The inflorescences were counted every 10
days over ten weeks of flowering and they were
removed after withering. Leaf assimilation surface
was measured with Delta-T Image Analysis System
analyzer (DIAS, Delta-T Device Ltd., Cambridge,
Great Britain). The device records images
by means of a special analog to digital converter
coupled to a PC. The same leaves were counted
and their fresh weight was determined using RADWAG
PS 200/2000/C/2 electronic scales (0.001 g
accuracy). Chlorophyll a and b content was estimated
as described by Arnon et al. [1956] and
modified by Lichtenthaler [1987] and carotenoids
were determined according to Schnarrenberg and
Mohr [1970]. Pelargonium bonitation value was
assessed using a five-score bonitation scale. The
highest score (5) was given to the pelargoniums
with the highest ornamental value, and the lowest
(1) to the plants showing no such value.