Meaning of Bolting in Plants
Bolting in plants means sudden flowering and seed production. When a plant suddenly starts focusing on flower and seed production instead of developing its normal leaves or edible parts. This process usually occurs when the following conditions are present in the plants:
- Change in weather: When there is excessive heat, the plant feels that its life cycle is completing, so it starts the process of making seeds.
- Increasing day length: Some plants start flowering early on long days.
- Stressful conditions: Some conditions cause the plant to start making seeds. These conditions are lack of water, lack of nutrition, or a sudden change in temperature.
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Effect of Bolting:
Bolting in some green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, coriander, and mustard causes their leaves to become bitter and hard, making them unfit for eating.
Ways to prevent Bolting:
There are many ways to prevent bolting, some of which are as follows:
- Some crops are meant to grow in cool weather. Grow cool crops in cool climates.
- Use shade to keep plants cool in summer.
- Water the plants regularly and in the right amount.
- To prevent bolting in plants, choose plants that mature early and are less susceptible to bolting.
- The main reason for bolting is that the plant focuses its energy on seed production, which affects the quality of its edible parts.
