ASHS 2024 Conference

Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria: Leveraging The Soilless Substrate For Improved Phosphorus Nutrition In Controlled Environment Agriculture. - Michelle Jones
Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria Isolated From Greenhouse Ornamentals Solubilize Phosphate In Vitro And Ameliorate P Deficiency Symptoms In Marigold ‘Durango Yellow’ Fertilized With Calcium Phosphate. - Juan Quijia Pillajo
Activated Aluminum Amended Substrates Reduce Phosphorus Leaching in Floriculture Production - Damon Abdi
Iron-coated Sand as a Sustainable Substrate Amendment for Nutrient Management of Containerized Floriculture Crops - Savannah Mead
Phosphorous Restriction Suppresses Growth of Containerized Coneflower - Garrett Owen
Investigating Synergistic Effects of Biostimulants and Biochar on Water Use Efficiency for Containerized Celosia (Argentea cristata) and Gomphrena (Gomphrena globose) Production - Lilin Chen
Effects of Reduced Water Usage During Production on Economic Value, Growth, And Quality of Flowering Indoor Plants - Kaitlin Hopkins

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient with low availability for plant uptake. The availability of P is reduced by the formation of insoluble complexes with calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe). Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can enhance P uptake by producing organic acids that acidify the rhizosphere and breakdown the insoluble P compounds. The goal of this research is to identify PSB that can increase P uptake efficiency in soilless production systems. A collection of bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of greenhouse grown ornamentals was used to identify PSB using both in vitro and in planta evaluations. A malachite green assay optimized for 96-well plates was used to screen 1,056 bacterial isolates for the ability to solubilize phosphorus from both calcium phosphate and iron phosphate. This in vitro assay identified 14 and 24 PSB that solubilized 25% or more of the P from Ca2(PO4)3 and FePO4·2H20, respectively. There was no overlap between the PSB that solubilized Ca2(PO4)3 and those that solubilized FePO4. In planta evaluations were conducted in Marigold ‘Durango Yellow’ (Tagetes patula) and Tomato ‘Bush Beefsteak’ (Solanum lycopersicum) grown in a peat-based substrate (pH=7) and inoculated with individual PSB as a media drench (20 mL; OD595=0.1). Digital phenotyping with the TraitFinder (Phenospex) was used to quantify growth promotion (digital biomass and bloom area), and the severity of P deficiency symptoms [Green Leaf Index (GLI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), Normalized Pigment Chlorophyll Ratio Index (NPCI), and Plant Senescence Reflectance Index (PSRI)]. Only seven FePO4·2H20 solubilizers (Fe-PSB) and six Ca2(PO4)3 solubilizers (Ca-PSB) performed better than the control in at least one of the evaluated parameters. A validation experiment was conducted to confirm the beneficial activity of the seven Fe-PSB (C2F9, C3A8, C11G1, C8D10, C6E7, C3G9, and C3F10) and the six Ca-PSB (C4A1, C2G6, B3A7, C11A5, C4B6, C12F4, and C6H6). The validation experiments were conducted with Marigold ‘Durango Yellow’ and Tomato ‘Early girl’ grown in a peat-based substrate (pH=7) and inoculated with individual PSB as a media drench (20 mL; OD595=0.1). Bacillus megaterium (C3F10), Pseudomonas sp. (C6E7), and two strains of Pantoea rwandensis (C3A8 and C8D10) showed a beneficial response when applied to plants fertilized with FePO4·2H20. Only, Enterobacter soli C4A1 showed a beneficial response when applied to plants fertilized with Ca2(PO4)3. The malachite-green assay and digital phenotyping are suitable tools for high-throughput identification of PSB that can be used to improve phosphorus nutrition in soilless culture systems.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient absorbed by plants as orthophosphate (PO4). P availability depends on the pH of the substrate. At high pH, P forms insoluble compounds like Ca3(PO4)2 which is unavailable for plant uptake. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are plant-associated microorganisms that can break down Ca3(PO4)2 by secreting organic acids. PSB have been primarily evaluated as inoculum for crops grown in soil to improve P availability. However, less is known about the application of PSB in ornamentals grown in soilless substrates. Our goal was to identify PSB from a collection of bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of greenhouse ornamentals. First, the collection was screened in vitro for the bacterial capacity to reduce pH of the media using the bromophenol-blue color assay. Thirty-five isolates were identified to reduce media pH, and their P solubilization capacity was quantified using ion chromatography. Fourteen isolates with the highest P solubilization were selected for whole-genome sequencing, but only two bacterial isolates (C2B11 and C8D10) were advanced to the in-planta evaluation using Marigold (Tagetes patula) 'Durango Yellow' grown in a peat-based substrate (pH = 7). Plants were irrigated with 100 mg·L-1 N from a 15N-0P-15K fertilizer, and P was supplemented weekly as Ca3(PO4)2 via substrate drench applications. Lalrise Vita (Lallemand Plant Care) and Bacillus velezensis (the active ingredient in Lalrise Vita) were included as positive controls. Plant phenotyping was conducted using the TraitFinder automatic system (Phenospex). TraitFinder assessment parameters included digital biomass, bloom area, Green Leaf Index (GLI), Normalized Pigment Chlorophyll Ratio Index (NPCI), and Plant Senescence Reflectance Index (PSRI). Lalrise Vita performed better than the control in all the parameters evaluated. B. velezensis increased bloom area and showed higher GLI and lower NPCI than the control. Pantoea sp. C2B11 significantly increased digital biomass, bloom area, and GLI. Pantoea sp. C8D10 only showed an increase in GLI values. Both C2B11 and C8D10 possess various genes involved in gluconic acid production. We identified two PSB that solubilize P in vitro, promote growth and bloom area, and improve canopy health (high GLI or low NPCI) in marigold plants fertilized with Ca3(PO4)2. Our next step is to validate the growth-promoting capacity of the identified PSB in other ornamentals. PSB can contribute to improving phosphorus nutrition and fertilizer use efficiency in greenhouse ornamental production.

The use of water-soluble fertilizers in floricultural production provides readily available nutrients to sustain short-term crop production; however, nutrients such as phosphorus are poorly retained in typical peat substrates. Activated aluminum is an amendment that has demonstrated success in binding phosphorus within substrates, reducing the amount of phosphorus that is leached from the container. This research investigated the production of Tagetes in peat-based substrates amended with or without activated aluminum and provided four different phosphorus fertilizer regimens. The fertilizer regimens encompassed a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium liquid blend applied weekly; however, phosphorus was only included for 0, 2, 4, or 6 weeks in total over the duration of the study. Growth of Tagetes was effectively similar, and leachate analysis provided insights that can be applied towards more efficient production methods. In this research, utilizing activated aluminum resulted in less phosphorus loss in container leachate than unamended substrates. The potential to decrease applied phosphorus during floricultural production can similarly be achieved when using substrates amended with activated aluminum. This presentation will decipher the dynamics of the movement of phosphorus and other anions of interest that may be relevant to sustainable floriculture production.

