Anthony Soster is an M.S. student at Michigan State University and is currently investigating how daily light integral (DLI), day and night temperature, photoperiod, and plant growth regulators impact production time, leaf unfolding rate, excessive stretch, and flower development of succulents.
Consumer demand for potted succulents continues to increase in the U.S. due to their diverse colors, forms, and flowers. However, when grown in greenhouses located in Northern latitudes, the production cycle of some succulent genera can be greater than 16 weeks, especially during winter months. Unfortunately, little research based information is available regarding how temperature, light, and photoperiod interact to and potentially reduce production time and promote flowering.
The goal of this research is to develop models and identify critical photoperiods for several genera and cultivars of commonly grown succulents to reduce production costs and increase profitability. Additionally, the research team is investigating if a pre-shipment high rate PGR substrate drench can effectively reduce excessive stretch under low light environments such as consumer homes and offices.
Source: Floriculture Research Alliance