ROOT RESTRICTION EFFECTS ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SALVIA (SALVIA SPLENDENS)

Container size can affect the growth and development of bedding plants , The effects of widely differing container sizes on growth and develo pment of salvia (Salvia splendens F. Sellow ex Roem. & Schult.) were q uantified. Plants were grown in a greenhouse in 7.3-, 55-, 166-, and 5 10-mL containers, Container volume affected plant growth as early as 1 8 days after planting, Growth was positively correlated with pot size and differences increased throughout most of the growing period. Growt h of the plants in the 7.3-mL cells was reduced because of a low net a ssimilation rate (4.34 g.m(-2).d(-1)), compared to the plants in the 5 5-, 166-, and 510-mL pots (approximate to 5.44 g.m(-2).d(-1)). Plants in 510-mL containers grew faster than those in 55- and 166-mL, contain ers because of a higher leaf area Patio. Both lateral branching and le af expansion were suppressed by root restriction and flowering was del ayed. The growth rate of plants in 166-mL pots declined after the onse t of flowering, and final plant size was comparable for plants in 55- and 166-mL pots. Although water deficit stress or nutrient deficiencie s cannot be excluded as contributing factors, these mere probably not the main reason for observed differences.