ISHS Acta Horticulturae 272: Symposium on Bedding and Pot Plant Culture
WATERING STRATEGIES IN BEDDING PLANT CULTURE: EFFECT ON PLANT GROWTH AND KEEPING QUALITY |
| Author: | M.Th. de Graaf-van der Zande |
| Abstract:
Experiments with Petunia and Verbena were carried out in order to investigate the effects of different watering strategies, growth regulators and substrate composition on crop responses. Research with Petunia included three constant moisture levels ranging from pF 1.7 ('wet') to pF 4.0 ('dry') and one variable moisture level, fluctuating from pF 0.5 ('saturated') to pF 4.0. Research with Verbena included four substrates and the best two watering strategies of the Petunia experiment, namely a constant low moisture level (pF 4.0-dry) and the variable moisture level. In both crops constant low moisture level retarded growth rate and reduced plant height. Ornamental value at marketing stage was low. In contrast regrowth and keepability after planting outdoors were excellent. The variable moisture level increased plant growth and plant quality at marketing stage, but keepablity after planting outdoors was insufficient. The watering strategy with variable moisture level lends itself admirably to the purpose of automation with an ebb/flow watering system, but the method needs further improvement. Growth retardants are still necessary in bedding plant culture, despite watering strategy. Substrate composition seems to be of less importance. | |
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