Sylvania Gro-Lux Guide to Better Plant Growth Brochure 1964

8/13/2019 Sylvania Gro-Lux Guide to Better Plant Growth Brochure 1964

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,'ruTFWTTffi##EBTTMR PIANT GROWTH

ByCHRISTOS C. MPETKAS

Plonl PhysiologistCommerciol Engineering Dept.

Sylvonio lighting Products

INCLUDES INFORMATION ONLIGHT INTENSITIES NEEDED o DISTANCE OF LIGHT FROM PLANTDURATION OF EXPOSURE TO LIGHT . TEMPERATURE . VENTIT ATION

o PEIITIVE HUMIDITY . PLANT SPACING

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T${E GRO.LUX IffiSTRIITI{}ffi8&OKLET

gNTRODUCTgON

This booklet describes the use of Sylvania's Gro-Luxfor home and commercial use. This lamp generatesficial for plant propagation and enhances vegetativeplants.

fluorescent lamp for growing plantsradiant energy which is most bene-and reproductive growth of many

The use of electricted in the nineteencovery. Quality inwavelengths which

this instance is designated byproduce certain colors.

was first promulga-light is a recent dis-or more properly by

light on plant growth is not a new concept; ittwenties. But the importance of the quality of

a specific color

Recent research studies have indicated that plants utilize chiefly two different wavelengthregions of radiant energy, the red and blue bands. In general the red light when usedalone causes the plants to becorne tall and spindly. Blue light causes low, stocky growth.A proper balance of red and blue rays produces plants that have normal growth and shape.Furthermore, the red light stimulates vegetative growth and the blue light regulates therespiratory system of the plant controlling the enzymatic and other chemical processes.The Gro-Lux lamp has a proper ratio of red and blue. The peak of the red band is at

6600 angstroms. The blue peak occurs at 4500 angstroms. With this energy distribution,the lamp produces a maximum photosynthetic process in plants. This is a process of put-ting together, by means of light, two simple substances, carbon dioxide and water- - to form carbohydrates, the basic food for all living organisms, and to release oxygenas a by-product.The Gro-Lux lamp results show considerable promise in this challenging field of fluo-rescent light sources on plant growth.It is the purpose of this booklet to describe the accepted cultural practices to supply thenecessary nutrient support of plant growth under the influence of Gro-Lux radiant energy.

LIGHT INTENSITIESWith the Gro-Lux lamps the footcandle measurement is no longer used to measure theamount of energy needed by plants for normal growth. To correctly measure the lightenergy used by plants, we use energy units of microwatts per square centimeter. Thisgives us a more significant reading because the footcandle readings are dependent on

in the yellow-green wavelengths and not what the plant "sees"blue bands of the visible spectrum.

what the humanwhich is in the

eye seesred and


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The instruments used to measure microwatts per square centimeter consist of a thermo-pile and a sensitive galvanometer. However, a footcandle meter which is color-correctedcan be used to determine the absolute energy units produced by a Gro-Lux installation. Thefootcandle measurements can be converted into microwatts per square centimeter by multi-plying the footcandle values by 9.66. This correction factor applies only to Gro-Lux lamps.

In an effort to indicate the plants that can be grown under different types of light intensities,two groups have been established. In the first group are those plants which are classified aslow energy plants ranging in light intensities from 2415 to 5796 microwatts per squarecentimeter; in the second group are those plants which are classified as high energy p'lantsranging from 5796 - 9660 microwatts per square centimeter. There is some overlappingbetween the groups. In the low energy goup are most of the household plants, while in thehigh energy group are the florists' plants as well as the vegetable and fruit plants.

The following figures give microwatts per square centimeter measurements for the Gro-Luxlamp at one, two, three and four foot distances. Two rapid start 40 watt Gro-Lux lamps,

(40T12) were used in a standard fixttrre with an 11.5 inch reflector and 3.5 inch lampspacing. These readings were directly below the fixture at the center point.

Distance from Lamp

12 inches24 inches36 inches48 inches

Microwatts Per Square Centimeter1855-778

41,3

266

o

The above readings act as a guide in regulating the distance of the lights to the plants. Thisdistance should be measured from the top of the plants to the light source for optimumgrowing conditions.

A general rule to follow in relation to the correct distance of the light source should beapproximately 6 to 8 inches when germinating seed and 12 to 15 inches when growing plants.This, of course, depends on plant groups, whether they are low or high energy plants.

