The Optimum Photoperiod on Floral Differentiation of French Marigold Grown in a Closed-type Plant Factory

Abstract

Among the various environmental conditions necessary for growing crops, light is closely related to the anthesis. This study aimed to determine the optimal photoperiod affecting floral differentiation in an edible flower, marigold, to efficiently cultivate the crops in a closed-type plant factory. The experiment was conducted with photoperiods of 4, 8, 12, and 16 hours. French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) 'Durango Red' seeds were sown in polyurethane sponges, and the photoperiod treatments were applied immediately. The extent of floral differentiation was examined at 2-3 day intervals, defined as the visible appearance of flower buds at least 2 mm in size. The growth parameters such as shoot fresh weight and dry weight, height, and leaf area were measured. The optimal photoperiod was determined based on the days when the floral differentiation had occurred in 50% of the total plants. In the 4-hour treatment, proper growth and flower buds did not appear. From the 8-hour treatment, the plant grew normally, and floral differentiation occurred, however, the 8-hour treatment showed the slowest floral differentiation compared to the 12 hours treatments or more. The 12-and 16-hour treatments didn't show significant differences in floral differentiation. While the 16-hour treatment exhibited the highest results in all growth parameters, it was not significantly different from the 12-hour treatment except for shoot dry weight and leaf area. According to the results, 8 hours of photoperiod induced floral differentiation. However, more time was required for flower bud formation, and plant growth was significantly lower compared to photoperiods of 12 hours or more. Considering the energy consumption and its growth, the optimal photoperiod for marigold was 12 hours.