Understanding Florigen: The Plant Hormone That Regulates Flowering

Florigen is a plant hormone that regulates flowering in plants. It is produced by the shoot apical meristem, the part of the plant that is responsible for growth and development, and it is transported down to the flower buds where it triggers the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth.

Florigen is a complex mixture of different plant hormones, including ethylene, cytokinin, and gibberellins, which work together to regulate the flowering process. It is also influenced by environmental factors such as light, temperature, and day length.

When florigen is present in high concentrations, it promotes the growth and development of flowers, while low concentrations can inhibit flower growth and promote vegetative growth. The balance between florigen and other plant hormones is critical for regulating the flowering process and ensuring that plants produce healthy and viable flowers.