Question

Do light and temperature affect flowering in plants?

Answer 1

Hint: Flowering in plants is an important stage in the life cycle of the plants. The angiosperms plants produce flowers to reproduce. The flowering is affected by the duration of day and night. This is known as photoperiod and also seasons.

Complete answer:
In the lifecycle of the plant flowering, reproduction, fertilisation, seed formation, germination takes place. The flowers are the reproductive structures of the plant. The flowers are born on the plant once the plant becomes matures. The flowers contain gametes which fertilise to form the seeds. The seeds are capable of germinating into new plants.

Different plants show different times at which they produce flowers. The flowering of the plants is greatly dependent on the weather, nutrients, amount of light received and also the temperature.

Effect of temperature on flowering- The daytime temperature range of all the flowering plants are almost similar but the best growth is seen in temperatures ranging between 55- 60-degree Fahrenheit. High temperature reduces the growth of the shoot and root growth. The lower temperature helps the plant to recover moisture loss, prolong flower life and also intensify flower colour.

Effect of light on flowering- The flowering in plants is greatly affected by the photoperiod. The flowering depends on the period of light and dark exposures. High light intensity helps in the development of the vegetative parts whereas low light intensity helps in the flowering of the plants. The combination of light and dark intensity is best for flowering.

Thus, we can say that flowering in plants is affected by temperature and light intensity.

Note: The phytochromes present in the plants helps in sensing the photoperiod. On the basis of the photoperiod, the plants are divided into-
i) Short-day plants- These plants flower when the dark intensities are longer than light. Example- rice.
ii) Long day plants- These plants flower when the night period is short. Ex- pea.
iii) Day-neutral- The flowering in these plants is not affected by the photoperiod. Example-rose