On seed stalk development, flowering, and fruiting of edible burdocks

Abstract

1. The mother plants of edible burdock for seed growing should be selected from the plants grown up to a certain size, as the small ones have little flowering probabilities.
2. The plot sown in June 5th shows the best flowering possibility, while many non-flowering plants are seen in earlier and later sowing.
3. There are two types of the plants at flowering time, i, e, the dwarf and the tall. Majority of larger plants becomes to the dwarf type and smaller ones to the tall type. Further investigations are required to answer the question whether this is due to physiological factors or genetical one.
4. In Kyushu edible burdock blooms during July, and flowers opened before July 20th brings good seeds. Later blooming ones might bring a bad result due to high temperature.
5. The tall type plants have better set percentage and produce better seeds in quality than the dwarf type.