Low temperature influence on flowering in Citrus. The separation of inductive and bud dormancy releasing effects

The flowering response of Owari Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc) to low temperature treatments has been determined using potted trees and in vitro bud cultures. In potted trees the chilling treatments released bud dormancy and enhanced both sprouting and flowering, but these two responses could not be separated. However, bud cultures showed no dormancy, and a specific effect of low temperature on flower induction was demonstrated. Low temperature appears to have a dual effect, releasing bud dormancy and inducing flowering. Potential flower buds have a deeper dormancy than vegetative buds, and the first stages of flower initiation seem to occur before the winter rest period.