Growth and flowering of shrub (Turnera trioniflora) under different shade levels

S. Ab. Kahar

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the growth and flowering responses of Turnera trioniflora to different shade levels viz. 0 (open), 20, 50, 80 and 90%. All shade treatments delayed time to first flowering, in which plants at 80% shade required twice longer time to flower as compared to plants under fully exposed to sunlight. Number of nodes and shoot length at first flowering also increased as shade level increased. Shade also strongly influenced flower production per day. The main factor that contributed to low flower production was the reduction of flowering branches. Low number of flower buds and frequency of return bloom on each branch also contributed to reduction of flowers under heavy shades. Generally, the growth of T. trioniflora was only affected by heavy shades (80% and 90%). Plants responded to shade by changing the morphology such as increasing leaf size and reducing leaf thickness to adapt to low light conditions. It is recommended that T. trioniflora should be planted in the open or light shade condition for optimum flowering.

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