Journal of Plant Physiology 169(2012)1340-1347 Contents lists available at SciVerse Science Direct Journal of plant physiology ELSEVIER journalhomepagewww.elsevier.deliplph Necessity of high temperature for the dormancy release of Narcissus tazetta var chinensis Kiao-Fang Lia,, Xing-Hua Shao, Xin-Jie Deng, Yang Wang, Xue-Ping Zhang, Lin-Yan Jia, ing Xua Dong-Mei Zhang, Yue Sun, Ling Xu School of life Sciences, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, PR China b Shanghai Institute of Landscape Architecture, 899 Longwu Road, Shanghai 200232, PR China ARTICLE INFO A BSTRACT Winter dormancy has nsively studied in many plants, while much less information is available eceived 22 November 2011 eceived in revised form 24 April 2012 for summer dormancy tazetta var chinensis is characterized by a prolonged period of summer Accepted 8 May 2012 cle. In the present study, we characterized the nature of dormancy in the controlled growth release Cessation of growth and senescence of aerial tissues occurred even under conditions favorable arcissus tazetta var Chinensis for growth, suggesting an endo-dormancy process. Bulbs failed to sprout when they were exposed to lot storage temperatures, while high temperature treatment preceding low storage temperatures, or heating interruption during low storage temperatures, could make bulbs sprouting. These results suggest that high temperatures are necessary for endo-dormancy release Ethylene application during a later storage stage showed an obvious accelerative effect on bulb sprouting, whereas ethylene application during the middle stage had no effect on sprouting. The biological progression of dormancy was further studied hrough cytological and physiological analyses Under natural conditions, the ethylene level was reduced o trace amounts with the transition and progression of dormancy. a transient peak in ethylene release vas found when the plugged plasmodesmata(PD) began to re-open and flower initiation began. The nost common PD possessed electron-dense deposits in endo-dormancy. These data indicate that endo- dormancy ends when flower initiation begins and ethylene peak occurs. Ethylene application had ne effect on dormancy release, while it hastened sprouting only after the release from endo-dormancy by o 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. Introduction future growth and reproduction( rinne et al., 2001; Phillips, 2010 van der Schoot and rinne, 2011). Dormancy is an adaptive response that evolves from the envi- he definition of eco-dormancy as conditional dormancy or fac ronment of origin of various species, enabling their survival during ultative growth suspension dormancy has been controversial(rees, hreatening seasons(Lang et al, 1987). While this behavior has 1981; van der Schoot et al, 1995 ) However, the definition of endo- een extensively studied in plant species that experience severe dormancy as the most stable trapped state of the meristem even winter conditions, perennial plant species that survive summer under conditions conducive to growth has gained common accep- drought have not been given much attention. Plant species exhibit- tance(van der Schoot, 1996: Rinne et al, 2001: Horvath et al g summer dormancy usually inhabit semi-arid regions with a 2003: Volaire and Norton, 2006: Rohde and bhalerao, 2007). The Mediterranean type of climate. Such plants are characterized by strategy of eco-dormancy is favored where summer conditions a period of intensive growth and flowering during mild weather, are unpredictable, whereas endo-dormancy is advantageous rainy winter, and spring, followed by a prolonged rest period dur- habitats where season conditions are predictable(vaughton and ing the hot and dry summer(ofir and Kigel, 2006). This resting stage Ramsey, 2001). The morphogenetic activity of the shoot meristem increases the probability of plant survival during summer, allowing (SM)that changes during winter dormancy cycling in wood species is reflected by changes in cell-cell networking, including symplas- mic pathways created by plasmodesmata(PD)(Rinne et al., 2001 2011: van der Schoot and rinne, 2011). During endo-dormancy, the SM assumes a state of self-arrest by sealing off all PD at its orifices ponding author tel :+862 2;fax:+862162233754. with callose-containing dormancy sphincter complexes(DSCs)and address: xili@bioecnu.edu mpregnating cell walls with as yet unidentified substances that 0176-1617/S-see front matter o 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j-jplph.2012.05.017
Journal of Plant Physiology 169 (2012) 1340–1347 Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect Journal of Plant Physiology journal h omepage: www.elsevier.de/jplph Necessity of high temperature for the dormancy release of Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis Xiao-Fang Li a,∗ , Xing-Hua Shaoa , Xin-Jie Denga , Yang Wanga , Xue-Ping Zhanga , Lin-Yan Jiaa , Jing Xua , Dong-Mei Zhang b, Yue Suna, Ling Xua a School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 3663 North Zhongshan Road, Shanghai 200062, PR China b Shanghai Institute of Landscape Architecture, 899 Longwu Road, Shanghai 200232, PR China a r t i c l e i n f o Article history: Received 22 November 2011 Received in revised form 24 April 2012 Accepted 8 May 2012 Keywords: Narcissus tazetta var. Chinensis Dormancy release Temperature Ethylene Plasmodesmata a b s t r a c t Winter dormancy has been extensively studied in many plants, while much less information is available for summer dormancy. Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis is characterized by a prolonged period of summer dormancy during the annual cycle. In the present study, we characterized the nature of dormancy in the controlled growth conditions and investigated the effects of temperature and ethylene on dormancy release. Cessation of growth and senescence of aerial tissues occurred even under conditions favorable for growth, suggesting an endo-dormancy process. Bulbs failed to sprout when they were exposed to low storage temperatures, while high temperature treatment preceding low storage temperatures, or heating interruption during low storage temperatures, could make bulbs sprouting. These results suggest that high temperatures are necessary for endo-dormancy release. Ethylene application during a later storage stage showed an obvious accelerative effect on bulb sprouting, whereas ethylene application during the middle stage had no effect on sprouting. The biological progression of dormancy was further studied through cytological and physiological analyses. Under natural conditions, the ethylene level was reduced to trace amounts with the transition and progression of dormancy. A transient peak in ethylene release was found when the plugged plasmodesmata (PD) began to re-open and flower initiation began. The most common PD possessed electron-dense deposits in endo-dormancy. These data indicate that endodormancy ends when flower initiation begins and ethylene peak occurs. Ethylene application had no effect on dormancy release, while it hastened sprouting only after the release from endo-dormancy by high temperature. © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. Introduction Dormancy is an adaptive response that evolves from the environment of origin of various species, enabling their survival during threatening seasons (Lang et al., 1987). While this behavior has been extensively studied in plant species that experience severe winter conditions, perennial plant species that survive summer drought have not been given much attention. Plant species exhibiting summer dormancy usually inhabit semi-arid regions with a Mediterranean type of climate. Such plants are characterized by a period of intensive growth and flowering during mild weather, rainy winter, and spring, followed by a prolonged rest period during the hot and dry summer (Ofir andKigel, 2006). This resting stage increases the probability of plant survival during summer, allowing Abbreviations: SM, shoot meristem; PD, plasmodesmata. ∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +86 21 62233582; fax: +86 21 62233754. E-mail address: xfli@bio.ecnu.edu.cn (X.