Leaf Abscission of Poinsettias Affected by Preharvest Fertilization Termination and Sleeving Stress

Abstract

Termination of fertilization 1 to 4 weeks before harvest of Euphorbia pulcherrima Wild. ‘Annette Hegg Dark Red’ resulted in decreased postharvest leaf abscission on nonsleeved plants. Termination 3 weeks before harvest had no effect on leaf drop while termination 4 weeks before harvest increased leaf drop of sleeved plants. Epinastic response to sleeving and cyathia drop were not influenced by fertilizer termination times. Medium analysis at harvest showed that increased time without fertilizer increased pH, decreased soluble salts concentration and individual nutrient levels. Foliar nutrient level differences at harvest were small.

Production and Storage Factors Influencing Quality of Potted Easter Lilies

“…Termination of fertilizer application be fore harvest has been found to increase foliar longevity of potted chrysanthemums (Nell and Barrett, 1985) and non-sleeved poinsettias (Prince and Cunningham, 1988) held in postproduction environments. These studies suggest that similar treatments could im prove postproduction quality of other potted floral crops.…”