What is the term for the regulation of flowering due to a chilling period?

The regulation of flowering due to a chilling period is called vernalisation. This process involves exposure to low temperatures for a specific period, which is essential for certain plants to transition from the vegetative phase to the flowering phase. Vernalisation is particularly important for biennial plants, which require this chilling period to effectively initiate flowering in response to changing environmental conditions.

During vernalisation, changes occur at the genetic and biochemical levels that enable the plant to break dormancy and prepare for reproductive development. This response ensures that flowering occurs at the optimal time of year for successful pollination and seed production, often in spring when conditions are more favorable for growth.

In contrast, other terms such as circadian rhythm relate to biological processes governed by the internal clock of organisms, while succession refers to ecological changes in ecosystems over time. Auxin is a plant hormone involved in various growth processes but does not specifically regulate flowering through chilling.