Effects of Increased Water Evaporation from the Medium on Medium Temperature and the Growth of Pansy and Cyclamen during High Temperature Period

Abstract

To improve the growth and development of pansy (Viola × wittrockiana Gams) and cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum Mill.) nursery plants in summer, we investigated the effects of increased water evaporation from medium on medium temperature and plant growth. Medium temperature declined when the polyethylene pot was removed using the soil cast with heat-adhesive polyester fiber. Air blowing on the surface of the medium promoted a cooling effect. Although either removing the pot or blowing air was likely to enhance the growth and development of these plants, simultaneous application of both treatments was more effective during high temperature periods. In pansy plants, these treatments lowered the leaf temperature and plant death rate, and increased the shoot dry matter. The number of leaves and floral buds, and shoot dry matter of cyclamen plants cultivated with these treatments were larger than those of non-treated plants.