DURATION &F TIGFITDuration of light is known as a photoperiod. It defines the length of light exposure per dayon the growth of the plant. Photoperiodically, plants are grouped into short day, long day

and indeterminant with respect to the effect of the length of day on flowering.In general, short day plants need 10 to 13 hours of light per day to flower and the balanceof the day is a dark period, when plants asssimilate food into growth structure. Some com-mon short day plants are the chrysanthemums, gardenias, Christmas begonia and poinsettias.

Long day plants need 14 to 18 hours of light to flower. In this group are included theChina asters, calceolaria, coreopsis, dahlias, nasturtiums and many of the annuals grown forspring flowering.


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The indeterminant plants will produce flowers at all seasons of the year. This group in-cludes the roses, carnations, and the great majority of household plants such as the Africanviolets, gloxinias, begonias, geraniums and coleus. They will blossom in varying degreesof abundance, whether they are exposed to 12, 14, L6 or 18 hours of light.

It is a good practice to group the plants according to their photoperiod for best results. Byinstalling an inexpensive automatic timer the plants will receive the required light periodfrom day to day and in this way maintain optimum growing conditions.

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Proper regulation of the temperature is essential for developing the quality of the plants. Theoptimum night temperatures should be between 60o and 65oF., and when the lights are ontemperatures should be in the range of 70o to 75oF.Temperature influences the various metabolic processes of plant growth - the rate of absorp-tion by the roots, transpiration (giving off of water vapor through the leaves), respiration,the rate of assimilation of carbon dioxide, and the production of chlorophyll.Night temperatures are far more important than most people realize. Plants manufacture theirfood during the light hours, but they assimilate or digest it during the dark period, andthis process is aided by cool temperatures.

To maintain optimum temperatures, accurate thermometers should be employed. It is sur-prising to find how little attention is paid to accuracy of this important factor.

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Ventilation provides circulation of air, which is important in preventing the development ofdisease organisms. All plants continuously lose water vapor through small pores orstomates found on the underside of the leaf. This process is known as transpiration. Poorventilation causes this water vapor to condense in a film on the leaf surface, and offers idealgerminating conditions for the spores of disease producing organisms. Ventilation allows forthe entrance of carbon dioxide necessary for photosynthesis, as well as to provide a goodsupply of oxygen for respiration.

;1 i;i;r:." 'i"; $: luji.i traii,-' :': i'Humidity is the amount of water held by the air in vapor form. Increasing the amount ofwater in the air greatly reduces the amount of water lost by the plant through the leaves.The water that is absorbed by the roots is used primarily in keeping the plant firm, and un-

less the plant has a sufficient supply of water, it fails to grow.The importance of humidity in propagation cannot be overemphasized. It plays a key role insuccessful rooting. The failure of many plants to root from cuttings can be traced to a lackof proper humidity. The recommended humidity for most plants is between 5OVo to 60Vofor normal growth. This is the range of humidity generally considered as comfortable forhumans. l0O% relative humidity would mean the air was saturated as with dense fog.50% relative humidity means the air actually contains 50%o of the total water vaporpossible if it were saturated.


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Adequate distance between plants prevents legginess. Crowding results in the developmentof long, weak petioles (leaf stems) which cannot support the leaves; provides ideal conditionsfor development of foliage diseases due to insufficient aeration. No definite rules can be givenregarding exact distance, but in general, plants should not be allowed to touch each other.

There are two types of soil from the standpoint of use by the grower; inorganic and organic.Inorganic soils are composed largely of gravel, sand, silt and clay, proceeding from the largestparticle size to the smallest. Sandy soils are gritty and small grains of sand may be noticedin them. Organic soiis are muck and peat. Muck is well decomposed peat possessing littleor no fibrous structure.

Mixtures of clay, silt and sand are called loams, such as silty clay, loam, sandy, etc. Usually,loam has organic matter in the form of decayed plant and animal materials.

Clay soils are heavy and retain moisture for a long time. They must be loosened, to permitair to enter and improve drainage, by the addition of sand and organic matter.A good soil mixture for most plants is as follows: Three parts of loam, one part of leaf moldor peat moss, and one part of coarse sand. Your soil mixture will need sterilizing to killharmful diseases, insects and weed seeds. The easiest way is to bake the soil in an oven fora half an hour at 2I2o F. When sterilizing the soil keep it thoroughly wet all the waythrough with some water standing on top. The conversion of this water into steam is whatdoes so effective a job of sterilizing.

