Use of shading nets to improve quality characteristics of compact gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides ellis) potted plant

The quality of compact gardenia potted plants is characterized by plants' shape, number of flowers and leaves' color. These characteristics are related mainly to photoperiod and light intensity. The effect of shading, by means of shading nets, on quality characteristics of compact gardenia potted plants was investigated during summer in a polyethylene covered greenhouse located near Volos, on the coastal area of Central Greece. Shading nets with 70% (30% shading) and 40% (60% shading) light transmission coefficient were used inside the greenhouse that was already shaded by white paint and had a total light transmission coefficient of 30%. Gardenia plants were grown under the above shading nets and under ambient greenhouse conditions from April to July 2010. Measurements of plant growth and development characteristics were carried out along with microclimate measurements. The results showed that plants placed under 30 and 60% shading nets were 10 and 13% shorter than the plants grown under ambient greenhouse conditions, respectively. Furthermore, shaded plants grown under the 30 and 60% shading nets had 23 and 45% lower leaf area and fresh weight than the plants grown under ambient greenhouse conditions, respectively. Finally, it was found that plants grown under the 60% shading net had more vivid green color compared to the rest of the plants