-F. Li). future growth and reproduction (Rinne et al., 2001; Phillips, 2010; van der Schoot and Rinne, 2011). The definition of eco-dormancy as conditional dormancy or facultative growth suspension dormancy has been controversial(Rees, 1981; van der Schoot et al., 1995). However, the definition of endodormancy as the most stable trapped state of the meristem even under conditions conducive to growth has gained common acceptance (van der Schoot, 1996; Rinne et al., 2001; Horvath et al., 2003; Volaire and Norton, 2006; Rohde and Bhalerao, 2007). The strategy of eco-dormancy is favored where summer conditions are unpredictable, whereas endo-dormancy is advantageous in habitats where season conditions are predictable (Vaughton and Ramsey, 2001). The morphogenetic activity of the shoot meristem (SM) that changes during winter dormancy cycling in wood species is reflected by changes in cell–cell networking, including symplasmic pathways created by plasmodesmata (PD) (Rinne et al., 2001, 2011; van der Schoot and Rinne, 2011). During endo-dormancy,the SM assumes a state of self-arrest by sealing off all PD at its orifices with callose-containing dormancy sphincter complexes (DSCs) and impregnating cell walls with as yet unidentified substances that 0176-1617/$ – see front matter © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jplph.2012.05.017
X-F.Li et al.Journal of Plant Physiology 169(2012)1340-1347 1341 impede the movement of water,water-soluble ligands,and other that endo-dormancy ended in early August when flower initi- molecules(Rinne and van der Schoot,1998:Rinne et al.,2001).DSCs ation began.Heat treatment was necessary for the release of are composed of an extracellular callose ring and an intracellular endo-dormancy,whereas ethylene hastened sprouting rather than cytoplasmic plug built inside the PD entrance around the internal release endo-dormancy. macromolecular complex.They can be inspected as electron-dense deposits by transmission electron microscopy (Rinne et al.,2001). Materials and methods Formation of DSCs on PDs impairs intrinsic signaling networks that integrate cellular functions and sustain SM behavior,result- Plant materials and growth conditions ing in a dormant state no longer reversible by growth-promoting conditions(Rinne et al.,2001).When the SM is released from endo- Narcissus tazetta var.chinensis bulbs were commercially dormancy.PDs are restored by the breakdown of plasmodesmal obtained from Chongming.Shanghai,China.Healthy bulbs with DSCs(van der Schoot and Rinne,2011).Cellular changes thatappear similar sizes(one-year-old bulbs with5±1 cm circumference and in SM cells during the annual cycle of the plant exhibiting summer three-year old bulbs with15±1 cm circumference)were grouped dormancy are unknown. and stored in natural or controlled conditions.A dry and venti- Considerable variation is present within multiple species lated warehouse with ambient light and temperature was used as regarding the timing of the onset and release of bulb summer dor- the natural conditions.The average temperatures in Shanghai are mancy(Phillips et al.,2008.2010).Differences in the timing of the 20.8,25.0.29.2.28.5.and 25.1C in May.June.July,August,and onset of dormancy within species are habitat-correlated and likely September,respectively.One-year-old and three-year-old bulbs tied to differences in temperature.photoperiod,and/or soil mois- were used as materials for ethylene measurement and dormancy ture (Kamenetsky and Rabinoswitch,2006:Phillips et al.,2008. release assays,respectively,to distinguish changes during the dor- 2010).Based on the limited literature available on bulb dormancy mant state from those during flower differentiation. release,a period of low temperatures is required for breaking bulb dormancy in some species,such as Allium acuminatum,Allium bran- Determining the nature of dormancy degei,and Allium passeyi(Phillips,2010),whereas hot treatment stimulates dormancy release in Allium schoenoprasum (Folster and Chinese narcissus plants were grown in a controlled green- Krug.1977).Many other aspects of dormancy,such as common- house with favorable conditions,specifically.10 h/14 h light/dark alities or variations in summer dormancy induction and release, photoperiod at20Cand70%humidity,to determine whether require further study in many species. the nature of summer dormancy in the plant species is imposed Chinese narcissus(Narcissus tazettavar.chinensis)is a plant from (eco-dormancy)or physiological(endo-dormancy).Tests were con- family Amaryllidaceae that exhibits dormancy for approximately ducted over three consecutive years. five months from late May to the end of September.Plants grow actively during winter and early spring.Aboveground parts of the Treatment method to break dormancy plants senesce in late spring and early summer.Dormant bulbs are usually harvested and stored during the hot summer.Florogene- Bulbs were stored under natural conditions and planted on dif- sis is initiated within larger sized bulbs during summer dormancy. ferent dates,specifically,25 July.15 August,1 September,and 15 and high summer temperatures trigger transition of the bulb SM September(Nos.CK1,CK2,CK3 and CK4 in Fig.1A).and sprouting from the vegetative to the reproductive stage (Noy-Porata et al.. rates were recorded to analyze differences in the release of dor- 2009).Compared with the abundant information on flowering.less mancy between different bulbs.The experiment was repeated three knowledge about dormancy in narcissus is available (Kamenetsky, times in the year of 2006,2007 and 2008 respectively. 2009).Different temperatures,photoperiods,and/or soil moisture The effects of natural temperature,high storage temperature stimuli induce dormancy release in different species(Kamenetsky (30C).and low storage temperature (15C)(Nos.CK,1,and 2 in and Rabinoswitch,2006:Phillips,2010:van der Schoot and Rinne, Fig.2A)on bulb sprouting were analyzed to determine whether 2011).Hormonal control,which involves a gradual increase in the high or low temperatures favor the release of dormancy.To test ratio of sprouting promoters to inhibitors,may underlie the loss the effect of heating before or during low-temperature storage on of dormancy with time (van der Schoot and Rinne,2011).Numer- sprouting,the treatment of 30C for 20 d with storage at 15C for ous reports on the effect of ethylene on breaking the dormancy of 60 d(No.3 in Fig.2A).and the treatment of 15C for 60 d with geophytes are available (Masuda and Asahira,1980:Bufler,2009: heating at 30C for 20 d,and followed by 15C for another 30 d Suttle,2009).Notwithstanding the conflicting scientific reports on (No.4 in Fig.2A).were then conducted. its effects,the real function of ethylene on dormancy release is Results of storage at natural temperature with or without ethy- related to the application duration,conditions,or application tim- lene application just before planting(Nos.5 and CK in Fig.3A)were ing(Suttle,2009).In agricultural