Abstract

Cathey, H. M., and L. E. Campbell. 1974. Lamps and lighting —a horticultural view. Lighting Design and Application, November. 12 p.

One of the major determinants of plant growth is light, both outdoors and under artificial culture. We are now finding that, through the proper use of light, many plants can be timed or regulated to flower or fruit at any period of the year. To adjust these growth characteristics, we need to understand the changes that are caused in plants by the natural day length and how we can supplement, override, or substitute for the light regimes controlling these changes by using light from artificial lamps.

The first cultural step in the growing of many plants is to select the proper amount and duration of light. Only a minimum of regulation can be exerted on plants that are grown outdoors. Daily and seasonal fluctuations in light, temperature, or other environmental factors may nullify the manipulations made by the grower. Yet the grower who decides to propagate plants must seek ways to control growth. This article describes progress during the last 50 years in regulating lighting systems for economic plants. It includes research on light for photosynthesis, light to extend the photoperiod, and light to regulate specific growth responses of plants.

• © 1975, International Society of Arboriculture. All rights reserved.