Vernalization and its importance

2.  What is vernalization?
Plants often flower in the spring, so, in
practical terms, vernalization is the
promotion of flowering in response to
prolonged low temperatures.
This response evolved in plants that
adapted to regions where the winters
are harsh and the growing season
relatively short.

3.  Definition
Many plants do not come to flower
before they experience a low
temperature. These plants remain
vegetative during the warm season,
receive low temperature during winter,
grow further and then bear flowers and
fruits. Requirement of low temperature
prevents precocious reproductive
development in autumn.

4. Vernalization (from Latin vernus, "of the
spring") is the induction of a plants
flowering process by exposure to the
prolonged cold of winter, or by an
artificial equivalent.
After vernalization, plants have acquired
the ability to flower, but they may
require additional seasonal cues or
weeks of growth before they will
actually flower.

5.  It allows the plant to reach vegetative
maturity before reproduction can
occur. The condition occurs in winter
varieties of some annual food plants
(e.g., Wheat, Barley, and Rye),
some biennial (e.g., Cabbage, Sugar
beet, Carrot) and
perennial plants (e.g., Chrysanthemum).

6.  The requirements of vernalization are:
 (a) Low temperature is required which is
usually 0-5°C.
 (b) Period of low temperature treatment.
 (c) Actively dividing cells.
 (d) Water is required for perceiving the
stimulus of vernalization.
 (e) Aerobic respiration and proper
nourishment

7.  What is the purpose of vernalization ?
Vernalization, the artificial exposure of
plants (or seeds) to low temperatures in
order to stimulate flowering or to
enhance seed production

8.  Induces early flowering there by shortening
the vegetative period of the plants(production
of more than one crop in a year).
 The winter variety crops can be converted to
spring variety(Protection from freezing
injury).
 It helps in increasing the yield of the plants.
 vernalin A hypothetical plant hormone
thought to be responsible for vernalization.

9.  Vernalization can help in shortening the
juvenile or vegetative period of plant and
bring about early flowering. It is not only
applicable to temperate plants but also to
some tropical plants,
e.g., Wheat, Rice, Millets, Cotton,
 It increases yield, resistance to cold and
diseases, and
 Kernel wrinkles of Triticale can be removed
by vernalization.

10.  It can help in shortening the juvenile
or vegetative period of plant and bring
about early flowering.
 It is not only applicable to temperate
plants but also to tropical plants,
e.g., wheat, rice.