Research on Chilling Requirements and Physiological Mechanisms of Prunus mume

Low temperature plays a vital role in the growth and development of woody plants. In this research, based on ability artificial low temperatures to break dormancy, Utah model was used determine chilling requirements (CR) four early flowering Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. (Rosaceae) cultivars, which are widely found Henan area China. addition, changes carbohydrates, antioxidant enzyme activities, endogenous hormone contents flower buds (FBs) above-mentioned P. cultivars were measured during low-temperature storage process, physiological induction period explored. The main research conclusions as follows: (1) CRs ‘Gulihong’, ‘Nanjing gongfen’, ‘Zaoyudie’, ‘Zaohualve’ 408CU, 396CU, 372CU, 348CU, respectively. All belonged with demand. They also bloomed 4 months earlier, (2) process releasing dormancy at temperatures, soluble sugar (SS) osmoregulation system showed an upward trend, while content starch (ST) basically opposite trend increase chilling. superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity FBs each cultivar gradually decreased cold remained level, peroxidase (POD) dynamic catalase (CAT) generally first increasing then decreasing. abscisic acid (ABA) decreasing whole. changing gibberellin (GA3) similar that ABA. it before released, SS Pro lower FB germination significantly higher than those other ST SP lower. late had ABA content, GA3 contents, their activities CR. Therefore, various substances related amount cooling required by what point germinate, can be one indicators for judging FBs.