As natural resources dwindle, sustainable alternatives to current fertilization methods are essential for environmental and economic progress. Acid mine drainage (AMD) and phosphorus from fertilizer runoff are significant sources of water pollution in the Appalachian region of the United States. Horticultural producers are faced with rising prices of phosphate fertilizers, putting the industry in a tenuous position: reducing these costly inputs to minimize water pollution but, in turn, diminishing product quality. AMD-based iron-coated sand is a novel phosphate sorbent that can potentially ameliorate AMD and prevent further phosphate pollution. This technology can cut growers’ input costs and slow the consumption of finite phosphate resources. This study aimed to determine the viability of iron-coated sand as a substrate amendment for reducing phosphate leaching and enhancing growth, flowering, and phosphorus uptake of floriculture crops during and after production. The ideal sand-to-potting mix ratio was determined based on pansies, petunias, and chrysanthemums' growth, flowering, and leachate content. The rate of applied phosphate and P-saturation of sand were determined from growth, flowering, and leachate data of chrysanthemum during production. Finally, the effects of the coated sand were examined on petunia and chrysanthemum growth, flowering, mineral content, and leachate composition over time in production and post-production environments. Twenty percent P-saturated iron-coated sand with low to moderate rates of applied phosphorus reduces leached phosphate with no deleterious, and usually positive, effects on the performance of floriculture crops during and after production. Iron-coated sand as a substrate amendment in container production of ornamentals has tremendous potential for advancing environmental and economic sustainability in the horticultural industry.

Containerized coneflower (Echinacea sp.) production in greenhouses and nurseries often relies on commercial fertilizers, such as 20 nitrogen (N)–4.4 phosphorous (P)–16.6 potassium (K), applied at 100 to 200 mg·L−1 N; however, increasing N concentrations proportionately increase phosphorous pentoxide (P2O5) and thus, elemental P concentrations. As such, the recommended N fertilization supplies P concentrations of 21.8 to 43.6 mg·L−1 P, exceeding plant requirements and potentially leading to excessive stem elongation and P runoff, posing ecological risks. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of P concentrations on the growth, ornamental value, and tissue mineral nutrient concentrations of coneflower (E. × hybrida Sombrero® Granada Gold ‘Balsomold’). A custom soilless substrate was formulated with (by vol.) 55% aged pine bark, 35% sphagnum peatmoss, and 10% perlite, and amended with 0.6 kg·m−3 wetting agent and 3.9 kg·m−3 dolomitic limestone to achieve a final pH of ≈5.6 to 5.8. Young plants of coneflower were individually transplanted into 16.5-cm-diameter (1.7 L) containers filled with the custom soilless substrate. Upon transplanting and throughout the experiment, plants were irrigated with nutrition solutions formulated from technical grade salts providing 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 mg·L–1 P. Plants were grown in a glass-glazed greenhouse at 20 °C under ambient daylight supplemented with a photosynthetic photo flux density of ≈120 µmol·m–2·s–1 delivered from light-emitting diode lamps from 0600 to 2200 hr (16-h photoperiod) to achieve a daily light integral of 14 mol·m–2·d–1. At anthesis (≈69 d after transplant), data were collected. In general, plant height, plant diameter, and shoot and root dry weights were significantly influenced by P concentrations, although to different magnitudes. Quadratic plateau models demonstrated plant height, plant diameter, and shoot dry weight were maximized at 52.7 cm, 36.5 cm, and 27.2 g, respectively, with P concentrations of 18.3, 15.9, and 23.4 mg·L−1 P, respectively. Root dry weight demonstrated a positive linear correlation with increasing P concentration where roots were 74% (3.3 g) larger at a P concentration of 30 than 0 mg·L−1 P. Concentrations of ≤ 7.5 mg·L−1 P resulted low (≤ 0.2% P) leaf tissue P concentrations and ≤ 2.5 mg·L−1 P resulted in low-quality plants with incipient symptoms of P deficiency. Collectively, these results indicate that a narrow range of P concentrations may be used to control coneflower growth and mitigate P pollution.

Given the escalating demands for water and the accompanying scarcity, enhancing water use efficiency (WUE) in horticultural practices has become imperative. Research has revealed that both biochar (BC) and seaweed extract biostimulants (BS) significantly enhanced WUE in plant growth, presenting promising avenues for sustainable agricultural advancement. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of BC and BS on WUE for celosia (Argentea cristata) and gomphrena (Gomphrena globose) production. Three factors were included in this experiment including 1) mixed hardwood biochar blended with commerical substrate mixes (CS) at 0%, 10%, 15%, and 25% 2) 60% or 80% irrigation and 3) 0 or 5 mL BS(seaweed extract). The physical properties of substrate, including container capacity (CC), total porosity (TP), air space (AS), bulk density (BD), and water holding capacity (WHC), and chemical properties including leachate pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured. Plant growth parameters including growth index (GI) and leave greenness (indicated with SPAD value), biomass, and numbers of flowers were measured biweekly. Photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance rate were measured at 6, 7, 8 WAT. The results showed that BC rates had significant effects on CC, and BD, but no effects on either TP, AS or WHC. Celosia plants grown in the 25% BC mix treated with 5mL BS at 80% irrigation had significantly higher biomass and WUE, and both plants in the same mix (25

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of soil moisture content during greenhouse production of selected floriculture crops. Over the course of several seasons, multiple flowering species were investigated, including Euphorbia milii, Cyclamen persicum, and Begonia x tuberhybrida. Plant quality characteristics were evaluated both during the production timeframe, and after a simulated shipping and retail setting. Treatments included two soil moisture content levels (20% and 40%), which was monitored by soil moisture probes. Production timelines varied, due to the differences in species. Once the predetermined production weeks were concluded the plant went into simulated shipping and retail environment. Qualities such as growth index (GI), leaf greenness (SPAD), Leaf thickness, petiole thickness, irrigation events, and irrigation amount were measured weekly. Flower number and foliage fresh /dry weights were gathered after the two week simulated retail period. Results varied depending on the species. In all species the 20% group had less watering events, which equates to producer savings in fertigation inputs as well as labor. All species had reduced canopy size in the 20% treatment, which could equate to bench space conservation. Some of the plant quality characteristics depending on the species had similar results after simulated retail. This equates to the idea that producers could reduce water application events and volumes and generate an equal quality plant compared to the traditional watering methods, while also saving on input and labor costs.

