Well I am gunna go against the grain here and disagree with most here. Defoliation CAN NOT increase yeild, ever, at all, it is physicly impossible. Accually I believe it DECREASES the size of the yeild. This subject reminds me of people who claim that drinking thier own urine is healthy... not a drop of real scientific proof yet they will argue till they lose thier voice...I think it is because they would be too embarassed if they were wrong.
Lets talk about defoiliation, how can ANY one suggest that removing part of a plant that evolution has decided is needed for best results will increase the amount of flowers? If having no leaves was better you can be assured that evolution would have removed the leaves.
I accuall wonder in many people even know how a plant works? Here are some basics I found in mere seconds...
Leaves – Leaves are where photosynthesis takes place and light and carbon dioxide are taken in, with oxygen released as a by-product. On the underside of leaves small openings called "stomata" open and close allowing carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit.
So some of you are suggesting that removing these leaves would help in some way?
Stems & Vascular System (Xylem & Phloem) – The stems are the heart of a plant’s vascular system and carry water and nutrients throughout the plant. The xylem carries water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and the phloem transports food manufactured by the leaves to the stems and roots. The stem also supports the plant and bears leaves, flowers buds, and fruits.
Once again by removing the storage space for the nutes there is NO WAY that this could "increase" yeild. Sounds like removing half your stomach would mean you have twice as much energy?
A surprising thing happens if one of these needs is only partially met: All of these needs are negatively affected in a complex chain reaction. For example: If a plant receives only 10% of its needed nutrients, that doesn’t cause just a 10% negative impact. It creates a 10% negative impact on all of the other 5 needs as well, causing an actual 50% negative impact on the entire plant. (10% x 5 = 50%). Maintaining a proper balance of all factors that affect a plant’s health is your best assurance of gardening success.
The above quote makes more sence than the "magicly gets better yeild" theory.... if you take away part of the system, the rest of the system is deminished.
By day, plants absorb sunlight and produce chlorophyll. They also take in water containing dissolved mineral salts and carbon dioxide. These three elements work together to produce glucose which is stored to be used as fuel. Oxygen is expelled as a by-product of glucose production.
By night, the opposite happens. Plants now take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. The intake of oxygen triggers the release of the stored glucose giving the plant the needed energy to grow new leaves and roots.
Again I ask some of you.... How can removing the leaves increase yeild? IMPOSSIBLE>
As a note... I do remove dying ar yellowing leaves, some that touch soil, and low ones from inside areas that recieve very little light, but if it is healthy... why cut it off?
That's my 2 cents...
Jonny
