NOTES & COMMENTS ON THE 2006 EASTER LILY SCHEDULE

Easter 2006 outlook: Easter falls on a late date in 2006 (April 16). Growers will need to control (slow) lily crop development without sacrificing quality.   Average heights and times for forcing are presented in this schedule.  Adjust schedule according to plant growth, bud development, starting time, and past experience.  If you have problems contact your Extension Educator.

Media, fertilization, & irrigation: Use a well-drained medium to avoid root-rot and leaf yellowing later in the crop. Run a soil test before bulbs arrive, and then periodically during the crop. If especially low in phosphorus, incorporate up to 3 lbs of superphosphate per cubic yard.  If leaf scorch has been a problem in the past adjust pH to 6.5-7.0 and do not add superphosphate.  If calcium is low (below 100 ppm) but pH is in a good range, incorporate gypsum at 2 ‑ 4 lbs. per cubic yard. Start fertilizing as soon as lilies emerge and continue to within 7 days of sale.  An initial application of 400 to 500 ppm nitrogen, with a complete formulation such as a 20-10-20, will provide the nitrogen needed for good, early leaf development. Thereafter, use a 15-0-15 or a similar formulation with 150 to 200 ppm nitrogen on constant basis or 400 ppm nitrogen on a weekly basis.  If phosphorus was not added to the medium, 20-10-20 can be used on an alternating basis with a 15-0-15. Do not allow medium EC to exceed 2 mmho/cm based on a 1:2 soil:water extract (i.e. Spurways analysis) or 3.5 mmho/cm based on a Saturated Media Extract. Apply one clear watering (no fertilizer) before lilies are shipped - this will reduce salt levels in the potting medium and maximize lily keeping-quality.

Keep moist - do not let mix dry out at any time during the crop. Do not withhold water or fertilizer to slow development.  Do not over water (i.e. water too frequently) or root rot problems may occur.

Do not use insurance lighting for CTF or case-cooled bulbs this year. 

Bulb cooling:  Program lilies by providing 1000 hours cooling at 40-45F.  To delay the start of greenhouse forcing, bulb cooling can be interrupted with several weeks of 32F temperatures. Bulbs will not accumulate additional cooling hours while held at freezing temperatures.

Bud initiation: Run 60-62F day & night during bud initiation.  Bud initiation begins when stem roots start to develop & continues for several weeks. Once primary buds initiate, secondary buds can be stimulated by running the cultivar Nellie White at 46F for up to 14 days.  Note: Cool temperatures slow lily development - only use this technique if greenhouse forcing begins prior to week 17 for case-cooled, or week 14 for pot-cooled bulbs.

Lily timing: Use lower forcing temperatures to slow crop development for the late Easter 2006. Monitor lily development each week (use leaf counting to accurately gauge crop timing).  Adjust temperature to keep plants on schedule. Use average daily temperatures of 70-75F to speed development, use temperatures of 55-60F to slow development.

Prevent leaf yellowing: Spray Fascination (at 5/5 to 10/10 ppm) to prevent early-season leaf yellowing (seven to 10 days before visible bud) & mid-season leaf yellowing (seven to 10 days after visible bud).  Apply only to lower leaves and cover thoroughly. Apply Fascination to lilies to be held in cold storage for more than seven days.  Spray 100/100 ppm Fascination over the top of the plant when buds are about 3 inches long, but no more than 14 days prior to cold storage or shipping. Fascination contains two active ingredients and recommended concentrations refer to both active ingredients. For example, a 100/100 ppm spray will contain 100 ppm BA plus 100 ppm GA4+7.]

Disease and pest control: Before planting, clean bulbs of debris removing any damaged scales, especially scales that appear punky or show evidence of infection. Once potted, immediately drench with Terraclor (for Rhizoctonia) plus Terrazole or Truban (for Pythium control). Other compounds labeled for control of these diseases including Subdue Maxx, and Banol for Pythium, and 26GT, Defend (same active agent as terraclor), and Sextant for Rhizoctonia. Fungicides may need to be re-applied in early February and again in early March. 

Aphids, fungus gnats and bulb mites are a major concern. Use only smokes or aerosols once in bud.  Many chemicals are listed for aphid control, including Marathon, DuraGuard, Distance, Enstar II, Preclude TR, Tame, Thiodan smoke, Ultrafine Oil, Insecticidal Soap, and Talstar. Fungus gnat can be controlled with many of these same chemicals as well as Knox Out (Diazinon), Gnatrol for adults and Exhibit for larvae. (Note: Exhibit will not control Shoreflies).  Bulb mites, Rhizoglyphus  robini, represent on of the more troublesome insect pests on lilies. Soaking bulbs in Kelthane for 30 minutes prior to planting is still the most effective control. Unfortunately Kelthane is only available in pallet-size quantities, but if you have Kelthane FIFRA section 2ee interpretation can be used to cover lily bulb dip applications for bulb mite control.  Many other pesticides are listed for use on ornamentals and some may prove to be effective for bulb mite control. 

Controlling Lily Height: Growth regulators should not be applied until after flower buds have set. Early applications can reduce bud count. Use DIF, or cool morning DIP, to control lily height during the flower initiation. Equal day/night temperatures, high night/low day temperatures or cool morning temperatures will keep lilies short.  Use A-Rest, Cycocel, or Sumagic as needed when shoots are 3-5" tall.   Split applications are most effective and produce the most desirable plants. With split applications, use half the normal dose at the first application and then a one-quarter to one-half dosage in subsequent applications (depending on the number of applications you plan to use and the amount of control needed). Liles exposed to high concentrations of plant growth regulators have a greater tendency to develop lower leaf yellowing in the later stages of production.  

Lily storage: Lilies can be stored for up to 10 days in the dark at 35 - 45^o when buds turn white but before they open.  Spray with Chipco 26019 (4-8 oz./25 gal.) or dust lightly with Daconil 2787 WP for Botrytis control during storage.  Follow label directions.  Thoroughly water lilies before storage, and shade after removing pots from storage to avoid excessive wilting.