Spectral filters affect growth, flowering, and postharvest quality of Easter lilies

The role of light quality on growth, flowering, and postharvest characteristics of 'Nellie White' Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum Thunb.) was evaluated in two growing seasons using 4% CuSO(4)and water (control) 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 the number and diameter of flowers were not significantly affected by the spectral filters in either season. The CuSO4 filters reduced flower longevity by 3 days in nonstored plants, and by 5 days when plants were subjected to 1 week storage at 4 degrees C prior to placing in the postharvest room. Results suggest that spectral filters are effective in controlling height and producing compact Easter lily plants without causing a delay in flowering or reducing number of flowers per plant but flower longevity can be adversely affected,