Role of catecholamines in promotion of flowering in a short-day duckweed, Lemna paucicostata 6746

Abstract

L-Epinephrine, L-norepinephrine, and L-isoproterenol substantially promote flowering under a photoperiodic regime of 8 hours light and 16 hours darkness in Lemna paucicostata 6746 when grown on the modified Bonner-Devirian medium devoid of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. If catecholamines are provided to plants at 10^-4 molar level prior to transferring them to the short-day regime, they not only induce more floral primordia but also significantly improve flower development and sustain the flowers for a longer period. Propranolol (10^-4 molar), a β-adrenergic blocking agent, partially suppresses flowering and the inhibition of flowering is relieved by catecholamines.