Robert Geneve, Department of Horticulture

Richard Gates, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department

Sharon Kester, Research Analyst

Erin Wilkerson, Graduate Student

We have developed a system for dynamic control of mist propagation. The system involves an evapotranspiration-based computer model, which uses a modification of the Penman-Monteith equation. The system was developed in controlled growth chamber experiments and has been tested successfully for two years in greenhouse studies with poinsettia. Key advantages observed for this system include :

• Reduced water usage during propagation, thereby reducing costs and potential water runoff problems.
• Improved root formation by decreasing excess water in the growing medium when plants are partially rooted.

Support for these projects come from the Gloeckner Foundation, and the Kentucky Landscape Industry fund.

Publications:

S. Zolnier, R.S. Gates, R.L. Geneve, and J.W. Buxton. 2001. Surface diffusive resistances of rooted poinsettia cuttings under controlled-environment conditions. Transactions of the ASAE 44: In press.

Geneve, R.L., R. Gates, S. Zolnier, J. Owens, and S.T Kester. 1999. A dynamic control system for scheduling mist propagation in poinsettia cuttings. Combined Proceedings International Plant Propagator's Society 49: 300-303. - Click here for PDF version.

Zolnier, S., R.S. Gates, R. Anderson, R.L. Geneve. 1999. Evaluating novel misting control techniques for poinsettia propagation. ASAE Paper No 994164.

Zolnier, S., R.S. Gates, R.L. Geneve, J.W. Buxton and S.E. Nokes. 1998. Canopy surface resistance of rooted poinsettia cuttings under controlled environmental conditions. ASAE paper No. 984162.