Photosynthetic irradiance and nutrition effects on growth of english ivy in subirrigation systems

Abstract

The growth of three english ivy cultivars in ebb-and-flow subirrigation systems was examined under three photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) treatments (low, medium, or high, corresponding to an average daily PPF of 3.2, 5.4, or 8.5 mol·m-2·d-1, respectively) and four fertilizer concentrations (0, 100, 200, or 300 mg·L-1 N) geared toward production of acclimatized foliage plants. Marketable quality english ivy can be subirrigated with 100 mg·L-1 N. Although 8.5 mol·m-2·d-1 produced the maximum shoot dry weight (SDW), good quality plants also were produced under 5.4 mol·m-2·d-1. 'Gold Child', 'Gold Dust', and 'Gold Heart' english ivy produced with low fertility and low light may be better acclimatized and show superior performance in interior environments. Under light levels lower than 8.5 mol·m-2·d-1, 'Gold Heart' had less variegation (12% or 21% for ivy grown under 3.2 or 5.4 mol·m-2·d-1, respectively). 'Gold Dust' and 'Gold Child' had 65% and 22% variegated leaf area, respectively, when grown under 5.4 mol·m-2·d-1 PPF. Under 5.4 mol·m-2·d-1 PPF, 'Gold Dust' retains attractive foliage with overall perception of increased lighter-green coloration.