ISHS Acta Horticulturae 272: Symposium on Bedding and Pot Plant Culture
EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHT AND DURATION OF EXPOSURE ON GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF BEGONIA SEMPERFLORENS. |
| Authors: | R. Kessler, A.M. Armitage, D. Koranski |
| Abstract:
Plug flats of Begonia semperflorens 'Pizzazz Red', 'Vodka', and 'Viva' were given 0, 50, 125, and 200 μmol m-2 s-1 metal halide supplemental light in the greenhouse for 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Treatments began February, 1988 when seedlings were in the first true. leaf stage (2 weeks from sowing). Plug grown begonias reached transplantable dry weight and leaf area after 4 weeks of supplemental light at 125 μmole m-2 s-1 while the control needed 8 weeks. Fewest number of days to visible bud for all 3 cultivars occurred with 2 weeks of supplemental light at 125 μmole m-2 s-1. Final dry weight and leaf area were greatest when seedlings received 2 weeks of supplemental light at 125 μmole m-2 s-1. Additional supplemental light and/or exposure time did not accelerate flowering or vegetative growth. | |
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