Norwegian Journal of Agricultural Sciences : effect of lighting of Calceolaria x herbeohybrida Voss in the flowering phase on leaf injury

Abstract

Chillled plants of different cultivars were grown in peat media with different fertilizer levels, and exposed to different kinds of illumination, lighting periods and temperature regime in the flowering period. Use of a culture programme which included supplementary irradiance caused leaf injury. Increased use of light promoted the development of leaf scorce symptoms, discoloration of the leaves and the development of flowers. It was found that a shorter phase between start of lighting and the saleable stage results in a relative reduction in leaf damage. The experiment indicates that a low fertilizer status is preferable at the beginning of the lighting period, but a supply of nutrients throughout the flowering phase is of significance.