Brushing Using a Hand Coated with Body Lotion or in a Latex Glove Decreases African Violet Plant Quality and Size.

摘要

Plants of two cultivars of african violet (Saintpaulia ionantha), 'Michigan' and 'Gisela', were brushed for 30 or 90 seconds three times per week for 5 weeks with a gloved or nongloved hand to which body lotion had been applied. 'Michigan' damage rating and size was more affected by brushing than was 'Gisela'. Brushing generally increased the damage rating and decreased plant size compared with not brushing. Plants brushed with a gloved hand had lower damage ratings and were larger than those brushed with a nongloved, lotioned hand. Plants brushed for 30 seconds had lower damage ratings and were generally larger than those brushed for 90 seconds. Brushing leaves of african violets, particularly with a hand to which body lotion has been applied, is not recommended because repeated brushing can decrease plant quality and size.