Leaf defoliation and Tabernaemontana rotensis (Asterids: Gentianales: Apocynaceae) flower induction and fruit development

Tabernaemontana rotensis (Kaneh.) P.T. Li is an attractive small tree that endemic to the islands of Guam and Rota. Conservation efforts threatened population are constrained by lack research. Understanding ecology flower fruit development fundamental successful conservation angiosperms. This study determined extent induction following tropical cyclone defoliation, tested efficacy 10% urea sprays as a defoliant induce flowering, quantified resulting expansion determine ontogeny traits. A total 512 inflorescences were observed, half cyclones defoliation with urea. Fruit length was measured every five seven days until seed dispersal. The mean time between initial anthesis 29 days, did not differ solution aerosol defoliation. Four stages observable identified anthesis. Linear increases in ovary occurred for two weeks, maximum at about day 30, color break from green orange began 60, dispersal 90. Defoliation treatment influence timing these stages. results indicated consistently generated mast flowering after one month seeding three months later. Conservationists may use this new knowledge predictably schedule harvests four natural or anthropogenic event. Many species exploited traditional medicine, manipulate phenology benefit practitioners trade.