finding the fountain of youth
Plant growth depends upon the expansion of meristematic tissues near the
tips of roots and stems. Left unchecked,
this type of growth signifies unlimited vitality—a veritable fountain of
youth-—and there would be no need
for evolution and Darwin’s theory of
survival of the fittest. But nature, as
always, has a way and senescence, or the
decline of the vibrant growth period
due to aging, sets the stage for the
dawn of a new generation of seedlings.
A plant’s death is not the end—it is
often the beginning of new life and
it is nature’s way of letting genetics
advance and adapt to life here on Earth.
However, the key to unlocking the
true potential of a crop’s yield is often
found in increasing the growth curve of
a plant’s fruit. Delaying or prolonging
senescence hinders the death spiral that
harms yields. It is an age-old challenge
that is the grower’s most elusive enemy.
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Maximum Yield USA | January 2015
“The key to unlocking the
true potential of a crop’s
yield is often found in
increasing the growth curve
of a plant’s fruit."
There are numerous types of senescence. It may occur in only certain
forms of cells, tissues and limbs, or
it can take place in the entire plant.
Xylem cells may begin to constrict pathways by dying and slowing or halting
the importation of vital fluids sent to
the fruit. Leaves typically have a maximum life span. Wh