Abstract
The effects of short day and low temperature on sink activity and mineral absorption of strawberry plant ‘Nyoho’ during raising period were investigated. The propagated young plants were exposed to the short day (8 hr) and the low temperature (DT/NT=25/10°C) for 2 weeks with or without following 2 weeks night chilling (DT/NT=greenhouse ambient/10°C) treatment.
The root dry weight increased by night chilling treatment. In the leaf, the total carbon contents decreased, and phosphorus and potassium contents increased by either short day or low temperature treatment. The translocation of 13C-assimilates to the root decreased by either short day or low temperature treatment, but increased by following night chilling treatment. The sink strength in the root also increased with night chilling. The similar tendency was observed in sink activity in the crown.
It is concluded that night chilling treatment increased sink activity in the crown and the root to enhance translocation of photosynthetic products from the leaf to the root. The accumulation of photosynthates might stimulate the crown and root development and contribute to the flower formation.
