INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT SEASONAL LIGHT AVAILABILITY ON FLOWER BUD QUALITY IN CV TIRYNTHOS (PRUNUS ARMENIACA L.)
The nutritional status of flower buds proved to be influenced by the fruiting shoot type, as well as by light availability in the different canopy zones. In general, flower buds which developed on spurs and at the higher light irradiance levels had higher carbohydrate reserves. Light also had a positive effect on flower bud number per fruiting shoot. At anthesis some morphological characters of the flower, i.e. pistil length and stomata size, proved different in the two canopy zones, while flower gas exchanges did not. Fruit set and growth rate were lower in the shaded zone of the canopy, where the quality of the floral bud was generally poorer.
Light availability during floral morphogenesis affects flower bud quality in terms of nutritional status. The morphogenetic effect of light can also be important in determining flower quality. This may result in different fruit set ability and fruit developmental potential.
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.1999.488.76
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1999.488.76