scholarly journals Night-Interrupted Lighting Accelerates Flowering of Herbaceous Perennials Under Nursery Conditions in the Southern United States

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Gary J. Keever ◽  
J. Raymond Kessler ◽  
James C. Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Plant Quality ◽  
Southern United States ◽  
Herbaceous Perennials ◽  
Natural Photoperiod ◽  
Quality Rating ◽  
Second Year ◽  
One Year ◽  
Photoperiod Control

Abstract Night-interrupted lighting (NIL) outdoors in a southern nursery setting was evaluated as a system for accelerated production of herbaceous perennials requiring long days to flower. Treatments were NIL beginning February 1, February 15, March 1, or March 15, and a natural photoperiod control. Compared to plants under the natural photoperiod and depending upon initiation of NIL treatment and year, NIL accelerated and increased flowering of ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata L. ‘Moonbeam’) 7 to 36 days and 20 to 244%, ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet. ‘Early Sunrise’) 3 to 20 days and 26 to 64%, ‘Sunray’ coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet. ‘Sunray’) 6 to 13 days and 21 to 44%, ‘Autumn Joy’ stonecrop (Sedum x ‘Autumn Joy’) 26 to 57 days and 200 to 300%, and ‘Blue Queen’ salvia (Salvia x superba Stapf ‘Blue Queen’) 7 to 12 days and 56 to 83%. Flowering of ‘Red Beauty’ obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana (L.) Benth. ‘Red Beauty) was accelerated 20 to 54 days; however, inflorescence counts decreased 38 to 46% in one year and was not affected by treatments in the second year. Plants of all cultivars, except ‘Autumn Joy’ sedum and ‘Red Beauty’ obedient plant, were taller when exposed to NIL than when grown under the natural photoperiod, however plant quality rating of all cultivars was as high or higher under NIL.

scholarly journals Accelerated Flowering of Herbaceous Perennials Under Nursery Conditions in the Southern United States

2001 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 140-144
Author(s):  
Gary J. Keever ◽  
J. Raymond Kessler ◽  
James C. Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Plant Quality ◽  
Southern United States ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Flower Bud ◽  
Herbaceous Perennials ◽  
Natural Photoperiod

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the effects of night-interrupted (NI) lighting initiated at different times in late winter on several herbaceous perennials produced outdoors in a southern nursery setting. Treatments were NI lighting beginning February 1, February 15, March 1, March 15, and a natural photoperiod. NI lighting accelerated flowering in ‘Goldsturm’ coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida Ait. ‘Goldsturm’) 26–46 days in 1999 and 51–75 days in 2000, and in ‘Coronation Gold’ yarrow (Achillea x ‘Coronation Gold’) 2–9 days in 1999 and 2–11 days in 2000. Flower and flower bud counts increased 82–100% in ‘Coronation Gold’ achillea in 1999, 44–51% in ‘Butterfly Blue’ scabious (Scabiosa columbaria L. ‘Butterfly Blue’) and 100–151% in ‘Alaska’ shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum Bergmans ex. J. Ingram ‘Alaska’) compared to counts of plants under natural photoperiod. With few exceptions, plant height increased under all NI lighting treatments, but in only ‘Goldsturm’ coneflower did it reduce plant quality. Clump verbena (Verbena canadensis L.) was minimally affected by NI lighting, and speedwell (Veronica spicata L. ‘Sunny Border Blue’) was not affected at all.

scholarly journals Growth Retardant Use on Herbaceous Perennials Grown Under Night-Interrupted Lighting Outdoors in the Southern United States

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-102
Author(s):  
Gary J. Keever ◽  
J. Raymond Kessler ◽  
James C. Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Stem Elongation ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Southern United States ◽  
Growth Retardants ◽  
Flower Bud ◽  
Herbaceous Perennials ◽  
Natural Photoperiod ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One

