ERIC ED451356: An Introduction to Greenhouse Production. Second Edition.

392 Pages·2000·10.1 MB·English

by  ERIC

DOCUMENT RESUME
CE 081 495
ED 451 356
McMahon, Robert W.
AUTHOR
An Introduction to Greenhouse Production. Second Edition.
TITLE
Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Agricultural Education
INSTITUTION
Curriculum Materials Service.
ISBN-1-56502-015-4
ISBN
2000-00-00
PUB DATE
400p.; For the first edition (1992), see ED 346 253.
NOTE
Curriculum Materials Service, Ohio State University, 254
AVAILABLE FROM
Agricultural Administration Building, 2120 Fyffe Road,
Columbus, OH 43210-1067 (Stock No. 9502M, $42.95). Tel:
614-292-4848.
Learner (051)
Classroom
Guides
PUB TYPE
MF01/PC16 Plus Postage.
EDRS PRICE
Agricultural Education; Agricultural Supplies; Competency
DESCRIPTORS
Based Education; Fertilizers; *Greenhouses; Instructional
Materials; Integrated Curriculum; Nurseries (Horticulture);
*Ornamental Horticulture; *Pests; Plant Growth; *Plant
Propagation; Plants (Botany); Postsecondary Education;
Secondary Education
ABSTRACT
This student manual is presented in its first revision,
providing a current, basic text for those preparing for greenhouse and
floriculture work. Its fourteen chapters are: Overview of the Greenhouse
Industry; Greenhouse Structures; Controlling the Greenhouse Environment;
Greenhouse Equipment and Lighting; Greenhouse Irrigation Systems; Root Media
and Containers; Nutrition; Integrated Pest Management; Plant Height Control
by DIF; Bedding Plant Production (including Geraniums); Flowering Potted
Plant Production--Poinsettias, Chrysanthemums, and Easter Lilies; Minor
Potted Crops; Cut Flower Production; and Greenhouse Perennial Production.
Listed at the beginning of each chapter are competencies that can be achieved
as the result of studying information in that chapter. Related math and
science concepts are also included at the beginning of each chapter. The list
of "terms to know" provides familiarity with the industry terms used in that
chapter and improves communication. At the end of each chapter, students can
take a self-check on the information they have learned by using review
questions. Page references are included for the information needed.
Appendixes include 18 references, a glossary of terms, and an index.
(YLB)
Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made
from the original document.
r--sr"-
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
office ol Educational Research and Improvement
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION
PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND
CENTER (ERIC)
DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS
This document has been reproduced as
BEEN GRANTED BY
received from the person or organization
originating it.
Minor changes have been made to
improve reproduction quality.
Points of view or opinions stated in this
TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
document do not necessarily represent
INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)
official OERI position or policy.
1
An Intr
cr)
4.
r
"4"
;7-
;I
t'
_err
McMahon
'
itt,
'447
.43
4.
'5"
BEST COPY AVAILABLE
7-4
2
Tr.
Second Edition
An lintroductTon to
GREENHOUSE
PRODUCTION
ion
Robert W. Mc Ma
Curriculum Materials Service
Preface
This student manual, An Introduction to Greenhouse Production, is presented in its first revision,
providing a very readable, current, basic text for those preparing for greenhouse and floriculture work.
This is the first full-color edition. This publication replaces The Greenhouse Worker Student Manual.
At the beginning of each chapter, competencies are listed that can be achieved as the result of
studying information in that chapter. These competencies have been suggested by the author and veri-
fied by industry experts. Related math and science concepts are also included at the beginning of each
chapter. The list of terms to know provides familiarity with the industry terms used in that chapter and
improves communication. Straightforward definitions for these terms, relating to greenhouse produc-
tion, are included in a glossary at the end of the manual. At the end of each chapter, students can take a
self-check on the information they have learned by using the review questions. Page references are
included for help in locating the information needed.
The author has updated all floriculture statistics he included so students can be kept current. Also,
a new feature has been added in this revision an overview of perennial production in Chapter 14.
