Orchids and temperature

[weng]

Start off with :

Fundamentals of Orchid Biology
Joseph Arditii

And

The Orchids, Scientific Studies
Carl Withner

Then follow up with

Orchid Biology: Reviews and Perspectives Vols I - VIII
Joseph Arditii

And keep up to date with the scientific lectures at the World Orchid Congresses - or failing that, get a copy of the proceedings of the WOC. These are generally published a year after each WOC.

Weng

[Team Ferret]

Well, since light is key to photosynthesis I would be more inclined to think that this is also the trigger that would signal the orchid to process CO2, generate carbs and open/close its stomata. If these were affected by temperature, the orchid would make the switch at mid-day when the monsoon hits, and thus a dropping of the temperature, as is such in tropical rain forests. Although it is a nice pet theory, Ill have to see if it is supported by science once I start reading.

Thanks for the book list. It can’t be any harder than modern exterior ballistics, but hopefully there is less math (good grief, I hope so).

Dave

[weng]

Actually, Dave, I am inclined to agree with your deduction. Now, why the heck did I think it was temperature related

Ah well, back to those unreadable books

Weng

[Team Ferret]

My wife gave me an interesting thought concerning this subject. Deciduous trees in the north respond to the cold by "pulling" the fluids from the leaves and storing it in the trunk or roots for winter. When winter is over this fluid, whatever it is called, is used to produce new leaves and flower shoots. So it is possible that we are dealing with mechanisms that respond to temp and those that respond to light. So while I give good argument, I could be partly or completely wrong. I suppose I will find the answer through study. If I find an answer I will post it with the resource I found it in.

Dave