Effect of Low Temperature on Flowering and Cut Flower Yield of Limonium spp. 'Fantasia'

Abstract

This study was focused on the promotion of growth, flowering and production of cut flowers of Limonium spp. as affected by low temperature treatment. Plant materials used were micropropagated Limonium spp. 'Fantisia' obtained from the Tissue Culture Lab., Flower Breeding Research Institute, Gyeongnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services. This study investigated 1) effect of lighting during the low temperature storage of plantlets on plant survival, 2) effect of duration of low temperature, and of raising period on the flowering and flower yield, and 3) effect of different planting dates and pinching on flowering of Limonium spp. Light intensity had a significant effect on plant survival. The survival percentages were 100 and 67% in light and dark treatment, respectively. A low temperature treatment for six weeks resulted in earlier bolting and flowering, and decreased days to flowering by 11 days, as compared to the control. Cold treatment promoted the quality of cut flowers and yield, and also increased weight and diameter of flower stem. A low temperature treatment prior to a raising period had little effect on bolting and flowering. However, the greatest yield of cut flowers (2,045 bundles per 10a) was obtained when plantlets were raised for 10 weeks. A low temperature treatment resulted in earlier flowering regardless of the transplanting date. However, transplanting on the first week of July resulted in improved quality and the greatest yield of cut flowers per plant.