Vol. 75 No: 6

Title:
Characterization of bud-burst potential in Rhododendron catawbiense 'Album' plants from in vitro culture by measuring the manganese contents in the distal buds

Authors:
J. FUSTEC, F. BEAUJARD and J.D. VIEMONT

pp: 628-634

Abstract:
It had been established that photoperiodic conditions influence morphogenesis in Rhododendron catawbiense 'Album' (Ericaceae). Plants developed from cuttings obtained by in vitro culture were grown in a greenhouse for one or two years, under different photoperiodic treatments. Under long days, the upper buds followed a rhythmic development. Under short days, the inhibition of the growth of the distal buds allowed the development of shoots from the plant base. When plants were placed under long days after six weeks under short days, the distal buds recovered their capacity to form a new growth unit. To find a method to characterize growth potential of vegetative buds, measurements of their mineral content were made. A relationship between the changes in manganese level of the distal buds and their growth potential during the formation of the vegetative system has been established. Under short-day conditions, manganese increased to reach more than 500 mg kg^-1 dry matter in several weeks. Under long days, the manganese level in the upper buds gradually decreased before burst. These results may not provide an explanation for the role of manganese in relation to the buds physiological activity. On the other hand, manganese measurements may be a useful test to estimate growth potential in Rhododendron buds.

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