Postproduction biology:
We are in the
process of evaluating diverse cultivars of Aglaonema,
Anthurium, Dieffenbachia, Ficus,
Spathiphyllum and other foliage plants’
responses to acclimatization, then identifying
those cultivars that exhibit high aesthetic value and
prolonged shelf life under interior environments.
Water and nutrition:
Emphasis is placed
on (a) the reuse of water from production
runoff and/or storm water as alternative sources of
irrigation for foliage plant production, (b)
the use of composts as components of potting media
for foliage plant rooting and production, (c)
the role of beneficial mineral elements in improving
plant growth, and (d) methods of improving
potting medium components and fertigation schedules
by minimizing the leaching of nutrients from
containers.
Stress physiology:
Primary attention is
paid to Aglaonema chilling responses and Spathiphyllum
heat stress tolerance.
Photoperiodism of flowering foliage plants:
We are studying the influences of temperature,
daylength, plant size, and plant maturity on natural
flower initiation of Spathiphyllum.
