Response of Lemma perpusilla to Periodic Transfer to Distilled Water

The flowering of Lemma perpusilla grown on half-strength Hutner's medium with sucrose under inductive photo-periods is inhibited in a periodic manner by daily transfers to water for short periods of time. The phase of maximal inhibition of flowering caused by water treatment is about 1 to 2 hours after the time of maximal sensitivity to light pulses. The rhythm of sensitivity to water treatments does not persist under continuous blue light. Supplementing the water with either Ca(NO(3))(2) or K(2)HPO(4) partially reverses the inhibition of flowering, with the first salt being more effective. Supplementation with NH(4)NO(3) or MgSO(4) increases the inhibition. The water effect on flowering is not observed in plants grown on half-strength Hutner's medium without sucrose. The water treatments may act by removing or destroying a crucial precursor for photoperiodic induction, with the other conditions modifying permeability. The system provides a new technique for investigating the mechanism of photoperiodic induction.