Reference
Carvalho, S.M.P. and Heuvelink, E. 2001. Influence of greenhouse climate and plant density on external quality of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura): first steps toward a quality model. Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology 76: 249-258.
What was done
The authors reviewed the scientific literature to determine the optimal growth conditions for the chrysanthemum flower.
What was learned
The authors report that experiments have shown that atmospheric CO2 enrichment positively influences several external quality characteristics of chrysanthemums. Specifically, it increases stem length, number of lateral branches, number of flowers and size of flowers.
What it means
In controlled environments, enriching the air with CO2 around chrysanthemums will likely increase several of this highly-prized flower's important quality characteristics. Consequently, chrysanthemum growers utilizing greenhouses and other controlled-environment facilities should exploit this fact to their advantage by fumigating their plants with air of elevated CO2 concentration.
Reviewed 16 April 2003