A forum for discussion of potential collaborations with regards to ornamentals – i.e. floriculture, nursery crops, breeding, turf, ornamentals industry, botanic gardens, landscape industry, orchids, etc.

Peperomia mauiensis can tolerate low indoor light conditions for up to 12 months - Orville Baldos
Effect of LED Lighting, Fertilization Rates and Gibberellin A3 Application to Greenhouse Grown Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) 'Red Maverick' Plants - Sonja Maki
Investigating the Effect of Hydrafiber and Biochar As a Substitute for Peat-based Substrate for Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) - Lilin Chen
The Impact of Cold and Darkness on Osmanthus fragrans Flowering and Growth - Yulong Chen
Growth and Quality of Four Zinnia Cultivars Grown in Eastern South Dakota - Kristine Lang
Effects of Photoperiod Treatments on Stock Plants and Cutting Rooting of Callirhoe involucrata - James Klett
Consumer testing and surveys indicate a market for Peperomia mauiensis, an endemic succulent with potential use as an indoor potted plant - Orville Baldos
Trials of Low Elevation Tolerant Leucospermum Hybrids on Oahu, HI - Russell Galanti

Peperomia mauiensis is an endemic peperomia found on west Maui, and the islands of Molokai and Lanai. Its short stature and reddish stems and leaves make it highly ornamental. To evaluate its feasibility as an indoor foliage plant, potted plants (n=6) were grown under three light levels (0.2 mol·m-2·d-1 [low], 0.4 mol·m-2·d-1 [office] and 2.9 mol·m-2·d-1 [high] for 12 hours) in airconditioned settings (22°C, 61% RH) for 1 year. Plant height and diameter as well as visual quality [1 = poor, 2 = fair (not saleable), 3 = acceptable (saleable), 4 = good, and 5 = excellent quality) were recorded 0, 3, 6 and 12 months after placing in light chambers. Height and diameter of plants between light treatments were similar at 0 (height = 5.9 cm; diameter = 10.5 cm) and 3 (height = 7.1 cm and diameter = 15.0 cm) months after the plants were placed in light chambers. Visual quality ratings also did not differ between light treatments at 0 (3.5) and after 3 (3.6) months. After 6 months, plants under office light conditions were the tallest (10.8 cm) and the widest (18.2 cm). Visual quality ratings between treatments at 6 months were similar (3.4). At 12 months, plant height between treatments were similar (8.8 cm), but office light plants exhibited the widest diameter (23.2 cm). Visual quality ratings between treatments at 12 months were similar (2.1) but was no longer acceptable. Results of the study indicate that Peperomia mauiensis can tolerate low indoor light levels and can be used as an indoor potted foliage plant.

The effect of LED lighting, fertilization rate and gibberellin application on geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) 'Red Maverick' plants in a greenhouse setting was evaluated. Seeds were germinated in 288 plug trays, transplanted to 3-1/2 inch geranium pots in a peat-based media (ProMix) and grown in a greenhouse environment. Twelve treatments consisting of plants that received either no, 150 ppm or 300 ppm 20-20-20 weekly fertilizer applications following transplant, abmbient or LED (Phillips Red/Blue) greenhouse lighting, and a treatment of either no or 10 ppm gibberellin A3 (GA3; ProGibb) were evaluated by recording weekly height measurements, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and floral bud appearance was recorded for each treatment. The tallest, most advanced plants were obtained from ambient light, high fertility and ProGibb application with the shortest plants were produced by the ambient light, no fertilization, and no gibberellin application treatment. Visible bud was first noticed in the LED light grown plants at low and high fertility with and without gibberellin application. The results of this study will aid greenhouse growers producing geranium crops under different greenhouse lighting conditions to consider fertility rates and gibberellin application to decrease the production time of geranium crops.

The increasing environmental concerns and economic pressures necessitate the search for peat moss alternative as a substrate component, aiming to balance ecological sustainability with cost-effectiveness. This study aims to assess whether the biochar (BC) and hydrafiber (HF) could be a partially replacement for peat moss for zinnia and snapdragon production. Twelve substrates were formulated by either mixing BC (20%,40%, or 60% by vol) with HF (20%, 40%, or 60% (by vol), with the remaining being peat moss or blending BC (0%, 20%,40%, and 60%, by vol) with the commercial peat moss-based substrates (CS). The physical properties of substrate, including container capacity (CC), total porosity (TP), air space (AS), bulk density (BD), and water holding capacity (WHC), and chemical properties including leachate pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured. Plant growth parameters including growth index (GI) and leave greenness (indicated with SPAD value), biomass, and numbers of flowers were measured biweekly. The results showed all the substrate mixes had similar AP, BD and SPAD. Treatment with 20

Osmanthus fragrans, a culturally and economically significant plant in Asian countries, exhibits unique floral characteristics influenced by endogenous metabolites. Previous studies suggest its flowering timing and intensity may be affected by environmental factors including cold and darkness. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cold and darkness factors on the response of Osmanthus fragrans flowering and growth. This experiment included 7 cold and dark treatments (plants were sitting in the dark coolers from 0-15 days) and dark-only treatments (plants were sitting in the GH with plastic bags from 0-9 days). Plant responses were assessed based on the number of flowers, height, and width measurements on the 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, and 15th days post-treatment. The results showed there was no significant difference in plant height across treatments. Dark-only treatment for 7 days significantly increased width growth compared to the control group (9 days), and dark-cold treatment for 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 days. The increase in the number of flowers in the cold-dark treatment for 9 and 15 days was significantly higher than in other treatments, except for the control. In conclusion, the cold and darkness could promote flowering in Osmanthus fragrans without negatively affecting plant growth.

