Development rate, flower growth and production of Anthurium.

Abstract

Data on leaf plastochron, flower growth and bud abortion in greenhouse-grown A. andreanum were collected from a commercial nursery throughout the year, and additional data were obtained from growers. The leaf plastochron duration was fairly constant from Mar. until Sep. at an average of 72 days. Around 10 Oct. the duration was more than doubled. It then decreased linearly to 72 days again, resulting in high leaf production around Apr. Leaf plastochron seemed to be related to radiation but daylength was probably not involved, as leaf emergence continued during winter. The longest period between flower emergence and flower harvest was around 21 Dec. and the shortest in June-July. Flower production fluctuated strongly, with a minimum in Mar. and a maximum in the second half of June. This maximum was related to the high leaf production in Feb.-Mar. The low production in Mar. was the result of a high abortion rate (near 100%) of flower buds in Dec. The year-round average abortion rate was about 50%. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)