Abstract A study was conducted in 2002 and 2003 to determine if growth retardants could be used to suppress stem elongation of ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata L. ‘Moonbeam’) and ‘Goldsturm’ coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida Aiton ‘Goldsturm’) when grown outdoors under nursery conditions in the southern United States without negating the benefits of earlier flowering from night-interrupted lighting (NIL). Night-interrupted lighting accelerated flowering of both cultivars without adversely affecting flower and flower bud counts or plant quality. However, plants grown under NIL generally were taller than plants grown under natural photoperiod (NP). When several PGRs [Cutless, B-Nine, B-Nine/Cycocel, Bonzi (2002 only), and Sumagic (2003 only)] were applied to plants under NIL, results varied with PGR type and concentration and year. Height of ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis was effectively suppressed by 5000 or 7500 ppm B-Nine + 1500 ppm Cycocel in both years of the study and with 40 or 60 ppm Sumagic in the one year it was tested. Higher concentrations of Cutless and B-Nine suppressed height growth in 1 of 2 years, while Bonzi was ineffective. None of the PGR types or concentrations suppressed height growth of ‘Goldsturm’ coneflower to the level of the NP control in 2002. However, in 2003 when an additional application of Cutless and B-Nine were made, and Bonzi was replaced with Sumagic, applications of Cutless, B-Nine, B-Nine/Cycocel, and Sumagic all resulted in heights similar to or less than that of plants under NP with minimal effects on time to flower or flower and flower bud counts.

scholarly journals End-of-Day Lighting Effects on Herbaceous Perennials Grown Under Night Interrupted Lighting Outdoors in the Southern United States

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Gary J. Keever ◽  
J. Raymond Kessler ◽  
James C. Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
Stem Elongation ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Shoot Length ◽  
Southern United States ◽  
Flower Number ◽  
Herbaceous Perennials ◽  
Natural Photoperiod ◽  
Quality Rating ◽  
Almost All

A study was conducted in 2004 to determine if end-of-day lighting (EOD) alone or in combination with night-interrupted lighting (NIL) could be used to suppress stem elongation of ‘Goldsturm’ coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida Aiton ‘Goldsturm’), ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata L. ‘Moonbeam’) and ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet. ‘Early Sunrise’) when grown outdoors under nursery conditions in the southern U.S. without negating the benefits of earlier flowering from NIL. End-of-day lighting, NIL, and the combination of the two treatments accelerated time to flowering of all three cultivars compared to that of plants under a natural photoperiod (NP); however, rudbeckia flowered quicker when exposed to NIL or NIL + EOD than when grown under EOD only. Height of rudbeckia grown under EOD or NIL was greater than that of plants grown under NP, whereas ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis exposed to EOD, NIL or EOD + NIL were similar in height and taller than plants grown under NP. Height of ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis was minimally affected by treatments, except that plants under EOD were shorter than those under EOD + NIL. Growth index, flower number, shoot length and quality rating were similar in almost all cases for plants of the three cultivars when grown under EOD lighting, NIL, or EOD + NIL. These results indicate EOD was ineffective in suppressing height growth and provided no benefit, either alone or in combination with NIL, over NIL alone in the accelerated production of these cultivars outdoors under nursery conditions.

scholarly journals Limited Inductive Photoperiod Affects Herbaceous Perennials Grown Under Nursery Conditions in the Southern United States

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 191-196
Author(s):  
Gary J. Keever ◽  
J. Raymond Kessler ◽  
James C. Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Stem Elongation ◽  
Southern United States ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Herbaceous Perennials ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Natural Photoperiod ◽  
Inductive Photoperiod

