SPECTRAL FILTERS AFFECT GROWTH, FLOWERING, AND POSTHARVEST QUALITY OFEASTER LILIES

The role of light quality on growth, flowering, and postharvest charac teristics of 'Nellie White' Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum Thunb.) was evaluated in two growing seasons using 4% CuSO(4)and water (contro l) as spectral filters. The CuSO(4)filter significantly reduced plant height and internode length. However, the height reduction was smaller in the 1994-95 season (9%) than in the 1995-96 growing season (32%). The number of days to flower bud appearance and flower opening, and th e number and diameter of flowers were not significantly affected by th e spectral filters in either season. The CuSO4 filters reduced flower longevity by 3 days in nonstored plants, and by 5 days when plants wer e subjected to 1 week storage at 4 degrees C prior to placing in the p ostharvest room. Results suggest that spectral filters are effective i n controlling height and producing compact Easter lily plants without causing a delay in flowering or reducing number of flowers per plant b ut flower longevity can be adversely affected,