This document discusses the growth and phenological stages of different crops. It defines growth and differentiation in plants and lists some key plant organs, tissues, and cells. It then describes the vegetative and reproductive growth stages in fruit plants. Finally, it outlines the typical phenological stages for several temperate fruits, including plum, peach, apple, and pear, from dormant to fruit set.
2. GROWTH
Growth is, a quantitative term, an irreversible increase in
number, volume(size) or weight of cell, tissue or organ in
plant life cycle.
Growth occurs only in living cells by metabolic processes
involved in the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids
and carbohydrates at the expense of metabolic energy
provided by photosynthesis and respiration.
3. DIFFERENTIATION
Differentiation refers to qualitative changes,
differences other than size occur in
anatomical characteristics and functions of
cell.
ORGANS TISSUES CELLS MOLECULES
ROOT Conductive Xylem Genes
STEM Mechanic Phloem Protein
LEAF Aerenchyma Root hairs Enyme
FRUITS Storage
4. Stages of growth in fruit plants
Vegetative growth phase
From the beginning of germinated seed stage, until iniation of the first flower
primordium, the plant is in the vegetative stage of growth. “when a plant cannot be
made to flower it is said to be juvenile growth phase. This A phase is characteristized
by the most rapid rate of growth the plant will undergo. Environment factors such as
periods of long and short daylight, varying nutritional levels or supplying carbon
dioxide enriched atmosphere may increase vegetative growth and if properly
controlled may shorten the time to maturity
Reproductive growth stage:
The vegetative stage of growth ends when the vegetative stem primordia are transformed
into flower primordia. Photoperiodism is the growth response of a plant to the length
of the light and dark periods can initiate flowering.