production,ethylene is often used compared to determine the effect of ethylene on bud sprouting. to advance narcissus flowering.However,the specific role of ethy- Bulbs were initially subjected to high temperature(30C)for 40 d lene and other environment factors in the regulation of dormancy and then stored at room temperature until planting.Ethylene was and sprouting of narcissus bulbs remains unknown. applied either after high temperature treatment or prior to plant- In the present study,controlled growth conditions were adopted ing or not at all (Nos.6,7,and 8 in Fig.3A)to measure the effects over three years to determine whether dormancy is imposed of the timing of ethylene treatment on sprouting rate.Three-year- (eco-dormancy)or physiological (endo-dormancy)to address the old bulbs were used here and the experiment was conducted in cardinal question about the nature of summer dormancy in Chi- triplicate with independent materials. nese narcissus.Different temperature regimes were designed and Temperature-controlled incubators were used for different tem- combined with ethylene applications to address how dormancy perature treatments.For ethylene treatment,bulbs were incubated is released and ascertain which environmental conditions and for 8 h in 20 mg L-1 Ethrel daily,and then dried at room tempera- whether or not ethylene affects this process.Additionally,ethy- ture.The treatment lasted for 3 d.Unless otherwise stated,samples lene production during the annual cycle of Chinese narcissus in each treatment were comprised of at least 40 bulbs.The detailed was measured.The annual cycle was also analyzed at the cyto- methods are illustrated in the figures.After treatments,all bulbs logical and physiological levels.This study not only ascertained were planted in plastic pots(20 cm height,15 cm diameter)filled the endo-dormant nature of Chinese narcissus but also showed with similar quantities of substrates (75%vermiculite,10%perlite
X.-F. Li et al. / Journal of Plant Physiology 169 (2012) 1340–1347 1341 impede the movement of water, water-soluble ligands, and other molecules (Rinne and van der Schoot, 1998;Rinne et al., 2001). DSCs are composed of an extracellular callose ring and an intracellular cytoplasmic plug built inside the PD entrance around the internal macromolecular complex. They can be inspected as electron-dense deposits by transmission electron microscopy (Rinne et al., 2001). Formation of DSCs on PDs impairs intrinsic signaling networks that integrate cellular functions and sustain SM behavior, resulting in a dormant state no longer reversible by growth-promoting conditions (Rinne et al., 2001). When the SM is released from endodormancy, PDs are restored by the breakdown of plasmodesmal DSCs (van der Schoot andRinne, 2011). Cellular changes that appear in SM cells during the annual cycle of the plant exhibiting summer dormancy are unknown. Considerable variation is present within multiple species regarding the timing of the onset and release of bulb summer dormancy (Phillips et al., 2008, 2010). Differences in the timing of the onset of dormancy within species are habitat-correlated and likely tied to differences in temperature, photoperiod, and/or soil moisture (Kamenetsky and Rabinoswitch, 2006; Phillips et al., 2008, 2010). Based on the limited literature available on bulb dormancy release, a period of low temperatures is required for breaking bulb dormancy in some species, such as Allium acuminatum, Allium brandegei, and Allium passeyi (Phillips, 2010), whereas hot treatment stimulates dormancy release in Allium schoenoprasum (Folster and Krug, 1977). Many other aspects of dormancy, such as commonalities or variations in summer dormancy induction and release, require further study in many species. Chinese narcissus (Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis)is a plantfrom family Amaryllidaceae that exhibits dormancy for approximately five months from late May to the end of September. Plants grow actively during winter and early spring. Aboveground parts of the plants senesce in late spring and early summer. Dormant bulbs are usually harvested and stored during the hot summer. Florogenesis is initiated within larger sized bulbs during summer dormancy, and high summer temperatures trigger transition of the bulb SM from the vegetative to the reproductive stage (Noy-Porata et al., 2009). Compared with the abundant information on flowering, less knowledge about dormancy in narcissus is available (Kamenetsky, 2009). Different temperatures, photoperiods, and/or soil moisture stimuli induce dormancy release in different species (Kamenetsky and Rabinoswitch, 2006; Phillips, 2010; van der Schoot and Rinne, 2011). Hormonal control, which involves a gradual increase in the ratio of sprouting promoters to inhibitors, may underlie the loss of dormancy with time (van der Schoot and Rinne, 2011). Numerous reports on the effect of ethylene on breaking the dormancy of geophytes are available (Masuda and Asahira, 1980; Bufler, 2009; Suttle, 2009). Notwithstanding the conflicting scientific reports on its effects, the real function of ethylene on dormancy release is related to the application duration, conditions, or application timing (Suttle, 2009). In agricultural production, ethylene is often used to advance narcissus flowering. However, the specific role of ethylene and other environment factors in the regulation of dormancy and sprouting of narcissus bulbs remains unknown. Inthepresent study, controlled growthconditions were adopted over three years to determine whether dormancy is imposed (eco-dormancy) or physiological (endo-dormancy) to address the cardinal question about the nature of summer dormancy in Chinese narcissus. Different temperature regimes were designed and combined with ethylene applications to address how dormancy is released and ascertain which environmental conditions and whether or not ethylene affects this process. Additionally, ethylene production during the annual cycle of Chinese narcissus was measured. The annual cycle was also analyzed at the cytological and physiological levels. This study not only ascertained the endo-dormant nature of Chinese narcissus but also showed that endo-dormancy ended in early August when flower initiation began. Heat treatment was necessary for the release of endo-dormancy, whereas ethylene hastened sprouting rather than release endo-dormancy. Materials and methods Plant materials and growth conditions Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis bulbs were commercially obtained from Chongming, Shanghai, China. Healthy bulbs with similar sizes (one-year-old bulbs with 5 ± 1 cm circumference and three-year old bulbs with 15 ± 1 cm circumference) were grouped and stored in natural or controlled conditions. A dry and ventilated warehouse with ambient light and temperature was used as the natural conditions. The average temperatures in Shanghai are 20.8, 25.0, 29.2, 28.5, and 25.1 ◦C in May, June, July, August, and September, respectively. One-year-old and three-year-old bulbs were used as materials for ethylene measurement and dormancy release assays, respectively, to distinguish changes during the dormant state from those during flower differentiation. Determining the nature of dormancy Chinese narcissus plants were grown in a controlled greenhouse with favorable conditions, specifically, 10 h/14 h light/dark photoperiod at 20 ◦C and 70% humidity, to determine whether the nature of summer dormancy in the plant species is imposed (eco-dormancy) orphysiological(endo-dormancy). Tests were conducted