Abstract A study was conducted to determine if limited inductive photoperiod (LIP) initiated in late winter could be used to control stem elongation in ‘Goldsturm’ coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’), ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’), or ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora ‘Early Sunrise’), grown outdoors under nursery conditions in the southern United States, without negating the benefits of earlier flowering from night-interrupted lighting (NIL). Treatments were NIL beginning on February 1 and ending on February 15, March 1, March 15, or April 1,2002, plus a natural photoperiod (NP) treatment. The experiment was repeated in 2003 with the inclusion of an additional NIL treatment ending on April 15. LIPs of at least 15 to 30 days, 30 to 45 days, and 30 to 45 days promoted earlier flowering of ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis, ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis, and ‘Goldsturm’ coneflower, respectively. Flower counts and quality ratings of the three cultivars that received LIPs were similar to or higher than those of plants under a NP, except for a reduction in flowering and quality ratings of ‘Goldsturm’ coneflower exposed to LIPs ending on March 1 and March 15, 2002, and on March 1, 2003, and later. LIP effects on plant height were mixed, although there was at least one duration of LIP that resulted in earlier flowering of the three cultivars and plants similar to or shorter than plants under a NP.

scholarly journals Bulking Duration Affects Growth and Flowering of Herbaceous Perennials Grown Under Nursery Conditions and Forced Into Flower Under Night-Interrupted Lighting Outdoors in the Southern United States

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-26
Author(s):  
Gary J. Keever ◽  
J. Raymond Kessler ◽  
James C. Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Similar Pattern ◽  
Southern United States ◽  
Flower Bud ◽  
Start Date ◽  
Herbaceous Perennials ◽  
Flower Plant ◽  
Natural Photoperiod ◽  
Start Dates

The effects of bulking duration on growth and flowering of ‘Goldsturm’ black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida Ait. ‘Goldsturm’) and ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata L. ‘Moonbeam’) forced into flower under nursery conditions were evaluated as part of a system for the accelerated production of herbaceous perennials requiring long days to flower. Bulking duration treatments were established by a factorialization of potting date (September 24, October 13, December 2, and December 14, 2009) and night-interrupted lighting (NIL) start date (February 1, February 22, and March 15, 2010). Leaf counts of black-eyed Susan at the beginning of NIL increased linearly with progressively longer bulking durations based on potting date and NIL start date, although the effect was more pronounced when compared across potting dates. Based on leaf counts, black-eyed Susan potted in December were still in the juvenile phase when NIL was begun on February 1, 2010. Stem counts of black-eyed Susan at first flower followed a similar pattern as leaf counts. Black-eyed Susan given NIL flowered 40 to 59 days before plants under natural photoperiod (NP). Flower plus flower bud counts of black-eyed Susan at first flower increased linearly with increasing bulking duration based on potting date: by 325, 268, and 243% when NIL was begun on February 1, February 22, and March 15, respectively. Flower counts also increased linearly approximately 46% with increasing bulking duration based on NIL start dates, but only when plants were potted in December. At first flower, plant height of black-eyed Susan given NIL increased linearly as bulking duration increased based on potting date, but did not differ when trended across the NIL start dates. Days to flower of coreopsis decreased with increasing bulking duration, while stem counts increased with bulking duration, and the number of marketable plants was greater when plants were repotted on the three earliest dates compared to those bulked the shortest duration. Effects of bulking duration on flower plus flower bud counts and height of coreopsis were inconsistent.

scholarly journals Herbaceous Perennial Trials in Central Alabama, 1996-97

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 222-228
Author(s):  
J. Raymond Kessler ◽  
Jeff L. Sibley ◽  
Bridget K. Behe ◽  
Darby M. Quinn ◽  
James S. Bannon
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Southeastern United States ◽  
Performance Comparison ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
First Year ◽  
Performance Information ◽  
Herbaceous Perennials ◽  
Information Reliability ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Herbaceous Perennial

Fifty-seven herbaceous perennials were evaluated from July 1996 to October 1997 in USDA Hardiness Zone 8. Plants in this study generally performed better the first year after planting than the second year. Several selections did not reemerge the second year, though some natural reseeding occurred. Still other selections never fully recovered from the winter months or succumbed to stress in the summer. Plants that maintained an attractive foliage display while not in bloom and plants that had a high bloom rating during the bloom season are worth incorporating into a full sun perennial or mixed border in the southeastern United States. Performance of perennials in the landscape may vary from year to year as climatic conditions affect performance. Comparison of results from variety trials at other locations should help increase performance information reliability for perennial selection.

