Performance of different Chrysanthemum varieties (Chrysanthemum morifolium) as affected by varying light duration

This study by Lacambra A.M. of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) [Philippines] aimed to determine the response of different chrysanthemum varieties to varying levels of light duration; identify the optimum light duration for the flowering performance of chrysanthemum varieties tested; and evaluate the interaction effect of varying light duration to different chrysanthemum varieties. Findings of the study revealed the following: Light duration had significant effect on the production of the flowering stems and plant height increase at 90-105 days after treatment. It had very significant effect on the size of the flower, number of days after treatment to bud appearance, plant height increase at 60-75 days after treatment, and in the number of marketable flowers produced. Dancing Mum was affected significantly by lengthening the day in terms of height increase, number of flowering stems, and number of marketable flowers produced. Fuji Pink and Wonder White showed no significant difference in their heights, number of flowering stems, flower size, and number of flower produced due to varietal characteristics. There was significant interaction effect on the flowering response of chrysanthemum varieties grown to varying levels of daylight in terms of stem height at 60 DAT, and 90 DAT, number of days after treatment to bud appearance and highly significant on the number of days after treatment to bud appearance and highly significant on the number of days after planting to marketable flower production. Based on the results, chrysanthemum performed well when given additional lighting at night. They produced taller plants, greater number of marketable flowers, bigger flowers; and greater number of flowering stems. The researchers concluded that lengthening daylight by 4 hours additional lighting at night (LD2) is preferable because of its significant influence on the plants' performance in terms of plant height, production of more flowering stems, number of marketable flowers produced, and size of flowers. Dancing Mum is the variety that responded best to the given varied light duration. LD2, extending daylight by 4 hours additional lighting at night, and Dancing Mum are recommended for chrysanthemum production.