over three consecutive years. Treatment method to break dormancy Bulbs were stored under natural conditions and planted on different dates, specifically, 25 July, 15 August, 1 September, and 15 September (Nos. CK1, CK2, CK3 and CK4 in Fig. 1A), and sprouting rates were recorded to analyze differences in the release of dormancy betweendifferent bulbs. The experiment was repeatedthree times in the year of 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively. The effects of natural temperature, high storage temperature (30 ◦C), and low storage temperature (15 ◦C) (Nos. CK, 1, and 2 in Fig. 2A) on bulb sprouting were analyzed to determine whether high or low temperatures favor the release of dormancy. To test the effect of heating before or during low-temperature storage on sprouting, the treatment of 30 ◦C for 20 d with storage at 15 ◦C for 60 d (No. 3 in Fig. 2A), and the treatment of 15 ◦C for 60 d with heating at 30 ◦C for 20 d, and followed by 15 ◦C for another 30 d (No. 4 in Fig. 2A), were then conducted. Results of storage at natural temperature with or without ethylene application just before planting (Nos. 5 and CK in Fig. 3A) were compared to determine the effect of ethylene on bud sprouting. Bulbs were initially subjected to high temperature (30 ◦C) for 40 d and then stored at room temperature until planting. Ethylene was applied either after high temperature treatment or prior to planting or not at all (Nos. 6, 7, and 8 in Fig. 3A) to measure the effects of the timing of ethylene treatment on sprouting rate. Three-yearold bulbs were used here and the experiment was conducted in triplicate with independent materials. Temperature-controlledincubators wereusedfordifferenttemperature treatments. For ethylene treatment, bulbs were incubated for 8 h in 20 mg L−1 Ethrel daily, and then dried at room temperature. The treatment lasted for 3 d. Unless otherwise stated, samples in each treatment were comprised of at least 40 bulbs. The detailed methods are illustrated in the figures. After treatments, all bulbs were planted in plastic pots (20 cm height, 15 cm diameter) filled with similar quantities of substrates (75% vermiculite, 10% perlite
X-F. Li et aL/ Joumal of plant Physiology 169(2012)1340-1347 p, Month - CKI-k-CK2 +CK3+CK4 0203010day Natural temperature Natural temperature CK4 Natural temperature 24283236 routing (A) Schematic illustration of different storage phases with the corresponding date on top. CK1. CK2, CK3 and CK4 are the ture conditions with ent durations. (B) The effect of different planting dates on the sprouting percent at different days from he three-year tests are shown; vertical bars represent standard deviation. Asterisks indicate significant differences between different 0.05, n=30-50). Detailed storage durations in(B)are shown in(A). 231=2 ep. Month a10 CK-1 3110203010dny80 8323640444852 3[30℃20d15℃60d 15℃60d30℃20d15℃30d 40 Days post planting below the o is necessary for bulb sprouting.(A) Schematic illustration of the different storage treatments of narcissus bulbs, in which temperature regimes are rresponding date on top. (B and c) The effect of storage ure on the sprouting percentage at different days from the date of planting Mean shown; vertical bars represent standard deviation. Different lowercase letters indicate significant differences between different treatments at the given time point Chi-square, x2, P<0.05, n=30-50). Detailed temperature regimes in(B)and(c)are shown in(A). and 15% clay)in a controlled greenhouse with a short photoperiod time course of dormancy. In the present study, data were pre- (10h/14 h light/dark)at 18-20oC and 70% humidity The tion of the macro-element in 1 5 Murashige and Skoog was applied in the soil bi-monthly after planting. The og medium sented as the mean of at least three samples of three-year-old plants proportion was recorded every 4 d after planting. Light and transmission electron microscopy Shoot meristems(SMs)of three-year-old bulbs were collected The ethylene level in the whole plant was measured at differ- weekly since their harvest Apices were dissected under an anatom ent developmental stages by sealing four plants or bulbs(during ical lens as rapidly as possible, fixed in formaldehyde-acetic acid transition into dormancy )in airtight jars for 12 h at 22-23C, after (solution composed of 63% ethanol, 5% formaldehyde, and 6% acetic which a 1 mL sample of the headspace was obtained and injected acid)at 4 C overnight, and then dehydrated in an ethanol series. into a Hewlett-Packard 5890 series ll gas chromatograph equipped Median longitudinal paraffin sections (7 um thick)were stained with a flame ionization detector GC9800 (Guangzhou, China). Ethy- with 1% toluidine blue and investigated microscopically(rinne lene levels in bulbs were measured twice every month during the et al, 2001)
1342 X.-F. Li et al. / Journal of Plant Physiology 169 (2012) 1340–1347 Fig. 1. Effects of planting date on bulb sprouting. (A) Schematic illustration of different storage phases with the corresponding date on top. CK1, CK2, CK3 and CK4 are the treatment numbers of natural temperature conditions with different durations. (B) The effect of different planting dates on the sprouting percent at different days from the date of planting. Mean values of the three-year tests are shown; vertical bars represent standard deviation. Asterisks indicate significant differences between different treatments at the given time point (P < 0.05, n = 30–50). Detailed storage durations in (B) are shown in (A). Fig. 2. High temperature is necessary for bulb sprouting. (A) Schematic illustration of the different storage treatments of narcissus bulbs, in which temperature regimes are shown just below the corresponding date on top. (B and C) The effect of storage temperature on the sprouting percentage at different days from the date of planting. Mean values are shown; vertical bars represent standard deviation. Different lowercase letters indicate significant differences between different treatments at the given time point (Pearson’s Chi-square, 2, P < 0.05, n = 30–50). Detailed temperature regimes in (B) and (C) are shown in (A). and 15% clay) in a controlled greenhouse with a short photoperiod (10 h/14 h light/dark) at 18–20 ◦C and 70% humidity. The salt solution of the macro-element in 1/5 Murashige and Skoog medium was applied in the soil bi-monthly after planting. The sprouting proportion was recorded every 4 d after planting. Ethylene measurements The ethylene level in the whole plant was measured at different developmental stages by sealing four plants or bulbs (during transition into dormancy) in airtight jars for 12 h at 22–23 ◦C, after which a 1 mL sample of the headspace was obtained and injected into a Hewlett-Packard 5890 series II gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector GC9800 (Guangzhou, China). Ethylene levels in bulbs were measured twice every month during the time course of dormancy. In the present study, data were presentedas themeanof atleastthree samples ofthree-year-oldplants (L h−1 g−1 fresh weight). Light and transmission electron microscopy Shoot meristems (SMs) of three-year-old bulbs were collected weekly since their harvest.Apices were dissected under an anatomical lens as rapidly as possible, fixed in formaldehyde–acetic acid (solution composed of 63% ethanol, 5% formaldehyde, and 6% acetic acid) at 4 ◦C overnight, and then dehydrated in an ethanol series. Median longitudinal paraffin sections (7 m thick) were stained with 1% toluidine blue and investigated microscopically (Rinne et al., 2001).
