Short Note on Vernalization - Vernalization

Vernalization is defined as promotion of flowering by a cold treatment given to the slightly germinating seed. The effect of low temperature treatment applied in the earlier stages of developing has an effect to later stages of the development of a plant.

               Many plants require cold treatment for germination e.g. pine seeds will not germinate, if low temperature is not given. There are two varieties of wheat one is called annual or spring variety, the second is called biennial or winter variety.

               The annual or spring variety is sown in spring and flowers in summer of same year. The biennial or winter variety is sown in fall and produce flowers in the summer of next year. If the seeds of winter variety are sown in spring, the plants don not produce flowers.

               The work of Garner of Lysenko shows, if the seed of winter wheat variety are given low temperature of 0 to 5 C for a few weeks and then sown in spring, the plants will produce flowers and fruits in same years. Now winter variety will act as a spring variety. Some other plants like sugar beet and carrot will not produce flowers, if these are not exposed to cold winter temperature.

                 Vernalization shortens vegetative period and promotes flowering during low temperature treatment. Vernal in hormone is produced which is responsible for flowering.