Summary
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1.
Mimosa pudica L. pinnae close in darkness when phytochrome is predominantly in the far-red-absorbing form (Pfr) and remain open when Pfr is low [6]. The leaflets remain open, however, in normal light periods irrespective of the form of phytochrome. Pinnae, after closing in darkness, regularly reopen in light.
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2.
An action spectrum for the opening response shows maxima for effectiveness near 710 and 480 nm. This action spectrum is similar to that for a high-energy response affecting morphogenesis in many plants.
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3.
Dropping of the petiole of M. pudica can be photostimulated by irradiation of the primary pulvinus after holding the plants in darkness [4].
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4.
The photostimulation of the primary pulvinus is effective only at wavelengths less than 520 nm. Wave bands in the region of 400 to 470 nm are about equally effective.
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5.
These photoresponses of M. pudica are related to current discussion about the nature of the high-energy and phytochrome photomorphogenic reactions.
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Fondeville, J.C., Schneider, M.J., Borthwick, H.A. et al. Photocontrol of Mimosa pudica L. leaf movement. Planta 75, 228–238 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00386322
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00386322