ISHS Acta Horticulturae 458: International Symposium on Water Quality & Quantity-Greenhouse
EFFECT OF SOIL WATER POTENTIAL ON POINSETTIA PLANTS |
| Authors: | J.S. Nowak, Z. Strojny |
| Keywords: | Euphorbia pulcherrima, water stress, water deficit, waterlooging, drought stress |
| Abstract:
Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. 'Lilo' was grown in containers in 60% peat, 30% perlite and 10% clay (v/v) mix, with different irrigation treatments based on soil water potential. Plants were watered at two levels of drought stress: -50 kPa and withering. The treatments were applied at different stages of plant development for a month or only twice. Additionally some plants were watered at -50 kPa during the entire cultivation period while the control plants were watered at -5 kPa. There were also treatments with high soil moisture (watering at -1.0 kPa) maintained during the entire cultivation period or for a month during bract coloration. Soil water potential was measured with a tensiometer. Stress of -50 kPa given during the entire cultivation period or during the braking stage caused a significant reductions in fresh and dry weight of leaves and bracts, and total leaf and bract area. It also influenced the bract coloration time. Stress applied after the start of long night treatment had a little effect on plant growth and development. Water potential of -1.0 kPa had a positive effect on growth and top fresh weight of plants. | |
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