Abstract
For the past decade, intensive research has been done for low temperature storage of transplants to suppress their growth while preserving their“quality”as transplants, in an attempt to accommodate the concomitant rapid growth of transplant production industries. Research has focused on optimization of light environment (photosynthetic photon flux, photoperiod, and light quality) and gaseous environment (CO2and O2concentrations), which if coupled with adequate storage temperature, have improved storability of transplants without causing quality deterioration. Principles of illumination and controlled atmosphere, and design of lighting systems for storing transplants are discussed with an introduction of recent advances in these research areas. Controlled environment is a recognized effective method to improve long-distance transportation of high quality transplants. Concepts and background of the optimization of environmental conditions during transportation of transplants are introduced. Both low temperature storage and long distance transportation will become key technologies for successful transplant production to provide large amounts of transplants in horticulture, agriculture and forestry.
