ISHS Acta Horticulturae 109: III International Symposium on Flower Bulbs
ENERGY SAVING IN FLOWER PRODUCTION OF GLADIOLUS FORCED IN GLASSHOUSES |
| Authors: | N.P.A. Groen, L.A.J.M. van de Rotten |
| Abstract:
In The Netherlands earliest time for flowering of gladiolus forced in the glasshouse is the beginning of May. When flowering occurs earlier, flowerblasting increases due to shortage of light. At the moment, planting at the end of January is advised for the earliest flowering for most varieties. Our investigation dealt with a change in planting date without loss of flower quality. The aim of this investigation was to find conditions that provide saving of energy and shortening of the glasshouse period. The factors investigated were differences between varieties, planting date, air temperature, and ethefon. We have succeeded in reducing the glasshouse period from about 105 days to about 70 days while maintaining good flower quality. As a result of this investigation we were able to reduce the required amount of energy by about 30 percent. The temperature in the glasshouse at the beginning of culture must be raised. Varieties which are characteristically short and firm can be used. Another way to reduce the glasshouse period is by the use of varieties for which the number of days between planting and flowering is normally low, such as Hunting Song and Come Back. | |
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