Over the past two decades, interest in local specialty cut flower production in Eastern South Dakota has grown with several new flower farms being established across the region. However, there is currently no local, research-based information available to support growers in this new wave of interest. The purpose of this study was to assess the production and quality of four zinnia cultivars grown in Eastern South Dakota to support local specialty cut flower growers in their operations. This was a randomized complete block study with four zinnia cultivars (Zinderella Peach, Oklahoma Ivory, Queen Red Lime, and Benary’s Giant Purple) grown in 2022 and 2023. Zinnias were started in the greenhouse and then transplanted into the field in early summer each season. Harvest began each year when flowers reached maturity (July), with one harvest event taking place each week until the first frost. Harvested flowers were rated as marketable or non-marketable based on categories of stem length (18 -inch-long, 13-17.99-inch-long, 8-12.99-inch-long, and

Effects of Photoperiod Treatments on Stock Plants and Cutting Rooting of Callirhoe involucrata James E. Klett and Ronda Koski Colorado State University Department of Horticulture and LA Production of attractive and desirable plants, native to the plains and prairies of central North America, can sometimes be limited due to problems associated with successful rooting of vegetative cuttings. Species that have a long period of bloom can be challenging to vegetatively propagate during the growing season, because sufficient juvenile (vegetatively) growth is necessary for high-quality cuttings. Callirhoe involucrata (winecups) is a native herbaceous perennial with sprawling stems, palmately divided leaves, and dark pink flowers that creates a long lasting, colorful groundcover in landscapes with limited or no supplemental irrigation. Winecups can be difficult to propagate due to seed dormancy and poor rooting of vegetative cuttings. Manipulating the growing conditions of stock plants to suppress reproductive growth may improve rooting success of vegetative cuttings. Based on previous research at Colorado State University with other ornamental perennials and programmed photoperiods, winecups were grown under three programmed photoperiods to determine if a particular photoperiod could be used to suppress reproductive growth and promote vegetative growth. The research was replicated three times, all conducted in a similar fashion, but at different times of the year. Results indicate that plants grown under 10-hour light and 8-hour light photoperiods remained vegetative longer when compared to plants grown under 12-hour photoperiod. Plants grown under 12-hour photoperiods had greater mean ending dry weight when compared to plants grown under 10 hour and 8-hour photoperiods. Cuttings harvested from plants grown under 8-hour photoperiod had higher percent rooting and greater number of roots per cutting when compared to vegetative cuttings harvested from plants grown under 12-hour photoperiod. Based on these research findings, plant propagators may be able to increase production of winecups by growing stock plants under 8-hour photoperiod.

Peperomia mauiensis is an endemic succulent found on the islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Its reddish stems and foliage as well as its small stature make it a potential indoor ornamental plant. To assess consumer acceptance, a public plant giveaway with surveys was conducted. Fifty-six plants in plastic and ceramic pots were distributed to the public with the completion of a survey. A six-month follow up survey was conducted to assess the condition of the plant and obtain consumer feedback. During the plant giveaway, 77% of participants completed the survey. Nearly all respondents are willing to buy the plant and recommend it to friends and co-workers. Thirty percent of respondents are willing to buy the plant for $5 in a ceramic pot and $3 to $5 for a plastic pot. Six months after the giveaway, 39.5% of initial respondents completed the follow-up survey. About half of the respondents (52.9%) reported the plant was growing healthy and vigorous. The majority of the respondents did not fertilize the plant (81.3%) and did not report any pest (94.1%) and disease (88.2%) issues. Most responded that they liked it as a houseplant (88.2%) and it was easy to maintain (82.4%). Most respondents (35.3%) were willing to buy the plant again for $5. Results of the surveys indicate that there is consumer interest in Peperomia mauiensis as a new native indoor plant.

Leucospermum species are temperate climate plants native to South Africa and have restricted production regions in Hawaii limited to elevations of 457 m or higher. This limitation and competition for land has been partially responsible to a decline in Leucospermum production in Hawaii. Agriculture land at lower elevations is more abundant and cheaper, and is an option for growing low elevation tolerant varieties. Breeding programs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa have focused on developing hybrids that will perform to commercial standards for plant growth, yield and quality, and grow at or near sea level. 14 hybrids of Leucospermum were trialed at 152 m elevation on Oahu HI. 10 hybrids exhibited adequate survival and were selected for continued trial. Weahter, plant growth (height and width), flower count, flowering seasonality, and plant health data were collected from 2021-2023. Flower length and quality data, and vase life data were collected in 2024. Average relative humidity was 79%, average monthly rainfall was 3.53 cm, and average temperature was 21.8 C with maximum temperature of 33.4 C and low of 14.2 C. The 10 hybrids all had acceptable fitness at 500’ elevation. Some hybrids showed more fitness than others. Hybrid 602 had the highest overall average health (3.8) and highest total flower count. Hybrids 620 and 626 also showed excellent fitness as well as highest flower counts. While none of the hybrids are considered unfit for production in similar conditions, some did perform less well. Hybrid 88 and Hybrid 633 had the lowest average health at 3.0 followed closely by Hybrids 583 (3.2), 679 (3.3), and 563 (3.3). These varieties also had some of the lowest total flower counts. All of the hybrids in this study are considered potential candidates for release and continued trialing. Future work can include long term trialing of these plants, and trialing at different microclimates across the State.

Sustainability Beliefs and Practices in the United States Floriculture Industry - Amanda Solliday
Hydroponic, Soilless, and Field Produced Cut Flower Bouquets in the Northeast US. - Jacob Schwab
Influence of Varietal Differences and Cutting Lengths on the Rooting Abilities and Growth Performances of Bougainvillea - Olatunde Olosunde
Influence of UV-A Night Interruption Lighting on the Growth of Potted Basil Plants - Seth Benjamin
Evaluating Nighttime Application of Low Intensity LED Light Qualities to Suppress Downy Mildew Caused by Plasmopara obducens on Greenhouse Grown Impatiens - River Dean
Supplemental Day-Extension Lighting Influences Rooted Cutting Growth and Quality of Finished Annual Bedding Plants - Lauren Seltsam
Daily Light Integral Influences Adventitious Rooting of Achillea Cuttings - Garrett Owen

Today’s environmental and social concerns – including climate change and economic inequality – push sustainability to the forefront of many business strategies, from tech companies to grocery retailers to flower farmers. To better understand the scope and limitations of sustainable practices among flower growers, wholesalers, retail florists, and floral suppliers, the research team administered an industry-wide survey. Sections of the survey delve into aspects of floriculture businesses throughout the United States, including scale of operations, current sustainability measures, motivations driving sustainability activities, and barriers preventing sustainable practices. The results indicate strong personal motivations for sustainability measures within floriculture, yet respondents perceived a lack of financial or regulatory incentives to implement such practices. A subset of results for growers are compared to a 2008 survey to assess changes in sustainability practices within domestic flower production over time. Regional variances in perceived access to resources and implementation of sustainability practices will also be discussed. Our study aims to identify key areas where progress has been made or can be made in the industry, including educational efforts and incentives to address the perception of risk when implementing sustainability practices. A subset of results for growers are compared to a 2008 survey to assess changes in sustainability practices over time within domestic flower production. Our study aims to identify key areas where progress has been made or can be made in the industry, including educational efforts to address the perception of risk when implementing sustainability practices and communicating benefits to consumers.

