Floriculture
The controlled environment greenhouse provides a unique opportunity to apply
advanced technology to the production of floricultural crops. The computer,
artificial intelligence, and robotics offer unlimited potentials. The
development of plant growth models is an integral key in the application of
this technology. We are developing mathematical description of plant growth in
relationship to environmental parameters. The computer can then use these
models to minimize inputs while maximizing output. We are also involved in
studies of improved production practices for greenhouse floriculture crops.
Growth regulator, fertility, and timing studies are underway with all major
floriculture crops in the northern US.
- Ranwala, A.P., W.B. Miller, T.I. Kirk, and P.A. Hammer.
2000. Ancymidol drenches, reversed greenhouse temperatures, postgreenhouse
cold storage, and hormone sprays affect postharvest leaf chlorosis in
Easter Lily. J. Amer. Soc. hort. Sci. 125(2):248-253.
- Kaufmann, P.H., R.J. Joly, and P.A. Hammer. 2000.
Influence of day and night temperature differentials on root elongation
rate, root hydraulic properties, and shoot water relations in
chrysanthemum. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 125(2):in press.
- Kampf, A., P.A. Hammer, and T. Kirk. 1999. Effect of
packing density on the mechanical impedance of root media. Proceedings of
the International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics. A.P.
Papadopoulos, Editor. Volume 2. Acta Horticulturae, Number 481. pp.
689-694.
- Whipker, Brian E. and P. Allen Hammer. 1997. Efficacy of
ancymidol, paclobutrazol, and uniconazole on growth of tuberous-rooted
dahlias. HortTechnology 7(3):269-273.
- Whipker, Brian E. and P. Allen Hammer. 1997. Nutrient
uptake in poinsettia during different stages of physiological development.
J.Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 122(4):565-73.
- Whipker, Brian E., P. Allen Hammer and John Connell. 1997.
Vegetatively propagated geranium response to single and multiple
applications of chemical growth retardants. Accepted for publication,
Plant Growth Regulation Society of America Quarterly.