Post-Greenhouse Evaluations of Forced Bulbous Plants Progress Report –
Date February 2, 1993
Title of Project Post-Greenhouse Evaluations of Forced Bulbous Plants
Institution where work is being conducted N.C. State University and University of Florida
Amount of Endowment Grant $ 12,000 ($3,000 NCSU - $9,000 FL)
Covering Period 6/9 to 12/92
Anticipated Date of Project Completion/Final Report 1994
Individual(s) Conducting Project:
(List Project Leader First)
Dr. Terril Nell (University of Florida) - Title Professor
Telephone Number 904-392-1829
Dr. James Barrett (University of Florida) - Title Professor
Dr. A.A. DeHertogh (N.C. State University) - Title Professor
Post-Production Longevity of Flowering Potted BulbsPost-Greenhouse Evaluations of Forced Bulbous Plants
Terril A. Nell, Gus DeHertogh and James E. Barrett
University of Florida and North Carolina State University
- A. Project Objectives:
- 1. To determine the effective home-life of selected non-rooting room forced bulbs and tuberousflowering potted bulbs.
- 2. To determine effects of Ethephon on reduction of stem elongation and interior longevity offlowering potted Amaryllis.
- 3. To establish the optimal post-greenhouse light and temperaturerequirements for forced bulbous plants.
- B. Summary of Work Completed:
- 1 . We have received two shipments of Anemone and Scilla in January and February.
- 2. One shipment of Ethephon treated Amaryllis arrive this week for interior evaluation.
- C. Results to Date:
- Data have been taken on Anemone and Scilla but final data have not been completed sinceadditional shipments are scheduled this spring.
- D. Future Plans:
- Shipments of Astilbe, Caladium, Dahlia, Freesia, and Leucojum are scheduled for this spring.
- E. Anticipated Benefits:
- Potted bulbs offer the consumer an excellent product for fall and spring holidays and floralsales. These results illustrate the importance of maintaining flowering bulbs at cool
temperatures throughout the post-greenhouse phase. This information should be useful in
floral marketing programs.
- F. Additional Information/Publications:
- 1 . Armellini Express Lines is providing transportation again this year. Their support is a real assetto this research program.
- 2. An additional Technical Service Bulletin is being written on results from the non-rooting roombulbs.
- 3. A paper was presented at the VI International Symposium on Flower Bulbs that was heldMay 12-15, 1992 in Skierniewicz, Poland. A copy of the abstract is attached. The
complete paper will appear in a future volume of October Horticulturae.
ABSTRACT
- A series of studies were conducted to evaluate the interior (home) performanceof rooting room bulbs as flowering plants. Plants were grown to marketable stage at N.C.
State University in Raleigh, NC, then shipped to Gainesville at 5′C. 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 2 or 4 W/m2 from cool white fluorescent lamps, 12 hours daily.
Crocus, Hyacinthus, Iris reticulate, Muscari armeniacum, Narcissus and Tulipa longevity
were controlled primarily by interior temperature. For instance, the tulip ‘Capri’ lasted 18
at 18′C and 8 days at 26′C. Light intensity did not affect longevity, except for hyacinths
were 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 higher temperature for rooting room bulbs. Ethephon reduced stem topple. These
results emphasize the importance of maintaining low temperatures for rooting room bulbs
during retail and consumer phases of marketing.
