Effects of plant growth regulators on the in vitro flowering of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.)

Abstract

The flowering of terminal shoot of carnation has three stages: inflorescence, floral initiation and blooming. Respiration rate increased in the transition from the vegetative growth to the flowering and all the stages of flowering had high respiration rate. Auxin and gibberellin activities, the proportion of auxin to cytokinin increased, and the elongation of inflorescence stem began in the transition from the vegetative growth to floral initiation stage are involved. Auxin and cytokinin activity increased, the proportion of auxin to cytokinin and gibberellin activity decreased in the transition from the floral initiation to blooming stage. Most vegetative shoots became floral buds by two ways: one way induced by auxin with 0.25 mg/LIAA, and the other by cytokinin with 0.25 mg/L BA.