FLOWERING PROCESS IN GENERATIVE BUDS OF WOODY PERENNIALS - AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The timing and extent of reproductive determination of generative buds of woody perennials not conceivable by conventional anatomical method s can be obtained by using the bud culture technique. Potentially gene rative buds are taken for in vitro culture at sequential stages of dev elopment through the annual cycle and an imagery of the change in thei r morphogenetic status visualized by examining the sprouts produced. T he traditional technique of microscopic examination is only a superfic ial indicator of their reproductive status as the ripe-to-flower state may. precede or succeed the histologically discernible stages.