Question

Define vernalization.

Answer 1

Vernalization:

1. When a plant is artificially exposed to a low temperature to enhance seed production or stimulate flowering then this process is called vernalization.
2. In this process, flowering is stimulated by a cold treatment delivered to a fully hydrated seed, this restricts the vegetative phase of the plant and leads to early flowering.
3. Vernalization sites can be different in different plants, primarily where cold treatment is to be given can be the germinating seed, the apical meristem in the shoots, or the vegetative parts such as leaves.

Necessities for vernalization:

1. A low temperature between $2°C$ and $12°C$ with a $50$-day treatment is required.
2. Proper hydration (moisture) is required in the case of aquatic plants to receive the stimulus from cold temperatures.
3. This process does not work on dry seeds, so the seeds need to be moist before exposure to low temperature.
4. To carry out this process all the essential nutrients are also required.

Advantages of vernalization are:

1. It increases the plant yield.
2. It provides resistance to diseases in the plant.