Increasing Flowering Potted Plant Longevity Progress Report — August 1995
Date August 31, 1995
Title of Project Increasing Flowering Potted Plant Longevity
Institution where work is being conducted University of Florida
Amount of Endowment Grant $15,000
Covering Period 1/95 to 12/95
Anticipated Date of Project Completion/Final Report December 1996
Individual(s) Conducting Project:
(List Project Leader First)
Terril A. Nell - Title Professor and Chair
Telephone Number (904) 392-1829
Jim Barrett - Title Professor
Increasing Flowering Potted Plant Longevity
Terril A. Nell and James E. Barrett
University of Florida
- Project Objectives:
- To evaluate the production, transport and retail conditions which increase the longevityof flowering potted plants.
- Summary of Work Conducted:
- 1. Research to eliminate leaf yellowing in chrysanthemum is being continued.
- 2. Interior light level and temperature and simulated transport studies were conductedwith hydrangea, calceolaria, and cyclamen.
- Results to Date:
- 1. Leaf yellowing in chrysanthemum appears to be related to growing mediumsoluble salt level rather than nitrogen level.
- 2. Fertilizer termination did not affect the longevity of hydrangea. Cyclamenperformed best indoors when fertilizer was continued until fertilization. Studies
with calceolaria will be repeated in 1996.
- Future Plans Covered by the Endowment Grant:
- Fertilizer termination, simulated transport and interior light and temperature studieswill be conducted on calceolaria, kalanchoe, gerbera, African violets, and other
flowering in 1996.
- Anticipated Benefits for Floral Industry:
- All segments of the industry will benefit from these results by recognizing the factorsleading to improved longevity for the consumer. Three talks were presented at the Ohio
Floriculture Short Course using information generated in this project.