Cut flower production in the Northeastern United States is restricted by a short growing season. This impacts profitability for many growers and reduces the number of flower options available to them. While there is a reduced selection available, it can still be difficult to select which flowers are profitable and high yielding during a short season. For these reasons, field and controlled environment production of a variety of flowers that could be used in bouquets sold at markets or available for events was investigated. An early- and late-season arrangement was designed utilizing six different plants which could be harvested, assembled, and sold as a bouquet. Two synchronized trials occurred in 2024 with one in the field and the other in the greenhouse. The field plants were germinated indoors and transplanted in a full sun location in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The greenhouse plants were grown in three systems which included drip irrigated plants in containers with 4:1 coconut coir: parboiled rice husks, drip irrigated containers filled with rockwool GrowCubes, or hydroponic nutrient film technique. Greenhouse and field plants in both trials were assessed for germination rate and timing; time to flower; flower number, stem length, and subjective quality; and vase life utilizing 3 different floral preservatives. Plants grown in the greenhouse were also compared for adaptability to each growing system. Seeds for the early season bouquet were germinated in April and transplanted into their respective systems in May. Seeds for the late season bouquet were germinated in June and transplanted in July. This information can be used by cut flower growers in the Northeast to potentially extend their season and develop a market for designed “grow-a-bouquet” planting strategies.

Bougainvillea spp. a difficult root ornamental plant does not root easily requiring the need for growth regulators. Moreover, the varieties have high aesthetic values and commercial florist desires. Experiments were conducted at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Nigeria to determine the effect of varietal differences and cutting length on the rooting ability and growth of Bougainvillea plants. The experiment was a completely randomized design replicated three times. The cutting lengths had a significant effect on the number of leaves produced, with the highest leaf production observed for the 15cm cutting lengths in B. glabra variegata and B. glabra white plants, 5cm cuttings however produced the highest number of leaves in B. spectabilis variety. The cutting length also has a significant effect on the heights produced in the three varieties of Bougainvillea plants where 15cm cutting produced the highest plant heights in B. glabra variegata and B. glabra white varieties which were significantly different from those obtained from the 10cm cuttings, However, 5cm cuttings produced the highest plant heights in B. spectabilis. The interaction effect of cutting length and variety was significant (p

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most popular culinary herbs sold in containers, but plants can quickly become tall, leggy, and unmarketable. Chemical plant growth regulators (PGRs) are not labelled for use on herbs, so there is a need for a nonchemical alternative. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) has been shown to be an effective alternative to PGRs on ornamentals, but there are no guidelines for effective use of UVA in potted basil production. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the stage of development plants should be exposed to UVA radiation and the effective duration. Fifteen seeds of either sweet basil cultivars ‘Nufar’ or ‘Genovese’ were sown into 15-cm containers. The containers were placed in a glass-glazed greenhouse at 23 °C and under a 16-h photoperiod (LD) provided by LED supplemental lighting or under a 9-h photoperiod and 6-h night interruption lighting providing 385 nm of UVA radiation at an intensity of 20 µmol∙m–2∙s–1. Seeds were germinated for one week under either LD or UVA and then grown for 3 weeks under 10 treatments. The treatments included: LD entire time, LD 1 week-UV 2 weeks, LD 1.5 Weeks-UV 1.5 Weeks, LD 2 weeks-UV 1 week, LD 1 week-UV 1week-LD 1week, UV entire time, UV 1 week-LD 2 weeks, UV 1.5 weeks-LD 1.5 weeks, UV 2 weeks-LD 1 week, and UV 1 week-LD 1week- UV 1 week. Both cultivars responded differently to UVA radiation. Generally, plants grown under UVA from germination to harvest were the most compact. For example, ‘Genovese’ under UV entire time were 3.6 cm shorter than plants under LD entire. However, the chlorophyll content and dry mass of ‘Genovese’ were reduced by 33 and 53%, respectively, when exposed to UV entire compared to plants under LD entire. Additionally, if the treatment a plant ended under was LD, the chlorophyll content was generally higher than those ending under UV. Therefore, the most compact and green potted basil ‘Nufar’ and ‘Genovese’ were those grown under UV 2 weeks-LD 1 week.

Downy mildew (DM) of impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), caused by the oomycete, Plasmopara obducens, results in chlorosis, defoliation, and significant crop losses. Current management includes fungicides and genetic resistance. We applied photoperiodic light quality treatments to ‘Accent Premium White’ impatiens from seed sowing until flowering to limit DM and enhance plant quality. Seeds were sown in a greenhouse with a day and night greenhouse air temperature set point of 23 °C and a target daily light integral of 12 mol·m–2·d–1. A truncated 9-h short-day (SD) photoperiod was achieved by opening and closing opaque black cloth over individual greenhouse benches. Supplemental light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures provided 120 µmol·m–2·s–1 at plant height. Each bench was randomly assigned to one of nine discreet photoperiod treatments: 9-h SD (control) or 9-h SD extended by continuous 7-h LED fixtures emitting blue (405 nm), blue (445 nm), green (525 nm), red (660 nm), far-red (730 nm), white fixtures provided 100-nm waveband ratio (%) of 18:38:41:3 blue:green:red:far-red radiation, a screw-in LED flowering lamps provided 100-nm waveband ratio (%) of 7.6:15:72.4:5. Additionally, 6-h intermittent (1900 to 2200 HR and 0300 to 0600 HR) LED fixtures emitting ultraviolet-A (385 nm) were assigned to one bench. The total photon flux density was adjusted to 20 µmol·m–2·s–1 at plant height under black out curtains for each treatment. Impatiens were inoculated 70 days post sowing with a P. obducens sporangial suspension (2.6 to 3 x 105 sporangia·mL–1) until runoff on the abaxial side of the leaves. Afterwards, each plant was placed in a clear plastic bag containing 300 mL of Hoagland Solution (50%) and returned to its respective treatment. After 9-10 days post inoculation, the ratio of diseased leaves to the total leaf number was determined. In the initial experimental trial, control plants exposed to a 9-h SD treatment displayed an average disease incidence of 72.7%, while other treatment groups ranged from 30.6 to 98.3%. In the subsequent trial, control plants exposed to the same 9-hr SD treatment showed an average disease incidence of 42.6%, while other treatment groups ranged from 0 to 59.5%.

