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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #258903
Title: Growth profile of Chamaedorea cataractarum (Cascade Palm)seedlings with different colored plastic mulch

Author
item GEORGE, GINU - Florida International University
item Reed, Stewart
item TANSEL, BERRIN - Florida International University
item Gordon, Garry

Submitted to: Journal of Agricultural Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/13/2011
Publication Date: 9/9/2011
Citation: George, G., Reed, S.T., Tansel, B., Gordon, G.G. 2011. Growth profile of Chamaedorea cataractarum (Cascade Palm)seedlings with different colored plastic mulch. Journal of Agricultural Science. 3(3):39-49.

Interpretive Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of colored plastic mulch on the growth of Chamaedorea cataractarum Mart. (Cascade Palm). The seedlings placed in soil were compared with those placed in red and blue mulch. The plant growth was monitored for plant height, thickness at the base of the stem, number of leaves, number of leaflets, ratio of chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b, root density, root length and shoot dry weight. The results indicate that there was no growth inhibition induced by blue light reflected from the mulch. Light reflected from both mulch colors and the bare soil was weak in the blue, red and Far-Red portion of the light spectrum. Plant growth characteristics are sensitive to these colors. Cascade palms are slow growing shade adapted plants. The observed effects of the plastic mulch on palm growth and development were relatively small; however, the response tended to favor a blue light stimulated increase in leaf number and length.

Technical Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of colored plastic mulch on the growth of Chamaedorea cataractarum Mart. (Cascade Palm). The seedlings placed in soil were compared with those placed in red and blue mulch. The plant growth was monitored for plant height, thickness at the base of the stem, number of leaves, number of leaflets, ratio of chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b, root density, root length and shoot dry weight. The data were analyzed in a randomized complete block design. The results indicate that there was no growth inhibition induced by blue light reflected from the mulch. Light reflected from both mulch colors and the bare soil had low radiance values in the blue, red and FR wavelengths. Cascade palms are slow growing shade adapted plants. The observed effects of the plastic mulch on palm growth and development were relatively small; however, the response tended to favor a blue light stimulated increase in leaf number and length.