Influence of environmental factors on the ultradian rhythm of shoot movement inPhaseolus vulgarisL.

Abstract

A very simple and inexpensive device is described allowing continuous, environment independent measurement of the ultradian rhythm period of shoot movement. The ultradian rhythm is monitored by the interruption of a 940 nm light emitting diode generated light beam and a phototransistor. The results show that the period is constant under stable conditions, but is strongly dependent on temperature. Conversely, it is independent of short term (within 1 day) light conditions (presence or absence) and variations of relative humidity.

Taking inspiration from climbing plants: methodologies and benchmarks—a review

“…Mechanical stress can also affect circumnutation in P. vulgaris L. [110]. Beans stimulated with 10 rubs showed an increase in circumnutation from 1.4 to 2.0 h. A similar effect was found in plants subjected to thermal stress, including high (45 °C) or low (0 °C) temperatures [110], confirming previous results [108]. An improved version of the same device [108] was developed for the continuous measurements of circumnutation in tendrils [111].…”

“…Several studies have investigated the influence of light, darkness, mechanical stress, temperature and gravity on circumnutation [90]. A simple dedicated device equipped with photoelectric sensors was developed to investigate the effect of external conditions, such as light, temperature and humidity, on P. vulgaris L. [108]: temperature, rather than light and humidity, was found to strongly affect the duration of circumnutation [108]. Another study [99], exploiting time-lapse monitoring using infrared imaging, demonstrated a strong influence on the frequency of nutation of dark treatments in Arabidopsis thaliana stems.…”