Shorter Internodes
Problems with Short Internodal Spacing
Shorter Internodes
There is a general understanding that short internodal spacing is a sign of plant vigor . That ’ s because one goal of every grower is to maximize their plants ’ rate of photosynthesis and thus maximize the entire crop ’ s yield . More intense sunlight will typically cause a plant to have higher rates of photosynthesis and thus produce shorter internodal spacing . Of course , not all plants respond the same way to light stimulation , so some plants can photosynthesize properly and produce short internode regions in dimly lit locations . As such , knowing your crop is important . Being able to recognize what the normal internode spacing should be for healthy specimens of your plants allows you to react accordingly to deviations from this . Wind can also cause the stimulation and release of plant hormones that affect growth , causing the production of shorter internodal spacing and a thicker stem . A minimal amount of modest wind is usually all that is needed to be beneficial for strengthening a plant .
Problems with Short Internodal Spacing
Short internodal spacing is not always an indicator of plant vigor and health . The macronutrient nitrogen is responsible for both leaf and stem growth on a plant . Along with the yellowing and premature dropping of older leaves , insufficient nitrogen will also produce shorter internodal spacing on many plant types . Cold temperatures , particularly during specific growth stages , can also cause shorter internodal spacing .
Being able to recognize what
“ the normal internode spacing should be for
healthy specimens of your plants allows you to react accordingly to deviations from this .”
Similarly , intense light radiation will cause the photodestruction of auxin , leading to shorter internodes and small plant height . Zinc is an important nutrient in the regulation of auxin production , so insufficient zinc levels can cause short internodal spacing too . Most perennials , like the deciduous and woody grape vine , produce and store carbohydrates in their roots to produce shoots the following year . If these carbohydrate levels are low , the plant will subsequently show poor growth and closer internodal spacing . Even infestations of certain mites can cause shortened internodal spacing .
Most plants under normal conditions will respond to strong , long hours of sunlight by increasing photosynthesis and producing nodes on their stems more frequently . As such , growers are typically pleased to see their crop have shorter internodal spacing . It should be remembered , however , that this response is not universal for all types of plants and that short internodal space can actually be signal of a potential problem with some varieties . Knowing the normal characteristics for your crop is pertinent towards the ultimate success you obtain . For more information , scan the QR code . grow cycle 107