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2025 Vol.43, Issue 2 Preview Page

Research Article

Comparative Analyses of Resource Allocation and Anatomical Structures in the Distal and Proximal Regions of the Scape in Dendrobium Orchids with Long Flower Longevity across Different Growth Stages
Yi Zhou12
,
Yi-Yi Meng3
,
Hai-Shan Mo3
,
Jian-Ying Gong4
,
Hua-Xin Wang4
,
Jia-Wei Li125*
1Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
2State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
3Nanning Qingxiushan Tourism Development Co., Ltd., Nanning Botanical Garden, Nanning 530029, Chin
4Guangxi Forestry Research Institute, Nanning 530002, China
5Laibin Jinxiu Dayaoshan Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Guangxi, Laibin 530004, China
*Corresponding Author
30 April 2025. pp. 182-197
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Abstract

The genus Dendrobium is highly valued in horticulture, particularly for its racemose inflorescences, Dendrobium used both as potted plants and cut flowers. The scape of these inflorescences is crucial for nutrient transport to the flowers and for their presentation. Despite its importance, the structural and physiological changes of the scape during the growth stages of Dendrobium flowers are not well understood. To address this, we studied Dendrobium ‘Garnet Beauty’, a variety with a racemose inflorescence. We conducted metabolomic profiling, physiological response characterization, and morphological observations during the mature and senescent phases of flowering, focusing on two distinct positions on the scape. Our results indicated that the distal and proximal flowers on the scape did not differ significantly in terms of the lifespan or morphological structure. However, the primary metabolite contents of the distal portion were significantly higher than those of the proximal portion and the total area of the vascular bundles and phloem in the distal portion was greater than that in the proximal portion, indicating high nutrient transport efficiency in the distal portion. The amino acid and derivative and organic acid contents of the scape increased with age, indicating efficient nutrient recycling and utilization within the flowers. These findings indicate that the scape may contribute to maintaining consistent flower longevity by enhancing the nutrient transport capacity and providing a storage function, thereby ensuring a steady supply of nutrients to flowers. These results provide theoretical support for Dendrobium fresh-cut flower breeding.

Keywords
inflorescence rachis
metabolomics
nutrient recycling
nutrient storage
nutrient transport
racemose inflorescence
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Information
  • Publisher :KOREAN SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국원예학회
  • Journal Title :Horticultural Science and Technology
  • Journal Title(Ko) :원예과학기술지
  • Volume : 43
  • No :2
  • Pages :182-197
  • Received Date : 2024-04-02
  • Revised Date : 2024-07-01
  • Accepted Date : 2024-08-12
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20250016
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