Initial Growth of Rosebay Rhododendron Seedlings as Influenced by Day and Night Temperatures

Abstract

Rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum L.) seedlings were grown in controlled-environment chambers for 14 weeks under long (9-hour) days at 18, 22, 26, or 30C in factorial combination with 15-hour nights at 14, 18, 22, or 26C. Total dry-matter production was lowest for 18C days and highest for 26C days. A similar response occurred for top, leaf, root, and stem dry weights. Nights at 22C maximized total plant, top, leaf, and stem dry weights. The optimum day/night cycle for dry-matter production was 26/22C. Leaf area was optimum with 18C nights. Leaf weight ratio (leaf dry weight: total plant dry weight) increased with an increase in night temperature to a maximum at 22C. Root weight ratio (root dry weight: total plant dry weight) decreased with an increase in night temperature to a minimum at 22C. Stem weight ratio (stem dry weight: total plant dry weight) and shoot: root ratio (top dry weight: root dry weight) were not influenced significantly by day or night temperature. A day/night cycle of 26/22C seems to be optimal for producing-salable plants.