Root restriction effects on growth and development of salvia (Salvia splendens).

摘要

The effects of different container sizes on the growth and development of S. splendens cv. Top Burgundy were quantified. Plants were grown in a greenhouse in 7.3-, 55-, 166- and 510-ml containers for use as bedding plants. Container volume affectedplant growth as early as 18 days after containerizing. Growth was positively correlated with pot size and differences increased throughout most of the growing period. Growth of the plants in the 7.3-ml cells was reduced because of a low net assimilationrate (4.34 g/m2 daily) compared with plants in the larger containers (5.44 g/m2 daily). Plants in 510-ml containers grew faster than those in 55- and 166-ml containers because of a higher leaf area ratio. Both lateral branching and leaf expansion were suppressed by root restriction, and flowering was delayed. The growth rate of plants in 166-ml pots declined after the onset of flowering, and final plant size was similar in plants in 55- and 166-ml pots. Although water deficit stress or nutrient deficiencies were not excluded as contributing factors, these were probably not the main reason for observed differences.