Abstract
In recent years, Catharanthus roseus has become a popular bedding plant, but at present there is little cultural information available for growers. This study examines the effects of four different temperature regimes and two light levels on three cultivars of Catharanthus. Average daily temperature regimes ranged from 15.3°C to 27.3°C; light intensities were 125 μmolm-2s-1 and 250 μmolm-2s-1. Plants were harvested as each successive pair of true leaves reached 1.5 cm in length, from the first true leaf stage until flowering. Measurements included internode length, leaf length, leaf area, dry weight of stem and leaves, and number and length of shoots. The plants grown at the lowest temperature regime took four times as long to flower as those grown at the highest temperature regime. Plants grown at the coolest temperature also exhibited chlorosis, stunting, and unusual flower formation. Information obtained from this study should assist growers in determining their planting schedule and the optimum greenhouse temperature for desired plant habit.
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