Fertilizers are necessary for the productionof high quality plants. The most importantmineral nutrients concerned in the culture ofplants are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassiumand calcium. These minerals play an im-portant function in plant growth.There are many kinds of complete fertilizersin the market - tablet, dry powder, and liquidtypes. Complete fertilizer means having thethree primary elements - Nitrogen, phos-phorus and potassium. Follow the direc-tions of the manufacturer and remember thattoo little fertilizer is better than too much.A fairly safe rule when fertilizing the plantsis as follows:With a liquid fertilizer feed plants once every

NITROGEN

I. Gives dork green color lo folioge.2. Promotes leof, stem ond fruit growlh.3" lmproves the quoliiy of ihe leof.4. Produces ropid growth.5. lncreoses the protein conlents o{ plonts.

PHOSPHORUS'l . Stimulqies eorly root formotion ond growth.2. Gives ropid ond vigorous slort lo plonts.3. Hostens moturiiy.4. Siimulqtes blooming ond oids in fruit

formolion.

POTASSIUM'l . lmports increosed vigor ond decisive re-

sistonce to plonts.2. lmproves seed quolity,3, Essentiol to formotion ond tronsfer of

siorches, sugor ond oils in plont system.


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two weeks. With a dry fertilaer, feed plantsonce a month. This should take the placeof watering for the day. This type of fer-tilization should be followed by a moderatewatering in order to make the minerals avail-

able to the plant.

CALCIUM'1. ln{luences obsorplion of plont nuirients.2. Neutrclizes qcid conditions in soil.3. Promotes eorly root formotion ond growth.4. Neutrolizes toxic compounds produced in

the pldnt.

IIIYIPERAIURI pll

The pH measurement is a convenient expression of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Insimple terms the pH measurement,s indicate whether the soil is sour or sweet.The pH scale runs from 0 to 1.4 with 7 being neutral; values below 7 being acid andthose above being alkaline.

Temperature and pH are not directly related but the Fahrenheit scale may serve to illustratethe concept of pH measurement and its relationship to proper plant $owth. See Chart 1.

Most plants prefer a slightly acid soil which fallsin the pH range of 6.2 to 6.8 with the optimumpH of 6.5 Generally ground limestone is usedto correct acid soil, sulphur to correct alkalinesoil conditions. To make sure that the soil is atthe proper pH level, at the time of mixing the soil,add a 4-inch pot of ground limestone for every2y2 bushels of potting soil, or 6 teaspoons ofground limestone to every 3 quarts of soil.On the other hand to correct alkaline soils, add a2-nch pot of sulphur for every 272 bushels ofsoil or 3 teaspoons of sulphur to every 3 quartsof soil.The only sure way to ascertain whether a soil hasthe proper pH and nutrient level is to have a soilanalysis made of the soil. This analysis can beobtained, free of charge, from all the State Agri-cultural experiment stations in the country.

Plants are propagated by seeds and cuttings depending on the type of plant to be grown.

Even the best light sources and cultural operations cannot produce good plants unless goodseeds are used. Buy tested seeds grown by reliable seed companies. Specially prepared me-diums for germination are more satisfactory than using ordinary soil because the requirementsfor successful seed germination are more exacting than for growth of the plant. The follow-ing mediums are suggested:

IIUMAN 8I.OODPURI WATERFRISH MI[(IAIN

IEMON JUICE


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1. A mixture of equal volumes of clean sand and fine grade of peatmoss.2. Vermiculite or expanded mica is useful. It retains moisture yet permits air ctcula-

tion, provided it is not firmed or packed. The finer grades axe more suitable. It pro-vides for a better sanitary method.

To insure against seed-borne, disease organisms, buy seeds that are treated with seed disin-fectants. Treated seeds are marked on the outside of the package with the material treated.

When small quantities are to be sown, a4"x8"x3" seed tray flat, or a pot, makes aconvenient container; larger quantities arehandled in flats 12"x\8"x3".

Sow a small amount of seeds in rows or

bands 1 inch apafi for small seeds; 1Vzto 2 inches apart for medium seeds; and2Vz to 3 inches aparl for large seeds. Donot crowd the seeds. Give them room togrow. For small seed sow 3 per inch; medium

SEE FIGURE 2.

