|
|
Cooperative Extension Service |
 |
|
|
|
|
Agricultural
Experiment Station |
|
|
|
|
|
Dale Bumpers College
|
In the News - September 2009
|
 |
|
Fig. 1B |
 |
|
Fig. 1A |
|
|
|
Wigs Sensation |
PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Because growing gladiolus for cut flower production could be a profitable alternative enterprise for growers in southeast Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff researchers Dr. Shahidul Islam, professor of agriculture; Dr. Joseph Onyilagha, research associate; and Laure Anderson, research assistant, evaluated available species for survival and performance. Their first year trial suggests that southeast Arkansas is conducive to the growth of gladiolus.
Of eight varieties studied, “Expresso” produced the greatest number of flowers per stem, followed by Fire-Cracker. The varieties Plum Tart, Mixed Colors and Expresso produced the largest sized flowers. See Fig. 1B.
Although all eight varieties were planted within the same period, they did not bloom at the same time due to differences in their genetic characteristics. Arabian Night began blooming the first week of June while Mixed Colors and Wigs Sensation began blooming in July. See Fig. 1A.
Bulbs were sourced from shops and private gardens in late summer 2007 and stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit until late spring 2008. They were planted in pots containing high nutrient PROMIX substrate and left in the greenhouse maintained at 77 degrees Fahrenheit with 16 hours of daylight, eight hours of darkness and 60 percent relative humidity. Plants were transferred to the field when they reached the third leaf stage and planted in plots 25 feet long by 2 feet wide.
Drs. Islam and Onyilaha suggest selecting varieties for vigorous growth and early flowering but because southeast Arkansas is prone to drought in the summer, drought tolerance should also be a factor in variety selection.
September 18, 2009
By Carol Sanders
Writer/editor
UAPB School of Agriculture
Fisheries and Human Sciences
(870) 575-7238
sanders_c@uapb.edu
Additional Stories:
In the News Archives
January 2010 | February 2010 | March 2010 | April 2010 | May 2010 | June 2010
|
© 2006 |
|
|
University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture |
Mission
•
Disclaimer
•
EEO
•
|
