Changes in the nitrogen metabolism during growth and development of the flower in Spathodea companulata Beauv

Flowers of S. companulata at different stages of development were examind for different nitrogen fractions and qualitative profiles of amino acids. Changes in the total nitrogen content positively correlated with fower development. TCA-insoluble (protein) nitrogen increased initially and then subsequently decreased with the progression of flower development. TCA-soluble (α-amino) nitrogen declined initially but increased during later stages of flower development. In general, nitrogen fractions were more in gynoecium of stage 4 flower. Qualitative profile of amino acids showed the presence of a wide range of amino acids in the flower buds, more so in the bud-liquid. Bud-liquid seem to be obligatory for flower development.