Scientists determined if irrigation at lower, constant substrate moisture content (SMC) during greenhouse production could acclimate plants for reduced shrinkage during shelf life while conserving irrigation water. A 20 percent SMC treatment produced the best postharvest quality plants resulting from reduced plant height, without detrimental effects on flowering. Results showed controlled irrigation at a lower SMC can conserve water and produce high-quality plants with shelf life equal to that of plants irrigated at high levels.

Source: Optimal substrate moisture content determined for high-quality bedding plants