Trade or brand names of products are mentioned in this manual with the understanding that no
discrimination or endorsement by the author or by Curriculum Materials Service is intended.
Isaac Kershaw, Director
William D. Waidelich, Director
Agricultural Education Service
Curriculum Materials Service
Office of Career-Technical and Adult Education
Department of Human & Community
Ohio Department of Education
Resource Development
The Ohio State University
ISBN Number: 1-56502-015-4
First Edition 1992
Second Edition 2000
Copyright © 2000
Curriculum Materials Service
The Ohio State University
All rights reserved
CURRICULUM MATERIALS SERVICE
254 Agricultural Administration Building
The Ohio State University
2120 Fyffe Road
Columbus, Ohio 43210-1067
2000
The Curriculum Materials Service, as a part of The Ohio State University, is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual for
reasons of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, or handicap. All instructional materials are available to all potential clientele on a non-discriminatory
basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, or handicap.
Acknowledgments
The author is grateful to the many individuals and greenhouse businesses who assisted in the preparation
of this book. Foremost is the horticultural advisory committee that helped to develop the text outline of the first
edition and contributed suggestions to the final draft of that text. These advisory committee members (who met
with the author) and the organizations in Ohio that they represent, either in the greenhouse industry or in academia,
are the following:
Ms. Lilly Felder, Hehn's Wholesale Greenhouse, Akron
Mr. Tom Machamer, Cedar Lane Farms, Inc., Wooster
Mr. Erik Mayer, Ashland High School, Ashland
Mr. Danny Miss ler, Green Circle Growers, Inc., Oberlin
Mr. Erik Munson, Montgomery County JVS, Clayton
Dr. Roger Roediger, Curriculum Materials Service, Columbus
Mr. James Scott, Agricultural Education Service, Columbus
Mr. Jeffrey Schaffstall, Hehn's Wholesale Greenhouse, Akron
Mr. Richard Waggoner, Penta County JVS, Perrysburg
Mr. Rick Webb, Tri-County JVS, Nelsonville
Most of the photographs used in this book were taken by the author. There are, however, some photo-
graphic contributions from other individuals and businesses. Their cooperation in supplying photographs is
sincerely appreciated.
Dr. Steven Nameth
Dr. Gary Anderson
Mr. Timothy Pfaffel
Ms. Janet Bandy
Ms. Marilyn Riese
Blackmore Company, Inc. (Belleville, MI)
Dr. Roger Roediger
Mr. Dale Bradshaw
Dr. Ted Short
Paul Ecke Poinsettias (Encinitas, CA)
Mr. Thomas Taylor
Ms. Lilly Felder
Ms. Alison Witt
Mr. Michael Fulton
Yoder Brothers, Inc. (Barberton, OH)
Dr. Richard Lindquist
Photographs were taken in the following businesses or organizations, located in Ohio (unless otherwise
noted in parentheses). Their cooperation is also acknowledged.
The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, Wooster
Adventures in Botany, Wooster
Ape lt's Greenhouse, North Olmstead
Architectural Greenery, Akron
Barco Sons, Inc., Medina
Bernecker's Nursery, Homestead
(FL)
Cedar Lane Farms, Inc., Wooster
Costa Nursery, Homestead (FL)
Crop King, Inc., Seville
Diefenbacher Greenhouses, Cincinnati
Endres Floral Company, New Philadelphia
Walter J. Engel, Inc., Columbus
Epcot Center and Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista (FL)
Graf Growers, Akron
Green Circle Growers, Oberlin and Columbia Station
Green Thumb Floral and Gifts, Wooster
Hehn's Wholesale Greenhouse, Akron
(continued)
111
5
Acknowledgments
(continued)
Horticultural Research Institute of Ontario, Vineland Station, Ontario (Canada)
Interior Plant Specialists, Inc., Westlake
Little Miami Flower Company, Yellow Springs
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square (PA)
Moore's Greenhouse, Shreve
Natural Beauty of Florida/Greiling Farms, Inc., Apopka (FL)
Og levee, Ltd., Connellsville (PA)
Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster
Phil's Greenhouse, Homeworth
Plantasia, Canal Winchester
Possum Run Greenhouses, Inc., Bellville
Quail Crest Farm, Wooster
Sea World of Ohio, Aurora
Spectrum Analytic Inc., Washington Courthouse
Tower City, Cleveland
Tuinbuow Technisch Atelier, Bleskensgraas (The Netherlands)
Wooster Floral Store, Wooster
Yoder Canada, Leamington, Ontario (Canada)
The author would also like to thank the following individuals for their important and varied contributions.
