La. Murphy et R. Scarth, VERNALIZATION RESPONSE IN SPRING OILSEED RAPE (BRASSICA-NAPUS L) CULTIVARS, Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 74(2), 1994, pp. 275-277
Early maturity is a major objective of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.
) breeding programs in western Canada. Maturity of crops is influenced
by time of initiation and flowering. The presence of a vernalization
requirement affects plant development by delaying floral initiation un
til the cold requirement of the plant has been satisfied. Five spring
oilseed rape cultivars were screened for their response to vernalizati
on. Vernalization treatments consisted of exposure of germinated seeds
to 0-42 d at 4 degrees C. Plants were assessed under a 20-h photoperi
od. In general, there was a cumulative response to vernalization, with
a decrease in days to each developmental stage as exposure to 4 degre
es C was increased. Vernalization treatment of 6 d at 4 degrees C was
sufficient to decrease both the days to first flower and the final lea
f number. The characterization of vernalization response is of interes
t because variation in flowering time in response to year-to-year vari
ations in the environment could result.