Question

A greenhouse worker finds that potted chrysanthemums nearest the aisles are often shorter than those in the middle of the bench. Explain this “edge effect,” a common problem in horticulture.

Short answer

The potted chrysanthemum nearest the aisle gets subjected to mechanical stress and air currents. The plants potted in the middle of the bench grow taller due to less mechanical stress and fewer air currents. The shading and less evaporative stress assist the plants’ development in good condition.

Step-by-step solution

Horticulture

The branch of applied biology which involves the sustainable production of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and many other plant products is called horticulture. The method of growing plants in horticulture is scientific and includes significant techniques.

Olericulture, pomology, viticulture, and floriculture are some of the branches of horticulture.

Edge effects in horticulture

The pattern found in nature that impacts the productivity of the plants is called the edge effect.The structural boundary of the two habitats shows its effects on community structure or growth and development of the plants.

The density of plant population in the middle of any two habitats is maximum and also well produced.

Reasons of edge effect

The plants that are potted nearest the aisles would get exposure due to passing workers or visitors.They are subjected to more air currents than the middle-plotted plants.Plants near the aisles get less shading and more evaporative stress.

Thus, plants attain a short structure than those in the middle of the bench.