-F Li et al. /Joumal of Plant Physiology 169(2012)1340-1347 1343 一CK+5 Natural temperature 6 16202428323640444852 30℃40d C 0000 121620243832364044485256 E小y3y°八少 Fig 3. Effects of ethylene combined with different te ture regimes during storage on bulb dormancy release. (A)Schematicillustration of the different storage f narcissus bulbs, in which temperature regimes combined with ethylene application are shown just below the corresponding date on top. Continuous lines represe of 22-25C. (B and C) Effects of ethylene application at different times on sprouting rate. Detailed treatment regimes in(b)and ( c)are letters indicate significant differences between different treatments at the given time point(Pearsons Chi-square, x2, P<0.05. n=30-50)(D)Ethylene release in bulbs at different times Mean values are shown; vertical bars represent standard deviations and different lower-case letters indicate significant differences between values(P<0.05)- bulbs were collected every weeacroscopy. SMs in one-year-old series(Rinne et al. 2001). Samples were embedded in Spur,'s resin For transmission electro ks during their annual cycle and (Sigma). Ultra-thin sections (70 nm) were obtained from median fixed in dual fixation solution. Samples were fixed for 4h at 4C longitudinal positions with an ultramicrotome (Leica, Nestzlar in 2.5%(v/v) glutaraldehyde in 200 mM phosphate buffer(pH 7. 4). Germany), stained with 2% aqueous uranyl acetate and Reynolds The fixed tissue was washed in buffer and post-fixed overnight at lead citrate, and then examined with a JEOL 1200 EXll electron 4C in 1%(w/v)OsOA and then dehydrated in a graded ethanol microscope at 80 kV (Tokyo, Japan). B D Apr 1 May1 Jun1 JuL3 Aug11 g. 4. The metabolism in narcissus namic changes. Transmission electron t nages of shoot apical cells during(A)active growth. (B)dormancy. ormancy progression. Mean values are shown; vertical bars represent standard deviations and different lower-case letters indicate significant differences between vang nd(c)dormancy release are shown. Amyloplasts are indicated by arrows, and n represents the nucleus. bars=l um. (D)The soluble sugar conte
X.-F. Li et al. / Journal of Plant Physiology 169 (2012) 1340–1347 1343 Fig. 3. Effects of ethylene combined with differenttemperature regimes during storage on bulb dormancy release.(A) Schematic illustration ofthe different storage treatments of narcissus bulbs, in which temperature regimes combined with ethylene application are shown just below the corresponding date on top. Continuous lines represent periods of 22–25 ◦C. (B and C) Effects of ethylene application at different times on sprouting rate. Detailed treatment regimes in (B) and (C) are shown in (A). Different lowercase letters indicate significant differences between different treatments at the given time point (Pearson’s Chi-square, 2, P < 0.05, n = 30–50). (D) Ethylene release in bulbs at different times. Mean values are shown; vertical bars represent standard deviations and different lower-case letters indicate significant differences between values (P < 0.05). For transmission electron microscopy, SMs in one-year-old bulbs were collected every 2 weeks during their annual cycle and fixed in dual fixation solution. Samples were fixed for 4 h at 4 ◦C in 2.5% (v/v) glutaraldehyde in 200 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). The fixed tissue was washed in buffer and post-fixed overnight at 4 ◦C in 1% (w/v) OsO4 and then dehydrated in a graded ethanol series (Rinne et al., 2001). Samples were embedded in Spurr’s resin (Sigma). Ultra-thin sections (70 nm) were obtained from median longitudinal positions with an ultramicrotome (Leica, Nestzlar, Germany), stained with 2% aqueous uranyl acetate and Reynolds’ lead citrate, and then examined with a JEOL 1200 EXII electron microscope at 80 kV (Tokyo, Japan). Fig. 4. The metabolism in narcissus bulbs showing dynamic changes. Transmission electron microscopy images of shoot apical cells during (A) active growth, (B) dormancy, and (C) dormancy release are shown. Amyloplasts are indicated by arrows, and N represents the nucleus. Scale bars = 1 m. (D) The soluble sugar content in bulbs during dormancy progression. Mean values are shown; vertical bars represent standard deviations and different lower-case letters indicate significant differences between values (P < 0.05).
1344 X-F. Li et aL/ Joumal of plant Physiology 169(2012)1340-1347 ∴ Fig. 5. Changes in shoot SM during transition into flower differentiation. (A)The vegetative meristem(VM)with only leaf primordial (LP)differentiation (B)The meristem aring transition from VM to inflorescence meristem(IM)(C)IM. (D)Floral meristems begin to initiate around the Im. (e and F)The meristem during the formation of floral rgan primordia. The tepal primordium(TP). paracorolla primordium(PCP), stamen primordium(StaP), and carpel primordium(CarP)are shown by arrows. (G)Inflorescence without spathe. (H)Stamens and the corona were removed. ()Transverse section of an ovary Scale bars: 500um in(A)-(F) and 4 mm in(GH(I). and 48 d post planting were significantly different from those lanted on September 15th. For bulbs planted before September >> Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS Statistics version 1st, 25.5+2.5 d were required to reach 10% sprouting percentage, .O software Pearsons x2 test, ANOVA, and Students t-test were 36.3+2.9 d were needed for half-number sprouting, and 53.3+2.1 used to detect significant differences. d were necessary to obtain the maximum sprouting percentage. Results Significance of high-temperature treatment for dormancy release The dormancy nature and variation in the release of bulb The effects of natural temperature, low temperature, and high- storage temperature on the release of dormancy were analyzed In the three-year study, cessation of growth and senescence of Similar final percentages of bulbs sprouting were obtained under aerial tissues occurred even under conditions favorable for growth, 30C or natural storage temperature, while the low-storage tem- iggesting an endo-dormancy process. The later the planting date. perature resulted in no bulb sprouting two months after planting the higher the sprouting percentage was during the same period(Nos CK, 1, and 2 in Fig 2B). However, bulbs could sprout when tarting from the time of planting( Fig. lA and b). Up to 50% of the heating at 30 for 20 d when treated before or during the storage ulbs planted on September 15th sprouted within 25-30 d, and at 15C(Fig. 2C). The sprouting rate of the treatment of 30 for all narcissuses sprouted within 40 d. Statistical analysis showed 20 d preceding storage at 15C for 60 d was advanced markedly no significant differences between bulbs planted on August 15th Most bulbs with the treatment of heating at 30.C for 20 d preceded and September 1st. However, the sprouting percentages of bulbs by 15C for 60 d and followed by 15C for another 30 d began planted on August 15th and September 1st at 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, to sprout 40 d after planting(Fig. 2C), later than those stored at
