ISHS Acta Horticulturae 109: III International Symposium on Flower Bulbs
TWO FACTORS CONTROLLING GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF FORCED LILIES 'ENCHANTMENT' : LIGHT INTENSITY AND MECHANICAL STRESS |
| Authors: | M. Jerzy, J. Krause |
| Abstract:
The aim of the investigations was to determine optimal light intensity for the forcing of Lilium 'Enchantment' cultivated in artificial light conditions. The effect of mechanical stress on flower quality was also examined. After an eight-week cooling period, bulbs were planted in containers with peat substrate. During the first 3 weeks, plants were forced in the dark. When shoots had emerged, artificial light emitted by high-pressure mercury lamps LRF of 250 W power was applied. Lilies were illuminated under conditions of 10-hour days and at light intensities of 1000 1x, 2000 1x and 3000 1x. After 7 weeks of forcing, when the flower buds were visible, mechanical stress was applied twice a day, for 10 sec. at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. When the flower buds were 1–2 cm long, i.e. after the next 2 weeks, all plants were forced at a light intensity of 4000 1x for 24 hours without interruptions until flowering. The results indicated that the light intensity of 2000 1x during vegetative growth was sufficient and that mechanical stress caused not only reduction of the height of stem but also prevented flower-bud abscission. | |
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