Effects of Low Temperature Storage, Diameter of Cuttings, and Nutrient Solution Concentration on Subsequent Growth and Fruit Set of Fig Trees Grown in Hydroponics

Abstract

The fig trees, propagated by cuttings of different diameters, were cultured in a non-circulating closed culture system supplied by a Hoagland II nutrient solution. The nutrient solutions were adjusted to electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4 dS/m and the trees exposed to a 10-or 14-hr photoperiod. 1. The amount of nutrient solution absorbed per plant in the EC 1.2 dS/m plot became larger than that in the EC 1.8 dS/m plot in mid-May, and the amount was about 1.8 liters/day at the end of July. 2. Storage of cuttings at 0.5 °C for 21 days decreased the percentage of transplantable cuttings, but of those which were usuable, shoot growth and the first node at which fruit set were unaffected. 3. Cuttings with thicker diameters fruited at the more basal nodes than did those with thinner diameters. 4. Trees in the EC 2.4 dS/m plot during the raising period through the growing season bore most fruit at the second node, whereas most fruits in the EC 1.2 dS/m plot were borne on the third node. 5. The 10- or 14-hr photoperiod during the raising period had no influence on the percentage fruit set at the lowest node.