effect of different optical radiations in the root zone and calcium foliar spray on anthurium andreanum l. growth characteristics grown in aeroponic conditions

light is one of the important environmental factors seriously affecting plant growth. given the availability of roots in aeroponic system, the influence of various light rays emitted towards the root zone of anthurium was studied. foliar spray of calcium nitrate in concentration of 10 mm was tried because of the high importance of calcium element in enhancement of vase life and strength of cut flowers taking into account the anthurium,s sensitivity to calcium deficiency and fading of spath colors. the experiment was carried out as a factorial one of a randomized complete block design in the greenhouse gardens of the college of agriculture and natural resources, university of tehran– karaj during the years 2010-2011. to study the influence of various light rays within the root zone, different planting container colors (black, blue and red) were made use of. results revealed that the effect of various light rays in the root zone on the leaf number, shoots, dry and fresh weight, blade width and length traits was significant at the 1% probability level. as on root dry and fresh weight the effect was significant at a 5% probability level. the root zone black color with increasing shoots dry and fresh weight as well as root dry and fresh weight and leaf number was the most suitable treatment regarding light rays in the root zone. foliar spray application of calcium nitrate did not significantly affect the traits assessed. the effect only upon leaf number was significant at 1% probability level leading to their reduction. it seems that a black root zone accompanied by foliar spray of distilled water exerted the most effect on anthutium growth traits within the scope of the treatments studied.