INFLUENCE OF PHOTOPERIOD, PHOTOSYNTHETIC PHOTON FLUX, AND TEMPERATUREON GROWTH OF CANARY ISLAND IVY

The effects of selected environmental factors [temperature, photosynth etic photon flux (PPF), and photoperiod] that contribute to optimal ve getative growth of Canary Island ivy (Hedera canariensis Willd.) were investigated. Experiments were conducted in growth chambers at constan t day/night temperatures of 16 and 26 degrees C, The greatest number o f leaves (6.1) and plant height (38.0 cm) were achieved with PPF of 21 0 mu mol . m(-2) . s(-1) and an 8-hour photoperiod at 16 degrees C. Th e greatest branch number (3.9), leaf area (41.4 cm(2)) and leaf chloro phyll content (1.02 mg . cm(-2)) were achieved with a PPF of 210 mu mo l . m(-2) . s(-1) with a 12-hour photoperiod at 16 degrees C, Under no rmal greenhouse or field conditions, Canary Island ivy rarely branches ; however, a PPF of 210 mu mol . m(-2) . s(-1) also induced branching.