You searched for: “vernalization
vernalization (American), vernalisation (British) (s) (noun); vernalizations (American), vernalisations (British) (pl)
The cooling of seeds during germination in order to accelerate flowering when they are planted: The use of vernalization involves the induction and promotion of the flowering process in a plant by subjecting it to a temperature of less than ten degrees centigrade; therefore, simulating winter latent or inoperative.

Vernalization is commonly used for crop plants; such as, winter rye, and is possible because the seeds and buds of many plants require cold in order to break the cessation from or slowing of activity during the winter.

In order to flower at the right time, many plants must experience a period of cold to trigger the process of vernalization. If it doesn't get cold enough, flowering is considerably delayed or may not happen at all.

In addition, some of the plants which need vernalization are important food species; such as, sugar beets and wheat, which feed millions of people and provide much-needed income globally.

—Compiled partly from information located in
"Vernalisation", New Scientist, August 4, 2007; page 51.
This entry is located in the following unit: vern-, vernal- (page 1)