ISHS Acta Horticulturae 325: VI International Symposium on Flower Bulbs
POST-GREENHOUSE LONGEVITY OF ROOTING ROOM BULBS AS FLOWERING POTTED PLANTS |
| Authors: | T.A. Nell, J.E. Barrett, A.A. De Hertogh |
| Abstract:
A series of studies were conducted to evaluate the interior "Home" performance of rooting room bulbs as flowering plants. Plants were grown to marketable stage at N.C. State University in Raleigh, NC, then shipped at 3–5°C to the University of Florida in Gainesville. Average transportation time was 3 days. Upon receipt, plants were placed into interior evaluation rooms maintained at constant temperatures of 18, 22 and 26°C. At each temperature, plants were provided either 7 or 14 μmol m-2s-1 from cool white fluorescent lamps, 12 hours daily. Crocus, Hyacinthus, Iris reticulata, Muscari armeniacum, Narcissus and Tulipa longevity were controlled primarily by interior temperature. For instance, the tulip ‘Capri’ lasted 18 days at 18°C and 8 days at 26°C. Light intensity did not affect longevity, except for hyacinths where plants lasted 3 days longer at the higher light level. Flower color faded at 26°C on all bulb flowers. Hyacinth stem topple occurred at all temperatures, but was greatest at the lowest temperature. Ethephon reduced stem topple. These results emphasize the importance of maintaining low temperatures for rooting room bulbs during retail and consumer phases of marketing. | |
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