Dr. Gary Anderson
Dr. Charles Powell
Mr. Dale Bradshaw
Dr. Ted Short
Ms. Teresa Lanker
Ms. Ladonna Whitt
Dr. Richard Lindquist
Dr. William Waidelich, Director of the Ohio Curriculum Materials Service of The Ohio State University,
was Project Director for this second edition. Dr. Roger Roediger was project director for the first edition. Their
many helpful comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Muriel N. King, project editor, did an outstand-
ing job of editing the text and implementing the layout of both first and second editions of the book. Amelia
Boye, graphic artist of Curriculum Materials Service, contributed the cover design and
a number of the new line
art and color graphics.
About the Author
Robert W. McMahon is associate professor in the Horticulture Technologies Division of The Ohio State
University Agricultural Technical Institute (Ohio State ATI). As coordinator of the Greenhouse Production and
Management Technology, Dr. McMahon teaches floriculture production courses, including Greenhouse Envi-
ronment Control, Greenhouse Bedding Plant Production, and Greenhouse Perennial Production. Dr. McMahon
also manages the five production greenhouses and conservatory and serves on various
campus committees.
Results of the research in insect pest management he has conducted have been published in
many refereed and
non-refereed journal articles during his 13-year tenure.
Dr. McMahon received his B.A. degree in biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. His
advanced degrees are from Iowa State University, Ames: the M.S. with a major in horticulture (floriculture), and
the Ph.D. with co-majors in botany (plant physiology) and horticulture (horticulture physiology).
Dr. McMahon is a member of the Ohio Florists' Association, the International Carnivorous Plant Society,
and the Cleveland Flower Growers Association. Since 1992, he has received five teaching awards
at ATI, univer-
sity, and national levels.
iv
6
Contents
Chapter 1 Overview of the Greenhouse Industry
1
History of the greenhouse industry
3
Major greenhouse crops and production statistics
3
International floriculture production
9
The greenhouse business
13
Careers in floriculture
15
24
Chapter 1 review
Chapter 2 Greenhouse Structures
25
Suitable greenhouse locations
26
Greenhouse structures and glazing materials
29
Greenhouse framing materials
40
42
The headhouse
44
Chapter 2 review
Chapter 3 Controlling the Greenhouse Environment
45
46
Heating principles
Heating fuels
48
50
Heating systems
Greenhouse energy conservation
63
Greenhouse ventilation and cooling equipment
68
Air cooling methods
72
Greenhouse shading
76
Natural ventilation
77
Carbon dioxide generators
82
Chapter 3 review
85
Chapter 4 Greenhouse Equipment and Lighting
87
Greenhouse benches
88
Supplemental lighting
97
Chapter 4 review
102
Chapter 5 Greenhouse Irrigation Systems
103
Watering systems
104
Water quality
113
Intermittent mist systems for propagation
118
Greenhouse environment control computers
120
Chapter 5 review
125
Chapter 6 Root Media and Containers
127
Introduction to soils
128
Root media
130
Containers for floriculture crops
147
Propagation materials
151
Chapter 6 review
156
Chapter 7 Nutrition
157
The seventeen essential elements
158
Effect of pH on nutrient availability
159
Fertilizers
159
Fertilizer calculations
167
Nutritional problems
171
Chapter 7 review
176
Chapter 8 Integrated Pest Management
177
Definition of IPM
179
Principles of IPM
179
Setting up an IPM program
187
Chapter 8 review
188
(continued)
V
Contents (continued)
Chapter 9 Plant Height Control by DIF
189
Definition of DIF
190
Effects of DIF on plant growth
191
Applications of DIF
193
Chapter 9 review
196
Chapter 10 Bedding Plant Production (including Geraniums)
197
Bedding plants
198
Overview of the bedding plant industry
198
Seed germination in flats and plug trays
201
Seedling growth stages
211
Finishing the crop
