vernalization

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vernalization The treatment of germinating seeds with low temperatures to induce flowering at a particular preferred time. For example, winter varieties of wheat can be sown in the spring and then be exposed to a temperature just above 0°C for a few weeks. The result of this is that they behave like spring varieties and flower in the same year (otherwise they would continue to grow vegetatively and would not flower until the following year). The stimulus is perceived by the apical meristem (either in the embryo or as an apical bud), and some plant hormones such as gibberellin can be used to achieve the same effect. Compare STRATIFICATION.

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