Clonal Variability in Response to Light Intensity during Growth and to Subsequent Dark Storage of Ficus benjamina and Ficus retusa

Abstract

Abstract Three clones of Ficus benjamina L. and one clone of Ficus retusa L. foliage pot plants were raised under 3 different light intensities. Variations in the morphological development of the clones in response to light intensity were recorded. Leaf abscission from these plants was followed at the end of 2 weeks of dark storage, and during a subsequent period of one month in a simulated home environment. In unstored plants, only low levels of leaf drop were observed. Leaf abscission was stimulated strongly during dark storage and in subsequent indoor environment. The degree of dark storage-promoted leaf abscission, and the response pattern to light intensity during the production phase, with regard to leaf drop during simulated home conditions, showed a clear clone-dependent specificity. It is concluded that the genetic background is a major factor affecting storability and subsequent performance under simulated home conditions.