The depth to plant depends on the size of the seed.follow is twice the diameter of the seed. Theseeds shouid be covered lightly, with the samemedium in which they are sown and firmed ex-cept when using the vermiculite medium. The tray,flat or pot should be watered with a fine sprayand covered with paper or glass. The coveringis applied to maintain the moisture of the me-dium. Mark each row or band of seeds forproper variety identification. The germinationprocesses are dependent upon the factors oftemperature, moisture, oxygen, and light.

The temperature for seed germination shouid beabout 10oF. higher than required for normalgrowth of the plant. For most plants a tem-perature range of 75" to 85oF. is necessary foroptimum germination resuits.

@Etlsmoll sr.d

3Don't croutd seeds" Gtue them room to grow;Figure 2

seed, 2 per inch; and large seed, 4 per foot.

See Figure 3. A general rule to

Depth to plant seed of d,ifferentsizes,

Figure 3

The presence of water softens the seed coat, permitting water, accompanied by oxygen,to enter the seed. Enzyme reaction and the necessary life processes are hastened, respirationincreases, stored food in the seed is translocated; all resuiting in growth of the embryo andthe initial formation of the primary root.

(srnoll soed) (med. seod) (lorge seed)


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Light requirements are definite for many seeds. Gro-Lux lamps supply the quality ligbt ne-cessary for rapid germination.

A cutting may be defined as any part which has been cut from a plant and is capable of re-generation. Cuttings may be classified on the basis of the plant part from which they aretaken - leaf and leaf-bud cuttings. This Method of propagation is important because manyplants do not come true from seed.

The rooting medium used may be clean sharp sand, vermiculite, perlite or peat moss (finegrain). The same type of containers can be used as were used for the seeds.

The leaf petiole (leaf stem) should be at least r/z inch long to help anchor the leaf in the root-ing medium. Mature leaves should be used for propagation since they produce better plantsthan young leaves. Plants with thick fleshy leaves, such as African violets and begonias, areused for this type of cutting.

To make leaf bud cutting, place the knife about one-half inch above a bud on the stem andcut in and down so the knife leaves the stem about three quarters of an inch below the bud.The cutting consists of the leaf blade, its petiole and a small section of the main stem.

Proper insertion requires that one-third to one-half of the length of the cutting be covered

withthe rooting medium, which should be firmed tightly about its base. As previously stated

the vermiculite should not be firmed. The cuttings are stuck in loose vermiculite and water-ed in.

Enough space should be left between the rows to provide good circulation. Thetemperature of cutting should be around 70o to 75oF. to hasten rooting. Not only shouldthe iooting medium be kept moist but a high humidrty of 50% n the air surrounding the cut-tings is most beneficial. Moisture is important in keeping the cuttings turgid, as well as main-taining optimum absorption, translocation and photosynthetic activity. Light qualrty playsan important role in photosynthesis which has to do with the manufacture of food.

The seedlings or rooted cuttings should be planted into pots, as soon as they are ready. Pre-ferably, they should be planted as soon as the cotyledon leaves of seedings (first leavescoming up through the soil) are fully developed or when the roots of cutting are r/q inchlong. To keep root injury to a minimum, the medium should be thoroughly wet before theplants are removed. The standard clay pot is most universally used for transplanting whichmeasures between 2r/z to 3 inches across the top.

Before transplanting, first cover the drainage hole of the pot with a piece of broken pot, call-


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ed a "crock". This keeps the soil from washingout at the bottom. Cover the crock with coarsegravel then add soil up to the rim of the po.t,leaving a half-inch space at the top of the pot forwatering. See Figure 4.

A hole is made large enough to hold the roots ofthe plant. Next, using a fork or spoon, dig upthe seedling from the rooting medium, being care-ful to leave as much as possible of the rootingmedium clinging to the root system. Place theroots in the hole, being careful not to bury anyof the leaves. Give the pot a thump to settlethe soil, then press with your fingers to packthe soil all around the roots.Planting rooted cuttings is done in a differentmanner. Since cuttings have more roots, theycannot be pushed into a hole in the soil. After the crock is placed in the pot a little soilis added, then hold the cutting in the pot. Sift the soil all around the roots and fill the potto the top leaving about a half-inch space at the top for watering. Jar the pot to shakedown the soil, then press with your fingers to make the soil firm around the roots. Waterthe transplants with enough water to thoroughly soak the root area. This helps to bringthe soil in contact with the roots and prevents drying of plant.

