1.3 Plant life cycle stages Flashcards
Describe the stages of the life cycle of a plant
Seed - dormant stage, no photosynthesis, contains food store for embryo growth.
Juvenile - vegetative growth, rapid growth, long internodes, juvenile leaf shapes.
Adult - flowering and sexually reproductive, produces fruit and seeds, disperses seeds and fruits, vegetative growth slows.
Senescence - (die-back) - growth of plant ceases, flowering ceases, leaves change colour or lose chlorophyll.
Death - cellular/metabolic activity ceases, respiration and photosynthesis do not take place.
Horticultural significance/benefits of Seed stage
Collect, store and distribute seed
Plant can travel and disperse - colonise new areas
Plant can remain dormant when conditions aren’t right
Horticultural significance/benefits of Juvenile stage
Rapid primary growth phase
Good stage to take cuttings
Leafy crops and root vegetables are harvested in juvenile stage
Valuable for foliage - can keep clipped back as hedge to maintain juvenile growth and keep attractive stems
Some develop defences - thorns, prickles, hairs etc.
Horticultural significance/benefits of Adult stage
Flower production for displays or cut flowers or on pot plants
Seed or fruit production for a fruit crop
Flower or fruit production for decorative value in a border and to attract insects.
Seed production for plant breeding or propagation
Horticultural significance of Senescence stage
Dead tissue needs cutting back/tidying up/composting
Seed (if present) is collected
Stunning colours - autumn leaves - e.g. Acer spp.
Display purpose - dry flowers - e.g. Dipsacus spp. (teasel) and Eryngium spp. (sea holly)
Horticultural significance of Death stage
Decomposition of dead plant tissues ensures their elements are recycled back into the ecosystem through the action of decomposers.
This enriches the soil for new plants.
Difference between Juvenile and Adult stage in horticulture?
Juvenile stage is non-flowering whereas Adult stage is sexually reproductive, producing flowers and seeds.
