days after sowing. RN plants had a 70% lower net photo-Cucumber plants (Cucumis sati7us L. cv. Athene F1) were grown with four treatments: unrestricted root volume fruit-synthesis (P n ), stomatal conductance (g s ) and transpiration rate (E) measured on day 50, while root restriction had no ing (UF); unrestricted root volume non-fruiting (UN); restricted root volume fruiting (RF); and restricted root effect on P n in fruiting plants, although g s and E were significantly decreased due to restriction. Respiration capac-volume non-fruiting (RN). Restricting root volume to 40 ml ity of restricted roots decreased sharply after day 24 com-reduced leaf area, and by day 60 leaf area was only 20% pared with unrestricted root systems. Initially, O 2 may have that of unrestricted plants. Leaf area reduction in restricted plants was due to a combination of smaller and fewer been the limiting resource and root respiration capacity a major factor involved in root restriction, since it causes im-leaves. Root restriction strongly depressed total dry matter production in both root and shoot. Significant differences of balances in root growth substances and related hormones that alter the plant's morphology. treatments in shoot and root growth rates were apparent 30

No abstract

A method that allows the effect of temperature treatments on plant quality to be quantified is described. The proposed method is based on the analysis of temperature regions for plant quality characteristics and enables an easier and more precise analysis of the influence of day and night temperature on plant growth and development. Plant quality may be evaluated by the combination of any number of plant characteristics. The proposed method can assist growers in determining what temperature regimes are necessary to produce acceptable-quality crops on specified days.