Interaction of temperature and light on growth and development of hybrid tea-rose seedlings, with reference to breeding for low-energy requirements

Abstract

As a basis for a breeding-programme of glasshouse roses adapted to low-energy conditions (low temperature and low light intensity), growth and development of Hybrid Tearose seedlings were studied in 9 controlled environments (16, 20 or 24°C combined with 8, 16 or 24 Wm −2 for 8 h). The percentage of flowering seedlings increased with increasing light intensity independent of temperature, rapidity of flowering was promoted by increasing both light intensity and temperature, stem length at anthesis was promoted by increasing light intensity but shortened by increasing temperature. The possibility of selecting seedlings, and consequently cultivars, adapted to low-energy conditions was discussed.