Crop Science · 1988 · 35 citations · 0 references
AgriculturePlant BiologyPlant SciencesCrop PhysiologyPlant NutritionPlant PhysiologyAeroponic Crop ProductionCrop GrowthGreenhouse Crop Production SystemsPlant EstablishmentPlant GrowthPlant Growth RegulationAeroponic CultivationAeroponic SystemsMisting System DesignPlant Growth PhysiologyPlant Growth Regulator UseRoot Hair DevelopmentWater Stress Effects On GrowthWater Stress Physiology
The system could be used to test short‑term water stress effects on plant development. To design and test an intermittent aeroponic system that allows easy root access and precise control of mist composition for plant growth studies. The system grew cucumbers from cotyledon to fruiting in 40 days using a 7‑second mist every 10 minutes with half‑strength Hoagland’s solution, maintaining root temperature at 20 ± 1.1 °C. Root growth was rapid with extensive branching and root hairs, and the system operated continuously for 32 weeks without problems.
An intermittent aeroponic system was designed and tested for potential use in plant growth studies. Cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) were grown in the system from the cotyledon stage to flowering and fruiting within 40 d on a misting schedule of 7 s at 10‐min intervals with about one half strength Hoagland's solution. The root environment was controlled at 20 ± 1.1 °C; however, other temperatures can be established. Root growth was rapid with good branching and root hair development. The proposed plant growth system provides the benefits of easy access to the root system and control of the misting solution composition as related to elemental concentration or to an application of a plant growth regulator at different stages in the developing root. It may also provide a system for testing short‐term water stress in relation to plant development. The system as described has been running continuously for 32 wk without an operational problem.