title: Long-term chilling of young tomato plants under low light and subsequent recovery : I. Growth, development and photosynthesis.
abstract: The influence of unfavourable climatic conditions at the onset of the growth period on chilling-sensitive tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv. Abunda) was studied by exposing young plants to combinations of low temperature and low light (60-100 μmol quanta · m(-2) · s(-1)) for several weeks. When the temperature did not decrease below a critical point (8 ° C) no loss of developmental capacity of the plants was detected. However, while new leaves were readily formed upon return to normal growth conditions (22/18 °C, day/night, in a greenhouse), net accumulation of biomass showed a lag phase of approximately one week. This delay was accompanied by a strong, irreversible inhibition of photosynthesis in the fully expanded leaves which had been exposed to the chilling treatment. When plants were subjected to temperatures below 8 ° C, survival rates decreased after three weeks at 6 ° C and irreversible damage of apical meristematic tissue occurred. Drought-hardening prior to chilling ensured survival at 6 ° C and protected the plants against meristem loss.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Plant Physiology, University of Groningen, POB 14, NL-9750 AA, Haren, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Brüggemann
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: van der Kooij
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: van Hasselt