the fixation of atmospheric CO₂ during the night, early morning, and late afternoon. Plants under a 20/15 thermoperiod exhibited CO₂ uptake only during the afternoon. The fixation of CO₂ at night could be stimulated or induced by decreasing the night temperature. Plants from which water was withheld two or four weeks showed a decline in CO₂ fixation with the uptake at night exhibiting the greatest sensitivity. Under conditions of water stress the enhancement of CO₂ uptake at night by cool night temperatures was largely lost. Plants water stressed for 4 weeks recovered rapidly upon rewatering under warm or cool temperatures. Rates of CO₂ fixation were comparable to well watered plants within 24 h. The effects of temperature and water stress on gas exchange are compared to the in situ growth pattern of O. polyacantha and contrasted with the regulation of gas exchange observed in C₃ and C₄ grasses of the shortgrass prairie.This research was supported by funds from NSF Grants BMS 74-07894, GB-31862X, and GB-41233X     

Temperature alternations and the influence of gibberellins and indoleacetic acid on elongation growth and flowering of Begonia x hiemalis Fotsch

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of plant hormones, particularly the gibberellins (GAs), in the thermoperiodic regulation of stem elongation in the short day plant (SDP) Begonia x hiemalis. Effects of GAs and some GA precursors were tested on plants grown under alternating day/night temperatures (DT/NT; 12/12 h), and the effects of these temperature regimes on endogenous plant hormones were analyzed using combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS).Compared with constant temperatures (19/19 °C; 21/21 °C), stem elongation was significantly inhibited by low DT/high NT (14/24 °C; 18/24 °C) and enhanced by the opposite treatments (24/14 °C; 26/17 °C). GA1 stimulated elongation of internodes and petioles while ent-kaurene, kaurenoic acid, GA12, GA19, GA20 had no significant effect. The effect of GA1 was enhanced by a simultaneous application of calcium 3,5-dioxo-4-propionylcyclohexanecarboxylate (BX-112). BX-112 inhibited internode elongation at high DT/low NT (24/14 °C) but not at the reverse temperature regime.Gibberellins A53, A19, A20, A1, A4, A9, and indoleacetic acid (IAA), were identified by GC-MS from both leaves, including the petioles, and stems of B. x hiemalis. There were no apparent relationships between elongation of internodes and petioles and endogenous contents of gibberellins A53, A19, A20, and A1. Recoveries of deuterated GA4 and GA9 were generally too low for estimation of endogenous levels of these GAs.Constant temperature resulted in more open flowers and flower buds compared to alternating DT and NT. BX-112 decreased the time to anthesis.     

The contrasting role of auxin in submergence-induced petiole elongation in two species from frequently flooded wetlands

The involvement of auxin in the submergence-induced petiole elongation has been investigated in Rumex palustris and Ranunculus sceleratus. Both wetland species are capable of enhanced petiole elongation upon submergence or treatment with exogenous ethylene (5μl l⁻¹). Treatment of intact Rumex palustris plants with 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at 10⁻⁴ M enhanced petiole elongation, while treatment with N -1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) had no effect on petiole elongation. The elongation response after NAA or NPA treatment was comparable for plants in both submerged and drained conditions. Pre-ageing of detached petioles of Rumex palustris for 3 h in light or in dark conditions had no effect on the submergence-induced elongation. In comparison to intact plants, detached petioles of Rumex palustris , with or without lamina, did not show significant differences in responsiveness to IAA between drained or submerged conditions. This was in contrast to Ranunculus sceleratus where submergence caused a clear increase in responsiveness towards IAA. Removal of the lamina, the putative source of auxin, or treatment with NPA did not hinder the submergence-induced elongation of detached Rumex palustris petioles, but severely inhibited elongation of detached Ranunculus sceleratus petioles. This inhibition could be restored by application of NAA, suggesting the specific involvement of auxin in the submergence response of Ranunculus sceleratus. It is concluded that, in contrast to Ranunculus sceleratus , auxin is probably not involved in the submergence-induced petiole elongation of Rumex palustris.     

Influence of root-zone temperature on growth,development and yield of cucumber plants cv. Toska

Summary In a first experiment, cucumber transplants (cucumis sativa L. cv. Toska) were grwon at five root-zone temperatures (RZT) ranging from 12° to 36°C. Maximum shoot growth and total leaf area were obtained at 24° and 30°C (RZT). In a second experiment, cucumber transplants were submitted to five RZT (12, 18, 24, 30 and 36°C) and five night air temperatures (NAT) that were maintained either constant at 9°, 13° and 17°C or splitted (in two halfs) at midnight (17°/12°C, 17°/9°C). Root-zone warming to 24° or 30°C increased cucumber plant growth and leaf development, but did not compensate completely the loss of productivity induced by low NAT. Split-night temperature had greater effects under the lowest NAT (17°/9°C) and at high RZT (24° or 30°C). In a third experiment, soil warming caused large increase in yields when cucumber plants were grown in the spring, but had very little effects in the fall.     

Temperature-induced modifications in the surface features of stamens of a tomato mutant: An SEM study

Summary Stamenless-2 (sl₂/sl₂) is a temperature-sensitive mutant of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) which exhibits altered stamen development under different temperatures (Sawhney 1983). By using scanning electron microscopy, this study was conducted to investigate the differentiation of surface features of mutant and normal stamens grown under different temperatures, with the view to further determine the role of temperature in gene expression in stamen development. Mutant stamens grown under intermediate temperatures (23 °C day/18 °C night) differed from the normal in hair production, the shape of epidermal cells and in the pattern of cuticular thickenings. Under low temperatures (18 °C day/15 °C night), all surface features of mutant stamens closely resembled the normal, whereas under high temperatures (28 °C day/23 °C night), the patterns and types of hairs, epidermal cells, stomata, and cuticular thickenings on mutant stamens were similar to that of a gynoecium. The staminal features of normal stamens were not affected by different temperatures. This study shows that the expression of the sl₂/sl₂ allele is influenced by temperature conditions to the extent that the pattern of cellular differentiation characteristic of either the stamens or the carpels can be induced in mutant stamens.