Phase change/woody plants

Chronological age

Length of life

Ontogenetic age

Developmental stage

Competent

Also known as ripe to flower, reproductively mature and will respond to env stimuli to induce flower

Phase change

Refers to transition between distinct developmental stages. Involves morphological and anatomical changes.

Juvenile stage

Initial stage of veg growth following germination. Unable to flower.

Transitional stage

Appears vegetative but is transitioning to reproductive phase internally

Adult phase

Reproductively mature, capable of flower.

Degree of reproductive maturity

Ability of meristem to produce a flower, along with morphological/physiological traits such as vigor, leaf morphology, and regeneration potential.

Regeneration potential

Ability of cuttings to form adventitious roots. Often decreases with maturity.

Cone of juvenility

In trees grown from seed. There will be juvenile, transitional, & adult portions all on same plant. Lower/inner branches remain juvenile, tissue higher/further out progresses to transitional & adult. Lower portion remains juvenile for life of tree but adult portion will never revert.

Topophysis

Tendency of cutting to perpetuate type of growth it displayed on parent plant