The clay pot is porous, relatively light and nests well. The porosity of the pot promotesaeration of the soil which is essential for healthy root systems.The plastic or painted clay pots are not porous. However, when using plastic pots make sureto use dark colored ones. The reason for this is that the light colored pots reflect heat andrnaintain a lower soil temperature while the darker pots absorb heat thereby having ahigher soil temperature which enhances root growth.

Water plants in the morning when the temperature is rising and there is a greater need forwater. It is not a good practice to water plants or to have the soil wet when the temperatureis falling because diseases may get started this way.

Put enough water to soak all the soil in the pot. Watering a little bit and often is not a goodpractice. At least once a week the pot should be put in the kitchen sink and left there tosoak 5 to 15 minutes. Take it out and let it drain before returning to its place. See Figure 5.A general rule to follow is to water plants approximately three times a week or sooner if theplants show signs of wilting.

One way to make sure that the soil is just moist enough is to use wick watering. See

l/2" Spoce

Coorse Grovel

Lrock

Leaae half-inch wa-tering space at top ofpot after potting

Figure 4


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,p-4.>Dr)-

Figure 5

Figure 6. This is a method that draws water up by a wick from a saucer full of water.The wick is made of spun glass or fiber glass. Cut the wick large enough to flatten it out onthe bottom of the pot and also so it reaches the water in the saucer. Do not use any crock

Flower Po)

V{icks4 jr:A x:tet*rirag J M.lol Dis&

- SoucerFigure 6

when you use a wick. The pot should sit on a metal dish that is resting on the saucer. Thisraises the pot above the water level in the saucer. Plants do not like to have "wet root"'The saucer should have water in it all of the time. Wick watering works best on plantswhose leaves must be kept dry, such as African violets or gloxinias.

PLAF$T PtrsYS ANffi ?F-{HfiR C*ruTM#LInsects are controlled by the knowledge of their feeding habits. Classified according to theirmouth parts, insects may be placed into chewing and sucking types.

Chewing insects eat holes in the leaves, chew stems or cut them off. Others burrow intostems and qat their way along until the plant breaks off or dies. Sucking insects suck thejuice from the leaves or stem of the plant. This causes the leaves to curl and turn brown orthe plant to wilt or die.

A plant disease is defined as "any variation from the normal structure of/or function ofplants". Diseases primarily consist of fungi and bacteria. The rapid advance in developmentof agricultural chemicals for control of plant pests makes it impractical to give specific re-commendations since they would soon be out-of-date.

Generally speaking the fungus and bacterial diseases of the leaves are not too common tomany household plants. Many of the foliage diseases are developed from long periods ofmoisture on the leaves.

t sroop.,


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A good control against such infections is to avoid constant wetting of the leaves. Mostdiseases of the household plants affect the roots and lower stems. They develop most fre-quently in heavy, poorly drained soils. A good control measure is to avoid overwatering.A good control policy to follow is to apply combination dusts or sprays. They contain bothinsecticides for the insects and fungicides for the diseases, and with one application controlmost of the pests.For additional information on the proper care of the household plants consult your countyagent, or state agricultural university. They may be able to give you bulletins and pamphletson plant culture. The Superintendent of Documents in Washingtotr, D. C. has many publica-tions on plant growth for a small cost.

T${E SYLVIINIA GRO-LUX FLUORESCENT LA[iiP

ffte ilew Energy Source For Plani @rowlh

Dcylight FluorescenlLighl Source

CombincrtionHqturcl and Dcrylight

Fluorescenl

CIO-LUX FluorcscenlLighl Source

Plant al le{i, under Daylight fluorescenti-lighl green foliage, wilhoul blossoms, Center,under combinalion o{ 50o/o Nalural and 50'/. Daylight;-bloom and {oliage nol as inlengein color as Gro-Lux. Righl, under Gro-Lur;--darler gren foliage, uprighi siem: wilh largerblossoms fhan center plant.


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MULTIPLE

SHETF ARRANGEMENTFOR HOME CULTURE

PLANT GROWTHCHAMBERCourtesyPercivol

Refrigerotion Co.Boone, lowo