214
Schedules for bedding plant crops
227
Marketing bedding plants
229
Geraniums
232
Chapter 10 review
247
Chapter 11 Flowering Potted Plant Production
- Poinsettias, Chrysanthemums,
and Easter Lilies
249
Introduction - Statistics
250
Poinsettia production
252
Poinsettia review
272
Potted chrysanthemum production
273
Chrysanthemum review
294
Easter lily production
295
Easter lily review
305
Chapter 12 Minor Potted Crops
307
African violets
308
Cineraria
310
Cyclamen
311
Holiday cacti
313
Kalanchoe
315
New Guinea impatiens
317
Foliage plants
319
Chapter 12 review
336
Chapter 13 Cut Flower Production
339
Introduction and statistics
340
Roses
341
Carnations
343
Alstroemeria
345
Freesia
346
Snapdragon
347
General cultural guidelines
348
Harvesting
350
Chapter 13 review
351
Chapter 14 Greenhouse Perennial Production
353
Perennial propagation
354
Perennial juvenility
363
Flowering induction treatments
364
Guidelines for forcing perennials
366
Chapter 14 review
369
References
370
Glossary
371
Index
380
vi
CHAPTER 1
GREENHOUSE NOUSTRY
OVERVIEW OF T
Competencies for Chapter 1
As a result of studying this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
Describe the history of the floriculture industry worldwide.
1.
Describe the impact of international trade policies on floriculture
2.
products worldwide.
Describe the economic importance of floriculture.
3.
Identify the major segments of the floriculture industry.
4.
5. Name the leading states in floriculture production in the U.S.
Categorize the major costs of a greenhouse business.
6.
Describe available careers in floriculture.
7.
Identify continuing education opportunities.
8.
9. Summarize the trends in cut flower production.
10. Consult reference manuals and reports that relate to the greenhouse
industry.
Related Math Concepts
1. Read, interpret, and construct charts, graphs, and tables.
2. Apply basic operations to whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.
Terms to Know
environmental
fertilize
floriculture
foliage plant
greenhouse
growing media
irrigation
liners
pesticide
propagation
Quarantine 37
2
An Introduction to Greenhouse Production
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the exciting and dynamic floriculture industry! By choos-
ing a career in the floriculture industry, you are stepping into a field that is
growing and constantly changing. Exciting new technologies have been
developed; they enable the industry to bring new and improved floriculture
products to the American consumer. You will be involved in new methods of
production and marketing. You will experience changing trends in consumer
demands. This will always be challenging, but you will reap great rewards
as you meet each challenge, and you will grow with the industry.
Floriculture
is defined as the growing and marketing of bedding plants
(annual and perennial), flowering potted plants, cut flowers, and foliage.
The floriculture industry fills a basic need in people. It supplies us with
beautiful plants and flowers. In our often "sterile" world of concrete, plaster,
and limited yard space, we need something living and beautiful to lift our
spirits and satisfy the desire many of us have to grow something. For these
reasons, gardening is the number one hobby in the United States, and indoor
foliage plants are very popular both in homes and in commercial applica-
tions.
Therefore, floriculture is an important part of the agriculture industry.
Greenhouse workers, growers, shippers, wholesalers, and retail florists are
all involved in the floriculture industry (Figure 1.1). Your choosing to study
floriculture greenhouse production is a sound career decision for your
future.
Figure 1.1 Organization of the commercial greenhouse industry.
GREENHOUSE
MASS
A few bedding
MERCHANDISER
PRODUCER
plants, potted
plants, cut flowers
Bedding plants,
Bedding
potted plants,
cut flowers
SUPERMARKET
LAWN & GARDEN
FLOWERS
al