Date 12/21/95

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

Progress Report to the American Floral Endowment, 12/21/95

Objective:

To evaluate the production, transport and retail conditions which increase

the longevity of flowering potted plants.

Summary of Work -Completed:

1. Chrysanthemum leaf yellowing - preliminary work with fertilizer rate

and type have been completed. Additional studies are being conducted.

2. Fertilizer termination on floral crops - work has been completed for

hydrangea, cyclamen and elatior begonia.

3. Interior light and temperature - numerous crop longevity/quality have

been evaluated on numerous crops at different light and temperature levels.

Results:

1. Leaf yellowing of chrysanthemum - fertilizer rates, types and variety

have been compared. Major differences exist between varieties. At the present

time it there is an interaction between the leaf yellowing problem and

time of year. Leaf sensitivity to foliar diseases may be an issue in the

incidence of this problem.

2. Fertilizer termination had no effect on hydrangea or elatior begonia.

We observed some problems with leaf yellowing related to fertilizer on

cyclamen. We will be looking into this finding in more depth.

Future Plans:

1. Complete chrysanthemum leaf yellowing project.

2. Compare the longevity of various kalanchoe and cyclamen varieties.

3 . Compare the effects of storage conditions and/or irrigation practices

on longevity of potted roses.

Anticipated Benefits:

All segments of the industry will benefit from these results by recognizing

the factors leading to improved longevity for the consumer.

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