The Effect of Mechanical Stimulation on the Growth for Potted Plants

For a compact growth of many potted plants you often have to use chemical growth inhibitors. Various species of herbs tend to an undesirable extension growth too. In general, the use of chemical inhibitors is prohibited in the production of potted herbs. For several years at the State Horticultural College and Research Institute Heidelberg there is employed an alternative method of mechanical stimulation treatment for a compact growth of potted plants. The greatest reduction of elongation was obtained, when the plants were treated with breaks in the early morning. In 2009 and 2010, the employees of the trial station proofed the effect of mechanical stimulation (Thigmomorfogenesis) to a large assortment of organically produced potted herbs. Green and red varieties of basil, parsley, coriander, chervil, lemon balm (2009) and four different varieties of mint (2010) were stimulated with a machine one week after beginning culture continuously 108 times per day. Compared to the untreated plants all mechanically stimulated herb species and varieties showed a tendency or significantly reduced elongation growth and therefore more stability. Depending on species and varieties the quality of these plants was visibly improved.