Photoperiodism and Vernalisation

Table of Contents

• Photoperiodism
• Vernalisation
• Difference between Photoperiodism and Vernalisation

Photoperiodism is the response of plants and animals to the relative lengths of dark and light periods. In plants, the most remarkable photoperiodic response is the commencement of flowering. The photoperiodism was observed first in Maryland Mammoth variety of tobacco.

Based on the duration of light on the plant, it is further classified into three categories:

1. Long-day plants- Example: Spinach, hibiscus, etc.
2. Short-day plants- Example: Sugarcane, cotton, etc.
3. Day-neutral plants- Example: Tomato, rose, etc.

Apart from plant species, certain birds and animals also respond during certain times of the year by showing certain behaviours. A number of biological and behavioural changes are dependent on photoperiodism including migration, reproduction, the changing of coats, etc.

For example, the bird nightingale sings more frequently during the breeding seasons.

Also Read: Photomorphogenesis

Vernalisation is the process of accelerating the ability of flowering in plants by exposing them to cold temperatures. In this technique, cold treatment is given especially to flower buds, seeds or seedlings.

This type of process is mainly carried out for promoting early flowering in plants. In the year 1920, a Russian scientist T.D. Lysenko first introduced the term vernalisation.

The process of Vernalisation was introduced on several species of perennial and biennial plants in order to produce flowers at the low temperature ranging between 1^oC to 12 ^oC.

Recommended Video:

Tabulated below are the important differences between photoperiodism and vernalization:

Also Read: Seed Dormancy

For more detailed information on photoperiodism and vernalisation, keep visiting BYJU’S website or download BYJU’S app for further reference.