Floriculture makes up the largest sector of ornamental horticulture production, valued at $6.7 billion and dominated by the production of annual bedding-plants. Production is timed to meet spring market dates, starting during a time of year when ambient outdoor temperatures and daily light integrals are below optimal for high-quality plant production. As a result, heating and supplemental lighting can represent a significant operational and energy cost for producers. Yet, producers and investors of the industry have acknowledged an inability to evaluate their resource use due to a lack of industry-wide benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPIs). Past research has compiled energy and water data from controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and, for floriculture, investigated the potential of energy-efficient production strategies and used life cycle assessments (LCAs) to evaluate the environmental impact of the products produced. However, CEA focuses on food production and both the compiled CEA data and the LCAs are largely based off modeled data. Therefore, this research will validate models utilized in LCAs and carbon footprint studies with experimental data, giving producers additional benchmarks and KPIs to evaluate their operational resource-use efficiency. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the use of supplemental day-extension lighting (SDEL) from two different fixtures [(light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and high-pressure sodium (HPS)] during unrooted cutting (URC) propagation of five annual bedding plants and (2) to quantify the greenhouse energy and water consumption. Unrooted cuttings were received from a commercial propagator and stuck in a 105- (calibrachoa, coleus, impatiens, and petunia) or 72- (geranium) propagation tray filled with a pre-moistened soilless propagation substrate and placed under oner of three SDEL treatments on root-zone heating set to 23℃. Each treatment consisted of a propagation tent for callusing and an adjacent rooting environment. Until adventitious root formation, cuttings were misted with clear water, and then were removed from the propagation tent where they were irrigated daily with 150 mg·L–1 nitrogen provided by 15-5-15 water-soluble fertilizer (JR Peters, Inc.; Allentown, PA). After 21 days, data were collected on rooted cuttings. As expected, the energy-use of HPS-lamps exceed that of the LEDs. However, cutting stem-length and stem and leaf dry mass were decreased under SDEL, resulting in liners that were more compact, uniform, and of higher quality than those propagated under ambient conditions. An opposite trend was observed for root dry mass. This indicates that SDEL is a critical tool when utilized for bedding-plant propagation.

Rooting of herbaceous perennial cuttings occurs year-round in greenhouses under photosynthetic daily light integrals (DLIs) ranging from ≈1–20 mol·m–2·d–1. The effects of DLI on rooting and cutting growth have not been quantified for many vegetatively propagated herbaceous perennials. As such, our objectives were to determine the effects of DLI on adventitious rooting and cutting quality of a popular herbaceous perennial, yarrow (Achillea sp.). Unrooted cuttings of yarrow (Achillea millefolium ‘Apricot Delight’) were received from a commercial cutting supplier and callused in a glass-glazed greenhouse for 5 d under ≈3.6 mol·m–2·d–1 at 24 °C root-zone and air temperatures. Upon callusing, cuttings were transferred to a rooting environment with 21 °C air temperature and 24 °C root-zone temperature set points. Cuttings were rooted under one of four different fixed-woven shadecloth providing ≈86%, 62%, or 26% shade or no shade (0%) thereby establishing mean DLIs ranging from 1.6 to 15.2 mol∙m‒2∙d‒1. Cutting growth and biomass accumulation evaluations were made 8, 11, and 14 d after transfer. In general, yarrow stem caliper, stem length, and leaf number were unaffected by increasing DLI; however, leaf, stem, root, and total biomass accumulation increased with increasing DLI though to different magnitudes. For example, as DLI increased from 1.6 to 15.2 mol∙m‒2∙d‒1, leaf, stem, root, and total biomass accumulation increased by 84%, 85%, 458%, and 93% at 8 days after transfer to 98%, 110%, 893%, and 128% at 14 days after transfer, respectively. When taken together, DLI should be properly managed to hasten and improve rooting and growth of yarrow cuttings during adventitious root development.

Multiple Foliar Applications of Ethephon for Growth Control of Lantana Camara - Lark Wuetcher
Ethephon Substrate Drenches Control Growth of Containerized Annual Bedding Plants and Herbaceous Perennials - William Rich
Microbial Communities in the Vertical Profile of a Container Substrate - Silvia Valles Ramirez
Moisture Content Effects Microbial Activity in Substrates Derived from Five Different Hammermilled Wood Species Over the Course of Greenhouse Petunia Production - Amanda Mizell
Stratification significantly reduces the phytotoxic effects of fresh hardwood - Andre Truter
The Use of Machine Learning to Develop Refined Foliar Tissue Analysis Standards and Diagnostic Tools for for Petunia - Patrick Veazie
Increasing the Nighttime Lighting Duration Can Hasten Flowering of Long-day Plants -Qingwu Meng
Extended Storage of Cut Flowers Using Sub-zero Temperature - John Dole

Lantana (Lantana camara) is a popular annual bedding plant among consumers because it is heat tolerant and attracts pollinators with its vibrant and often multi-colored flowers. Greenhouse growers commonly apply plant growth regulators (PGRs) to control lantana growth and produce a compact, well-branched, and flower. Introduction of new lantana cultivars instigates review of previously known PGR recommendations. As such, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of multiple foliar spray applications of ethephon [(2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid] to control growth and stimulate branching of lantana ‘Bandana Red’. Unrooted cuttings of lantana were received from a commercial propagator and stuck into 105-cell plug trays (30-mL individual cell) filled with a propagation mix. Cuttings were propagated for 35 d under 23 °C air temperature, 24 °C root-zone heating, and a daily light integral of 12 mol·m–2·s–1. Rooted liners were transplanted into individual containers (11.4-cm; 600 mL) filled with a commercial peat-based substrate. Beginning 7 d after transplant, eight single-plant replicants received 1 to 3 foliar spray applications on a weekly basis containing 0 (control; deionized water), 250, 500 or 750 mg·L–1 ethephon. Plants were grown in a glass-glazed greenhouse at 20 °C under ambient daylight supplemented with a photosynthetic photon flux density of ≈125 µmol·m–2·s–1 delivered from LED arrays from 0600 to 2200 HR (16-h photoperiod) to achieve a daily light integral of 12 mol·m–2·d–1. At 42 d after transplant, plants were destructively harvested, and data collected. In general, multiple foliar spray applications with increasing ethephon concentrations affected lantana plant height, diameter, branch number, and shoot dry weight to different magnitudes. For example, lantana plant height was suppressed by 21% to 39% (12.7 to 9.7 cm) from 250 to 750 mg·L–1 ethephon, respectively, compared to untreated plants and were more compact as applications increased. Plant diameter decreased by 13% to 19% (25.5 to 23.7cm) compared to untreated plants as concentration increased from 250 to 750 mg·L–1, respectively, and as spray applications increased. A similar trend was observed for branch number and shoot dry weight. Overall, multiple foliar spray applications of 250 to 750 mg·L–1 ethephon can control the growth of lantana ‘Bandana Red’; however, growers will need to conduct in-house trials to evaluate the level of control desired. Further studies investigating the effects of multiple foliar spray applications with increasing concentrations of ethephon on additional lantana cultivars are warranted.

