Plentiful poinsettias without PGRs

Light manipulation technique effective, environmental alternative for growing holiday favorite

		IMAGE: This photo shows poinsettia plants cultivated under a photoselective (left) and a transparent (right) film. Click here for more information.

BUENOS AIRES—Poinsettias can be a lucrative crop for ornamental plant growers, particularly during the Christmas season. In the temperate regions of the southern hemisphere, where poinsettias are grown for both export and local markets, high-demand time for holiday sales occurs during the summer, when warm temperatures and stronger light can accelerate plant growth, often resulting in unmarketable plants.