CARBOHYDRATE AND NITROGEN CONTENTS OF VEGETATIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britt. and Rose BRANCHES

Abstract

In order to achieve the mature stage, the growth time of Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britt. and Rose vegetative buds is about 3-4 months. The changes in the sugar, starch contents and C/N ratio of branches and their relationship with flowers-bud initiation were studied. The total sugar and starch contents increase during branches's growth. The starch level in mature shoot apices is about 3% fresh weight. The nitrogen content is high in juvenile branches and reduces when shoot tips do not lengthen. Its low ratio (0,98-1,09) in mature shoot apices leads to the C/N propotrion increase. The higher total sugar, starch reserve and C/N ratio in the reproductive branches play an impotrant role in flower-bud initiation. The accumulation of these compounds may create a favourable condition for the synthesis and action of the responsible substances for flower induction.