Containerized annual bedding plants and herbaceous perennials account for 57% of the 2020 U.S. floriculture market with a reported combined wholesale value of $3.2 billion. To produce high-quality, compact containerized ornamental plants, foliar spray applications and substrate drenches of plant growth regulators (PGRs) are often utilized. Ethephon [(2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid] is a common PGR used to control growth, stimulate branching, and manipulate flowering, but is only labelled for foliar applications. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the response of 35 floriculture species drenched with increasing concentrations of ethephon. Annual bedding plants and herbaceous perennials were received as unrooted cuttings and propagated at 23°C under 10 mol·m–2·s–1 for 21 or 28 d, respectively. Plants were transplanted into containers filled with a soilless substrate and grown in a glass-glazed greenhouse at 20°C under 14 mol·m–2·d–1. At 10 d after transplant, eight single-plant replicates received a substrate drench of 296-mL aliquots of solution containing 0 (control; deionized water), 25, 50, 75, 100, or 200 mg·L–1 ethephon for annuals or 0, 125, 250, 500, 750, or 1,000 mg·L–1 ethephon for herbaceous perennials. Plant growth metrics including height, diameter, shoot and root dry weight were determined 6 weeks after transplant. Time to flower was determined for select species by recording the date of anthesis for each plant. In general, plant height of annual bedding plants and herbaceous perennials were suppressed and shoot and root dry weight reduced as concentrations of ethephon increased. For example, petunia (Petunia × hybrida ‘Flame Red’) drenched with 200 mg·L–1 was ≈40% (5.8 cm) shorter than untreated plants. Similarly, in dahlia (Dahlia × hybrida ‘Dark Red’) height and diameter were decreased by 50% (15.4 cm) and 30% (12.4 cm), respectively as concentrations increased from 0 to 200 mg·L–1. In digiplexis (Digiplexis × hybrida), substrate drenches increasing from 0 to 1,000 mg·L–1 ethephon reduced shoot dry mass by ≈55% (17.1 g). Root dry weight of catmint (Nepeta faassenii) was reduced by 35% (1.54 g) as concentrations increased from 0 to 1,000 mg·L–1. Time to flower was unaffected at all concentrations of the species selected. These growth and development trends were reflected in most of the species evaluated. As such, this research demonstrates that ethephon, if labelled for substrate drenches, provides adequate growth control of floriculture crops.

A moisture gradient exists in containers filled with soilless substrates where the substrate is wetter at the bottom of the container and becomes drier towards the top of the container. This moisture gradient affects other substrate chemical properties and therefore may affect biological properties including the microbial communities present. Microbial communities in soilless substrates have only recently been studied and little is known about their uniformity throughout the container. This research aimed to evaluate how the bacterial and fungal portions of the microbial community may change along the vertical profile of a container substrate. A substrate was mixed that consisted of manure compost, peat moss, and perlite (20:65:15 v/v) and planted with a single sunflower seedling. After 0, 3, and 6 weeks in a greenhouse environment, samples of soilless substrate from the top, middle, and bottom of the container (approx. 4.3 cm depth for each layer) were collected for DNA extraction. Bacterial and fungal communities were characterized by sequencing PCR amplified 16s rRNA genes and ITS regions, respectively. We found that the phyla Pseudomonadota, Bacteriodota, and Ascomycota were present throughout the container profile in all three layers. However, bacterial genera Paucibacter, Pseudomonas, and Iodophanus, and fungal genera Cercophora and Mortierella differed in abundance within each layer. Pseudomonas tolerant to negative abiotic factors were greater in the bottom layer after 6 weeks. Likewise, Coprinellus , responsible for lignin and cellulose degradation, was also present only in the bottom layer. The diversity of bacterial communities differed between layers, with the greatest in the middle and the lowest in the top layer. The percentages of all bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) that were shared among the three layers at 3 and 6 weeks were only 16% and 28%, respectively. The diversity of fungal communities was less affected by layer and time, but the percentages of shared fungal ASVs among layers were still only 27% and 28% at 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. In consequence, it is necessary to consider sampling technique and location when collecting a DNA sample from a container substrate.

Recently, the limited availability of Sphagnum peat moss due to poor weather conditions impacting harvests, and additional scrutiny from media and public outlooks has brought up serious questions about the long-term security of peat use in the horticulture industry. The search for alternative amendments began decades ago, with several products being evaluated over the years. Many have been found suitable for niche production settings, with few seeming to fit the industry somewhat ubiquitously. Of these, wood fiber is seemingly the most promising as it is a renewable resource that is available globally. Wood fiber amendments have been trialed extensively with industry emerging and scaling internationally. Wood can be processed to support many different applications in horticulture, giving it more robust qualities than other top components. There are some disadvantages to wood usage, namely, nitrogen immobilization. Wood contains large amounts of easily degradable carbon. Therefore, microorganisms will consume this carbon for energy by utilizing plant available nitrogen causing plant nutrient deficiencies. Microbial community activity is heavily influenced by moisture. Considering this, a study was developed to observe how the microbial activity of different hammermilled wood tree species may be influenced by moisture content in a greenhouse crop production cycle. Five tree species (Abies concolor, Calocedrus decurrens, Pinus lambertiana, Pinus ponderosa, and Pseudotsuga menziesii) were harvested in California and hammermilled. The wood particles were blended with a commercial peat-based substrate at 30% (by vol.). Supertunia ‘Honey’ plugs were planted in each of the substrate blends and grown on a greenhouse bench for 75 days. The crops were held at 25% and 35% volumetric water content using cantilever-style lysimeters and fertigated with water-soluble fertilizer, weekly. Crop growth and performance was assessed throughout production. Substrate CO2 was assessed pre- and post- production to assess microbial activity. The results will help assess the potential of utilizing differing tree species for wood fiber, and understand any adjustments that will be necessary to production practices.