1344 X.-F. Li et al. / Journal of Plant Physiology 169 (2012) 1340–1347 Fig. 5. Changes in shoot SM during transition into flower differentiation. (A) The vegetative meristem (VM) with only leaf primordial (LP) differentiation. (B) The meristem during transition from VM to inflorescence meristem (IM). (C) IM. (D) Floral meristems begin to initiate around the IM. (E and F) The meristem during the formation of floral organ primordia. The tepal primordium (TP), paracorolla primordium (PCP), stamen primordium (StaP), and carpel primordium (CarP) are shown by arrows. (G) Inflorescence without spathe. (H) Stamens and the corona were removed. (I) Transverse section of an ovary. Scale bars: 500 m in (A)–(F) and 4 mm in (G)–(I). Statistical analysis Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS Statistics version 17.0 software. Pearson’s 2 test, ANOVA, and Student’s t-test were used to detect significant differences. Results The dormancy nature and variation in the release of bulb dormancy In the three-year study, cessation of growth and senescence of aerial tissues occurred even under conditions favorable for growth, suggesting an endo-dormancy process. The later the planting date, the higher the sprouting percentage was during the same period starting from the time of planting (Fig. 1A and B). Up to 50% of the bulbs planted on September 15th sprouted within 25–30 d, and all narcissuses sprouted within 40 d. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between bulbs planted on August 15th and September 1st. However, the sprouting percentages of bulbs planted on August 15th and September 1st at 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, and 48 d post planting were significantly different from those planted on September 15th. For bulbs planted before September 1st, 25.5 ± 2.5 d were required to reach 10% sprouting percentage, 36.3 ± 2.9 d were needed for half-number sprouting, and 53.3 ± 2.1 d were necessary to obtain the maximum sprouting percentage. Significance of high-temperature treatment for dormancy release The effects of natural temperature, low temperature, and highstorage temperature on the release of dormancy were analyzed. Similar final percentages of bulbs sprouting were obtained under 30 ◦C or natural storage temperature, while the low-storage temperature resulted in no bulb sprouting two months after planting (Nos. CK, 1, and 2 in Fig. 2B). However, bulbs could sprout when heating at 30 ◦C for 20 d when treated before or during the storage at 15 ◦C (Fig. 2C). The sprouting rate of the treatment of 30 ◦C for 20 d preceding storage at 15 ◦C for 60 d was advanced markedly. Most bulbs with the treatment of heating at 30 ◦C for 20 d preceded by 15 ◦C for 60 d and followed by 15 ◦C for another 30 d began to sprout 40 d after planting (Fig. 2C), later than those stored at
X-F. Li et al. Journal of Plant Physiology 169(2012)1340-1347 OG nm 200nm Fig. 6. The PD of SM cells showing dynamicchanges in the life cycle of Chinese narcissus. PDs(indicated by arrows )in(A)active. (Band c)dormant, and (D)dormancy-released atural temperature. Thus, high temperatures appear to be neces- harvest ). The largest number and size of amyloplasts appeared in sary for bud sprouting June and July ( Fig 4A and B). Amyloplasts began to decrease innum- ber and size by the beginning of August( Fig. 4C). Consistent with Ethylene treatment on bulb dormancy release this observation, the soluble sugar content in SM cells decreased minimal levels in June and July(Fig. 4D) hylene ju Flower transition occurred in late Ju natural condition 08, and final sprouting percentages significantly earlier than those Before mid-July, the longitudinal cut of without ethylene(no. 5 versus No CK, Fig 3B). The application of bulbs was sharp and cylindrically cone The height of the ethylene at different time intervals also had different effects on SM was longer than its width, a typical characteristic of vege bulb sprouting. When ethylene was applied in the middle of the tative growth, and only the leaf primordia were differentiated torage period, no significant difference in bulb sprouting rate was around its edge( Fig. 5A). In late july, the longitudinal cut of the observed compared with those without ethylene application(No. AM began to change into a flat shape and its width gradually 6 versus No. 7. Fig 3C). However, when postharvest bulbs were became longer. A spathe inflorescence formed, and flower meri subjected to ethylene treatment prior to planting, sprouting was tems began to initiate in early August(Fig. 5B-D). Floral organ advanced most significantly(No 6 versus No. 8, Fig 3C) primordia soon initiated, and several flowers formed in one spathe inflorescence, with four whole organs forming within some of the Dynamic changes in the ethylene levels in the narcissus bulbs op flowers by mid-August(Fig. 5E and F). In late August, the development of ovules began, and fully developed flower bud To discover the real role of ethylene treatment on the dormancy formed in early November with 3 to 8 flowers in an inflorescence elease, the ethylene level changes during the annual cycle were( Fig. 5G-1) analyzed. Changing trends in the ethylene levels in both one-year- hology and substructure of PDs in SM cells of one-year old(data not shown)and three-year-old bulbs were similar. When old bulbs were inspected continuously for 12 months. Dynamic from April to May before harvest ), the ethylene level was reduced. tion with the collar and neck region of PDs during the annual cycle Almost no ethylene could be detected in June. The ethylene level were noted. From September(i.e. when the bulbs were planted was increased gradually in July and a transient peak was observed and the Sm was actively proliferating) to May, most PDs exhib- in early August( Fig. 3D) ited straight channels without obvious electron-dense deposits (Fig. 6A). Some PDs possessing electron-dense deposits began Growth-cycle and dynamic changes in the sugar levels in the to appear from late May to early June. Electron-dense deposits narcissus bulbs were often in close association with the collar, resulting in PDs with funnel-shaped neck regions. In June and July, the most com- Soluble sugar content and the endocytes in the sm cells were mon PDs possessed electron-dense deposits (Fig. 6B and C). The monitored every month to determine the end of endo-dormancy. number of PDs with funnel-shaped neck regions decreased grad- Amyloplasts in SM cells became larger with the transition to ually from August and then vanished completely by September ormandy from active growth (i.e, from March to late May before(Fig. 6D)
X.-F. Li et al. / Journal of Plant Physiology 169 (2012) 1340–1347 1345 Fig. 6. The PD of SM cells showing dynamic changes in the life cycle of Chinese narcissus. PDs (indicated by arrows)in (A) active,(B and C) dormant, and (D) dormancy-released SMs. natural temperature. Thus, high temperatures appear to be necessary for bud sprouting. Ethylene treatment on bulb dormancy release Bulbs supplied with ethylene just before planting reached 10%, 50%, and final sprouting percentages significantly earlier than those without ethylene (No. 5 versus No. CK, Fig. 3B). The application of ethylene at different time intervals also had different effects on bulb sprouting. When ethylene was applied in the middle of the storage period, no significant difference in bulb sprouting rate was observed compared with those without ethylene application (No. 6 versus No. 7, Fig. 3C). However, when postharvest bulbs were subjected to ethylene treatment prior to planting, sprouting was advanced most significantly (No. 6 versus No. 8, Fig. 3C). Dynamic changes in the ethylene levels in the narcissus bulbs To discover the real role of ethylene treatment on the dormancy release, the ethylene level changes during the annual cycle were analyzed. Changing trends in the ethylene levels in both one-yearold (data not shown) and three-year-old bulbs were similar. When aboveground parts changed from active growth to wilting (i.e., from April to May before harvest), the ethylene level was reduced. Almost no ethylene could be detected in June. The ethylene level was increased gradually in July and a transient peak was observed in early August (Fig. 3D). Growth-cycle and dynamic changes in the sugar levels in the narcissus bulbs Soluble sugar content and the endocytes in the SM cells were monitored every month to determine the end of endo-dormancy. Amyloplasts in SM cells became larger with the transition to dormancy from active growth (i.e., from March to late May before harvest). The largest number and size of amyloplasts appeared in June and July (Fig. 4Aand B).Amyloplasts began to decrease in