What is the term used for the exposure to low temperature for initiation of early flowering ?

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Concept**: The question asks for a specific term related to the exposure of plants to low temperatures that triggers early flowering. This process is crucial for certain plants to synchronize their flowering with environmental conditions.

2. **Identifying the Term**: The term that describes this phenomenon is "Vernalization." Vernalization refers to the requirement of a period of cold temperatures to induce flowering in some plants.

3. **Defining Vernalization**: Vernalization can be defined as the qualitative or quantitative dependence of plants on exposure to low temperatures to flower. This means that some plants need to experience cold conditions for a certain duration before they can initiate flowering.

4. **Factors Necessary for Vernalization**: Several factors contribute to the process of vernalization:
- Low temperature: Essential for triggering the flowering process.
- Water: Necessary for plant growth and metabolic processes.
- Nutrients: Required for overall plant health and development.
- Aerobic respiration: Important for energy production in plants.
- Actively dividing cells: Necessary for growth and development during the flowering process.

5. **Advantages of Vernalization**: Vernalization provides several benefits to plants:
- It prevents premature flowering, allowing plants to mature properly.
- It induces early flowering and shortens the vegetative phase, which can be advantageous in certain climates.
- It can lead to increased yields in crops.
- It provides resistance to cold and diseases, enhancing survival rates.

6. **Conclusion**: The term used for the exposure to low temperature for the initiation of early flowering is "Vernalization."

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