With a global increased demand for growing substrates and specifically wood alternative substrates, methods are being tested to better understand wood as a product and how to incorporate wood into growing medium substrates. This study investigated the use of fresh whole-tree loblolly pine and whole-tree hardwood in horticultural greenhouse settings, focusing on how varying wood blend compositions and levels of stratification affect plant growth. Analysis revealed that increasing hardwood percentage in blends led to decreased plant growth, while stratification reduced differences among blends. Notably, at lower stratification levels, plant growth resembled that of the control treatment. Statistical tests confirmed these trends, highlighting the significant impact of wood blend composition on plant dry weight. Findings suggest that while hardwood incorporation decreases growth, stratification can mitigate differences among blends, allowing for the incorporation of untreated wood material. These results offer insights for optimizing wood blend usage in greenhouse cultivation, providing sustainable solutions for horticultural practices. Key Words: Hardwood, Stratification, Phytotoxicity, Wood Blends, Plant Growth.

Foliar tissue analysis is utilized to diagnose a crop's nutrient status. For most floriculture crops a survey approach of a small population of plants (n= <25) of healthy appearing plants are used to establish sufficient nutrient standards. While this historical approach offers a baseline for the wide variety of floriculture crops there is a need for scientifically based ranges similar to those available in agronomic crops. For fast-maturing crops, utilizing foliar tissue analysis and correctly interpreting the results is critical in making fertility adjustments when problems arise. Foliar tissue analysis results of petunia (Petunia hybrida) were compiled from a variety of diagnostic and research institutions to account for variations of growing environments and classified into five ranges (deficient, low, sufficient, high, and excessive). To aid in foliar tissue analysis interpretation machine learning models were evaluated for accurate percent correct classification (PCC) into the sample's respective nutrient classification. Four separate machine learning algorithms were performed to analyze the data set including sequential minimal optimization (SMO) of support vector machines (SVMs) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network (ANN), and two decision tree models J48 and Random Forest (RF). Machine learning algorithms were compared to identify significant model nutrients based on a complete foliar tissue analysis report of 11 elements for the observations. The performance of both machine learning algorithms SMO and MLP were determined using PCC and during the cross-validation. By evaluating the foliar tissue concentration dataset of multiple species by 10-fold and 66% split cross-validations, the incorporation of five elements of ranked based on Shannon Entropy (Information Gain) was able to correctly classify tissue concentrations into one of five foliar nutrient classifications greater than traditional statistics. This information provides additional insight as to how examining nutrient relationships can assist in identifying fertility problems and classifying nutrient ranges.

Low-intensity (≈ 2 μmol·m−2·s−1) photoperiodic lighting is often delivered at night to promote flowering of long-day greenhouse ornamentals when natural days are short. Adding sufficient far-red (FR) light to red (R) light is necessary for the most rapid flowering in some crops, including snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) and petunia (Petunia × hybrida). Specialty light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that include R FR light are effective at floral promotion but cost-prohibitive, whereas common warm-white (WW) LEDs lack sufficient FR light and can delay flowering. Because the duration to saturate flowering is longer than currently used (e.g., 4–8 hours) for some long-day plants, we conducted a replicated greenhouse experiment to determine how the WW or R FR LED lighting duration influenced flowering. We grew snapdragon ‘Liberty Classic Yellow’, petunia ‘Easy Wave Burgundy Star’, and petunia ‘Wave Purple Improved’ under truncated 8-hour natural short days with or without WW or R FR (1:1) LEDs operating for 0, 4, 8, 12, or 16 hours in the middle of each night throughout the experiment. Snapdragon flowered 13–16 days earlier under R FR LEDs than under WW LEDs regardless of the lighting duration. Increasing the lighting duration from 0 to 16 hours decreased flowering time by up to 16 days and decreased plant height and leaf number at flowering under R FR LEDs, but not under WW LEDs. For petunia ‘Easy Wave Burgundy Star’, although WW LEDs delayed flowering by 6–13 days but promoted lateral branching compared to R FR LEDs, the gap in flowering time narrowed as the lighting duration increased from 4 to 16 hours. Increasing the lighting duration improved the efficacy of WW LEDs, but not R FR LEDs. Flowering of petunia ‘Wave Purple Improved’ was unaffected as the lighting duration increased from 4 to 16 hours regardless of the lamp type and was delayed by 6–10 days under WW LEDs than under R FR LEDs. For both petunia cultivars, flowering time was similar under 16-hour WW LEDs and 4-hour R FR LEDs. In conclusion, increasing the nighttime lighting duration increased the efficacy of WW LEDs at promoting flowering of petunia and increased the efficacy of R FR LED lamps at promoting flowering of snapdragon. Delivering WW LEDs all night long can minimize flowering delay in petunia compared to R FR LEDs. In contrast, sufficient FR light was indispensable to promote flowering of snapdragon, for which WW LEDs were ineffective.

The cut flower industry needs postharvest techniques that allow for extended storage of fresh cut flowers to meet consumer demands. We evaluated the use of sub-zero storage temperature (-0.6 °C) to maintain viable flowers with improved or comparable vase life to flowers stored at the industry standard (4 °C) without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. The vase life of 17 commercially important cut flower species: alstroemeria, anemone, campanula, carnation, chrysanthemum, delphinium, freesia, gerbera, gypsophila, larkspur, lily, lisianthus, ranunculus, rose, stock, sunflower, and tuberose, when stored dry at -0.6 °C for durations of 4, 8, and 12 weeks was comparable to or longer than when stored at 4 °C. Tuberose stems were not viable after holding for any storage duration or temperature. Stems of carnation benefited from an 8-hour pre-storage pulse with a hydrating solution and maintained a similar vase life to non-stored control stems when stored for 4 weeks at -0.6 °C. Conversely, rose stems only maintained similar vase life to non-stored control stems when held at 4 °C for all pre-storage pulsing solutions (water, hydration or holding solution). Vase life of lily and chrysanthemum declined for all pre-storage pulsing solutions and stems only remained viable after 8 weeks storage when held at -0.6 °C. Additionally, stored chrysanthemum and lily stems had a longer vase life when stored at -0.6 °C than when held at 4 °C after 4- and 8-weeks storage, respectively, for all pre-storage pulsing solutions. Experiment 3 further evaluated carnation, lily, and rose stems with and without a pre-storage acclimation period at 4 °C for either 24 hours or 1 week prior to extended storage durations of 4, 6, or 8 weeks. Holding stems at 4 °C for 1 week prior to extended storage reduced vase life of all species. Rose stems remained viable after 8 weeks of extended storage when held at -0.6 °C, but only when no pre-storage hold was used. Lily and rose stems were not viable beyond 4-week storage durations when held at 4 °C, but remained viable with no pre-storage holding period after 8 weeks at -0.6 °C. Carnation stems maintained longer vase life irrespective of a pre-storage holding period when stored at -0.6 °C. Through this work we show that that many species of cut flower may be held at sub-zero temperature with improved or comparable vase life to the industry standard of 4 °C.