scholarly journals Response of Herbaceous Perennials to Growth Retardants Applied at Different Developmental Stages when Grown Under Night-Interrupted Lighting Outdoors in the Southern United States

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-108
Author(s):  
Gary J. Keever ◽  
J. Raymond Kessler ◽  
James C. Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Shoot Elongation ◽  
Southern United States ◽  
Minimal Effect ◽  
Growth Retardants ◽  
Herbaceous Perennials ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Plant Growth Retardants

A study was conducted in 2004 and 2005 to determine how ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet. ‘Early Sunrise’), ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata L. ‘Moonbeam’) and ‘Goldsturm’ rudbeckia (Rudbeckia fulgida Aiton ‘Goldsturm’) responded to two plant growth retardants applied at three stages of plant development (SOD) when plants were exposed to night-interrupted lighting (NIL) while grown outdoors under nursery conditions in the southern United States. With few exceptions, height of all species was suppressed by 2 weeks after first treatment (WAT) compared to NIL only, regardless of whether 5000 ppm B-Nine or 20 ppm Sumagic was applied at the beginning of a period of rapid shoot elongation (SOD 2) or 2 weeks prior to (SOD 1) or following this stage (SOD 3), and continued throughout the plants’ vegetative phase, although the level of suppression varied with SOD and PGR. Applying either PGR at SOD 2, when rapid shoot elongation first began, was most effective in suppressing vegetative height of ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis and ‘Goldsturm’ rudbeckia, whereas vegetative height suppression of ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis was not affected by SOD when Sumagic was applied, but suppression was greatest when B-Nine was applied at SOD 1, two weeks before rapid shoot elongation began. ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis and ‘Goldsturm’ rudbeckia were shortest at first flower when PGRs were applied at SOD 2 and SOD 3, respectively, but plant height of ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis at first flower was not affected by SOD. Where differences in height suppression occurred at first flower, B-Nine was more effective than Sumagic. Plant SOD when PGRs were applied had no effect on flowering or plant quality of ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis and minimal effect on ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis or ‘Goldsturm’ rudbeckia.

Cyclanilide Spray Increases Branching in Containerized Whip Production

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 221-228
Author(s):  
Petra Sternberg ◽  
Daniel K. Struve
Keyword(s):  
Shoot Elongation ◽  
Major Goal ◽  
Mature Tree ◽  
Lateral Branching ◽  
Reduced Height ◽  
Second Year ◽  
One Year ◽  
Tree Quality ◽  
Tree Pruning ◽  
Number Of Branches

Abstract A major goal in the production of tree whips is to produce appropriately sized, well-branched liners with a crown form similar to that of a mature tree. Pruning is used to induce lateral branching. This can result in poor tree quality, reduced growth and the practice is labor intensive. An alternative to mechanical pruning, foliar Cyclanilide® (CYC) sprays at 0, 56, 1 12 and 223 ppm were applied to container grown whips to determine its effect on branching of Amelanchier; Cercis, Malus and Tilia whips. Most species responded to CYC sprays with increased lateral branching if treated during active shoot elongation. Cyclanilide® sprays of 1 12 ppm produced the greatest number of branches. Sprays at 56 ppm resulted in reduced branching (relative to 112 ppm), while sprays of 223 ppm did not increase the number of branches, relative to sprays of 112 ppm, but reduced growth. Cyclanilide® sprays reduced height growth, relative to untreated whips, but did not alter height diameter growth. Cyclanilide® foliar applications to container -grown whips during periods of active shoot elongation increased branching in one-year-old whips that normally do not branch until the second year of production. Further, the origin of lateral branching can be controlled by timing of CYC application. The results indicate that CYC foliar sprays can be an important tool in the production of one-year-old branched whips.

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