Flower development and senescence in Ranunculus asiaticus L.

摘要

Flower development of Ranunculus asiaticus L. growing in the University Botanic Garden was divided into six stages (I-VI): tight bud stage (I), loose bud stage (II), half open stage (III), open flower stage (IV), partially senescent stage (V) and senescent stage (VI). The average life span of an individual flower after it is fully open is about 5 days. Membrane permeability of sepal tissues estimated as electrical conductivity of ion leachates ( micro S), increased as the development proceeded through various stages. The content of sugars in the petal tissues increased during the flower opening period and then declined during senescence. The soluble proteins registered a consistent decrease with the simultaneous increase in specific protease activity and alpha -amino acid content during different stages of flower development and senescence. The content of total phenols registered an initial increase as the flowers opened, and then declined during senescence.