number and size by the beginning of August (Fig. 4C). Consistent with this observation, the soluble sugar content in SM cells decreased to minimal levels in June and July (Fig. 4D). Flower transition occurred in late July under natural conditions. Before mid-July, the longitudinal cut of the SM in three-year-old bulbs was sharp and cylindrically cone-shaped. The height of the SM was longer than its width, a typical characteristic of vegetative growth, and only the leaf primordia were differentiated around its edge (Fig. 5A). In late July, the longitudinal cut of the AM began to change into a flat shape, and its width gradually became longer. A spathe inflorescence formed, and flower meristems began to initiate in early August (Fig. 5B–D). Floral organ primordia soon initiated, and several flowers formed in one spathe inflorescence, with four whole organs forming within some of the top flowers by mid-August (Fig. 5E and F). In late August, the development of ovules began, and fully developed flower buds formed in early November with 3 to 8 flowers in an inflorescence (Fig. 5G–I). The morphology and substructure of PDs in SMcells of one-yearold bulbs were inspected continuously for 12 months. Dynamic changes in the presence of electron-dense deposits in close association with the collar and neck region of PDs during the annual cycle were noted. From September (i.e., when the bulbs were planted and the SM was actively proliferating) to May, most PDs exhibited straight channels without obvious electron-dense deposits (Fig. 6A). Some PDs possessing electron-dense deposits began to appear from late May to early June. Electron-dense deposits were often in close association with the collar, resulting in PDs with funnel-shaped neck regions. In June and July, the most common PDs possessed electron-dense deposits (Fig. 6B and C). The number of PDs with funnel-shaped neck regions decreased gradually from August and then vanished completely by September (Fig. 6D)
X-F. Li et aL/ Joumal of plant Physiology 169(2012)1340-1347 Discussion from decreased abscisic acid(ABa)content or sensitivity to ABA. In recent years, the antagonism between ABA and ethylene acting High temperatures are necessary for endo-dormancy release in in parallel with the reciprocal regulation of their metabolism and signaling pathways has been reported in seed germination( Cheng et al. 2002, 2009: Subbiah and Reddy, 2010). The onset of endo-dormancy is controlled by internal physiol In conclusion, temperature is the most significant factor ogy, not by external conditions(Lang et al., 1987: Volaire et al., affecting dormancy release in Chinese narcissus In natural con- 2009). The summer dormancy in Chinese narcissus should be ditions, dormancy transition occurs during the end of spring, and distinct developmental stage, that is, endo-dormancy, given growth transition occurs during early autumn. Endo-dormancy that growth arrest is maintained even during conditions favoring lasted throughout June and July and ended in early August. The growt endo-dormancy state was defined by an alteration of the sym The summer dormancy of Chinese narcissus is activated gradu- plasm interconnections in meristem cells. Endo-dormancy release ally by summer heating. The reported critical growth temperature required high temperature, and ethylene advanced the sprouting is 25C(Lin, 2002). In Shanghai, the mean temperature after the endo-dormancy release 250-292C in June, July, and August. Under the present experi mental controlled conditions, constant temperatures without day and night temperature differences were designed. The data showed Acknowledgement that storage at 15C resulted in failure of bulb sprouting, whereas This work was supported by the shanghai Natural Science Pro (Fig. 2C). These results suggest that high temperatures are neces- Shanghai Science Foundation(No. 10391901400)We are grateful sary for endo-dormancy release. tal College, Shanghai Normal University, China) for his critically The time of the end of endo-dormancy in chinese narcissus reading the manuscript maximum size of amyloplasts in scale cells has been observed at the dormancy stage(Zaffryar et al., 2007). In the present study, a References similar phenomenon was inspected in bulb SM cells in June and July. The size and number of amyloplasts began to decrease gradu- Bufler G. Exogenous ethylene inhibits sprout growth in onion bulbs. Ann Bot PDs re-opened and flower initiation occurred( Figs. 5 and 6). These Cheng WH, Chiang MH, Hwang SG, Lin PC Antagonism between abscisic acid and nature, followed by immediate flower initiation in three-year-old Cheng WH. Endo A, Zhou L Penney chen Hc.arrov2009 71: 61-80 data suggest that early August may be the end of endo-dormancy in ignaling and abscisic sion of symplasmic communication and inhibition of SM function Folster E, Krug H. Influence of the environment ongrowth and development of chives as an integrated whole, a crucial step in the establishment of win- (Allium schoenoprasum L) Il. Breaking of the rest period and forcing. Sci Hortic ter dormancy(Rinne and van der Schoot, 1998). When the SM is released from dormancy by chilling, the reverse process may Gniazdowska A, Dobrzynska U Babanczyk T, Bogatek R Breaking the apple embryo be required( Rinne et al, 2001). In contrast to winter dormancy Gniazdowska A, Krasuska U, Bogatek R Dormancy removal in apple embryos by elease, the summer dormancy of Chinese narcissus is activated gradually by summer heating. This kind of summer endo-dormancy Planta2010:232:1397-407 relaxation might be an adaptive strategy to determine the end of Horvath DP, Anderson JV, Chao wS, Foley ME Knowing when to grow: signals hot and dry summers. ternal regulation. Crop Sci 2009: 49: 2400-4 Ethylene prompts sprouting rather than release endo-dormancy Kamenetsky R. Rabinoswitch HD The genus Alium: a developmental and horticul- Khan MA, Ansari R, Gul B, Li W. Dormancy and germination responses of halophyte Ethylene may have a positive effect on sprouting after endo- Lang GA, Early JD, Darnell RL Martin GC. Endo- para-, and eco-dormancy: phys- dormancy release in Chinese narcissus. Ethylene application during iological terminology and classification for dormancy research. Hortic Sci later storage stages showed an obvious accelerative effect on bulb Lin JH. The preliminary analysis sprouting, whereas ethylene application during the middle stage the solution to the condition ric Sci Technol 2002: 1: 29 ra T. Effect of ethylene on breaking dormancy of freesia corms. reported in freesia, which exhibits summer dormancy. The appli- Noy-Porata T. Flaishmana MA Eshelb A Sandler-Ziva D. Kamenetskya R. Florogenesis of the Mediterranean geophyte Narcissus tazetta and tem- after storage at high temperature for a certain time(masuda and equirements for flower initiation and differentiation. Sci Hortic Asahira, 1980: Khan et al, 2009). The peak of ethylene production was coincident with flower initiation and endo-dormancy release igs 3D and 4-6). Similarly, dormancy removal in apple embryos Phillips N Seed and bulb do racteristics in new world Allium L(Amar involves the stimulation of ethylene production (Gniazdowsk lidaceae): a review. Int Bot 2010: 6: 228-34 Phillips N, Larson S, Drost D. Detection of genetic variation in wild populations of tal, 2007, 2010).Thus, ethylene level peak is suggested to be a sig hree Allium species using amplified fragment length polymorphisms(AFLP). nal of endo-dormancy release and ethylene advance sprouting only after the release from endo-dormancy by high temperature. t Phillips NC, Drost DT, Varga WA, Shultz LM, Meyer SE, Usda F. Germination tained. So ethylene application during the middle storage stage Rees AR Concepts of), Seed Technol 2010: 32: 15-25 ee intermountain Allium spp. peak of ethylene production was transient and could not be main g altitudinal rmancy as illustrated by the tulip and other bulbs. Ann Appl had nearly no effect on sprouting. The timing of ethylene appli- cation only combined with the growth condition was effective on Rinne Pl, Kaikuranta PM, van der Schoot C. The shoot apical meristem restores its anization during chilling-induced release from dormancy. Plant bulb sprouting Ethylene induces bulb sprouting, which may result 2m2
