The Effect of Temperature on the Inflorescence Formation Model for Phalaenopsis

Area of Science:

• Horticulture
• Plant Physiology
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Phalaenopsis orchids are commercially important ornamental plants with fluctuating market demand.
• Optimizing inflorescence formation timing is crucial for maximizing financial returns during peak demand periods.
• Controlled temperature environments, specifically cooling rooms, are essential for inducing flowering in mature orchids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of varying day and night temperatures on the inflorescence formation percentage in Phalaenopsis orchids.
• To develop and validate an empirical sigmoid model for predicting inflorescence formation.
• To provide a quantitative management tool for microclimate control in orchid cultivation.

Main Methods:

• Four Phalaenopsis orchid varieties, previously cultured under different temperature regimes, were subjected to cooling room conditions.
• Accumulated temperature, calculated from day and night temperatures, was used as a predictive index.
• A sigmoid model was proposed and fitted to the inflorescence formation percentage data.

Main Results:

• A consistent distribution of inflorescence formation percentage and accumulated temperature was observed across the four varieties.
• The proposed sigmoid model demonstrated a strong fitting ability for predicting inflorescence formation percentage.
• Data from previous studies were utilized for comparative analysis and model validation.

Conclusions:

• The developed inflorescence formation model effectively predicts flowering response based on accumulated temperature.
• The model serves as a valuable tool for quantitative microclimate management in both vegetative and cooling room stages.
• Optimized temperature management can enhance financial returns through predictable and timely inflorescence development in Phalaenopsis orchids.