Changes in ethylene production of vernalized plants

The rate of ethylene production (seed/day) in sprouted seedsof radish and pea increased during the first 9 and 13 days,respectively, after the start of low temperature treatment,and decreased thereafter. Ethylene production of vernalizedplants after transfer to high temperature was compared withthat of nonvernalized plants at nearly the same developmentalstage. In all three vernalizable plants, radish, pea and wheat,vernalized seedlings showed decreased rates of ethylene production.After vernalization, a new peak of an unidentified volatile,which was slightly slower than that of ethylene in its retentiontime on gas-chromatography, appeared in all three vernalizableplants. This new peak in radish appeared after about 6 daysof chilling which corresponds to the minimum chilling periodrequired for flower promotion. (Received February 8, 1977; )