1346 X.-F. Li et al. / Journal of Plant Physiology 169 (2012) 1340–1347 Discussion High temperatures are necessary for endo-dormancy release in Chinese narcissus The onset of endo-dormancy is controlled by internal physiology, not by external conditions (Lang et al., 1987; Volaire et al., 2009). The summer dormancy in Chinese narcissus should be a distinct developmental stage, that is, endo-dormancy, given that growth arrest is maintained even during conditions favoring growth. The summer dormancy of Chinese narcissus is activated gradually by summer heating. The reported critical growth temperature is 25 ◦C (Lin, 2002). In Shanghai, the mean temperature is 25.0–29.2 ◦C in June, July, and August. Under the present experimental controlled conditions, constant temperatures without day and nighttemperature differences were designed. The data showed that storage at 15 ◦C resulted in failure of bulb sprouting, whereas heating interruption during low-storage temperature or heating preceding low-storage temperature eventually induced sprouting (Fig. 2C). These results suggest that high temperatures are necessary for endo-dormancy release. The time of the end of endo-dormancy in Chinese narcissus could be estimated by physiological and cytological changes. The maximum size of amyloplasts in scale cells has been observed at the dormancy stage (Zaffryar et al., 2007). In the present study, a similar phenomenon was inspected in bulb SM cells in June and July. The size and number of amyloplasts began to decrease gradually at the beginning of August (Fig. 4C). At the same time, plugged PDs re-opened and flower initiation occurred (Figs. 5 and 6). These data suggestthat early August may be the end of endo-dormancy in nature, followed by immediate flower initiation in three-year-old bulbs. Symplasmic pathways were shut down, resulting in suspension of symplasmic communication and inhibition of SM function as an integrated whole, a crucial step in the establishment of winter dormancy (Rinne and van der Schoot, 1998). When the SM is released from dormancy by chilling, the reverse process may be required (Rinne et al., 2001). In contrast to winter dormancy release, the summer dormancy of Chinese narcissus is activated gradually by summer heating. This kind of summer endo-dormancy relaxation might be an adaptive strategy to determine the end of hot and dry summers. Ethylene prompts sprouting rather than release endo-dormancy in Chinese narcissus Ethylene may have a positive effect on sprouting after endodormancy release in Chinese narcissus. Ethylene application during later storage stages showed an obvious accelerative effect on bulb sprouting, whereas ethylene application during the middle stage had nearly no effect on sprouting (Fig. 3). Similar reports have been reported in freesia, which exhibits summer dormancy. The application of ethylene to the corms of freesia promotes sprouting only after storage at high temperature for a certain time (Masuda and Asahira, 1980; Khan et al., 2009). The peak of ethylene production was coincident with flower initiation and endo-dormancy release (Figs. 3D and 4–6). Similarly, dormancy removal in apple embryos involves the stimulation of ethylene production (Gniazdowska et al., 2007, 2010). Thus, ethylene level peak is suggested to be a signal of endo-dormancy release and ethylene advance sprouting only after the release from endo-dormancy by high temperature. The peak of ethylene production was transient and could not be maintained. So ethylene application during the middle storage stage had nearly no effect on sprouting. The timing of ethylene application only combined with the growth condition was effective on bulb sprouting. Ethylene induces bulb sprouting, which may result from decreased abscisic acid (ABA) content or sensitivity to ABA. In recent years, the antagonism between ABA and ethylene acting in parallel with the reciprocal regulation of their metabolism and signaling pathways has been reported in seed germination (Cheng et al., 2002, 2009; Subbiah and Reddy, 2010). In conclusion, temperature is the most significant factor affecting dormancy release in Chinese narcissus. In natural conditions, dormancy transition occurs during the end of spring, and growth transition occurs during early autumn. Endo-dormancy lasted throughout June and July and ended in early August. The endo-dormancy state was defined by an alteration of the symplasm interconnections in meristem cells. Endo-dormancy release required high temperature, and ethylene advanced the sprouting after the endo-dormancy release. Acknowledgements This work was supported by the Shanghai Natural Science Program on Key Basic Research Project (No. 09JC1405100) and the Shanghai Science Foundation (No. 10391901400). We are grateful to Dr. Zhongnan Yang (Biology Department, Life and Environmental College, Shanghai Normal University, China) for his critically reading the manuscript. References Bufler G. Exogenous ethylene inhibits sprout growth in onion bulbs. Ann Bot 2009;103:23–8. Cheng WH, Chiang MH, Hwang SG, Lin PC. Antagonism between abscisic acid and ethylene in Arabidopsis acts in parallel with the reciprocal regulation of their metabolism and signaling pathways. Plant Mol Biol 2009;71:61–80. Cheng WH, Endo A, Zhou L, Penney J, Chen HC, Arroyo A, et al. A unique shortchain dehydrogenase/reductase in Arabidopsis glucose signaling and abscisic acid biosynthesis and functions. Plant Cell 2002;14:2723–43. Folster E,Krug H. Influence ofthe environment on growth and development of chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.). II. Breaking of the rest period and forcing. Sci Hortic 1977;7:213–24. Gniazdowska A, Dobrzynska U, Babanczyk T, Bogatek R. Breaking the apple embryo dormancy by nitric oxide involves the stimulation of ethylene production. Planta 2007;225:1051–7. Gniazdowska A, Krasuska U, Bogatek R. Dormancy removal in apple embryos by nitric oxide or cyanide involves modifications in ethylene biosynthetic pathway. Planta 2010;232:1397–407. Horvath DP, Anderson JV, Chao WS, Foley ME. Knowing when to grow: signals regulating bud dormancy. Trends Plant Sci 2003;8:534–40. Kamenetsky R. Patterns of dormancy and florogenesis in herbaceous perennial plants: environmental and internal regulation. Crop Sci 2009;49:2400–4. Kamenetsky R, Rabinoswitch HD. The genus Allium: a developmental and horticultural analysis. Hortic Rev 2006;32:329–37. Khan MA, Ansari R, Gul B, Li W. Dormancy and germination responses of halophyte seeds to the application of ethylene. C R Biol 2009;332:806–15. Lang GA, Early JD, Darnell RL, Martin GC. Endo-, para-, and eco-dormancy: physiological terminology and classification for dormancy research. Hortic Sci 1987;22:371–3. Lin JH. The preliminary analysis of the quality losses of narcissus in Zhangzhou and the solution to the condition. Fujian Agric Sci Technol 2002;1:29. Masuda M, Asahira T. Effect of ethylene on breaking dormancy of Freesia corms. Sci Hortic 1980;13:85–92. Noy-Porata T, Flaishmana MA, Eshelb A, Sandler-Ziva D, Kamenetskya R. Florogenesis of the Mediterranean geophyte Narcissus tazetta and temperature requirements for flower initiation and differentiation. Sci Hortic 2009;120:138–42. Ofir M, Kigel J. Opposite effects of daylength and temperature on flowering and summer dormancy of Poa bulbosa. Ann Bot 2006;97:659–66. Phillips N. Seed and bulb dormancy characteristics in new world Allium L. (Amaryllidaceae): a review. Int J Bot 2010;6:228–34. Phillips N, Larson S, Drost D. 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