Effect of Photoperiodism on Enzymatic Responses of Sugarcane

Abstract

From the results obtained in the present investigation and from many more similar reports it is possible to conclude that, apparently, extended photoperiods induce either a higher activity of the dehydrogenases present, or an increase in the content of these enzymes in the cell of the apical meristems of sugarcane plants. It also appears that the conditions controlling the activity of the meristems are limited somewhat by the enzymatic activity of the cells of the meristems. Though there is no evidence as yet to support a theory regarding the enzymatic control of the floral mechanism, the apparently higher metabolic activity induced by a higher content, or increased activity of the enzymes in the cells, and the prolongation of the vegetative condition of the meristematic cells, seem to be interrelated with and dependent upon the photoperiods.