ISHS Acta Horticulturae 133: Nutrient Film Technique and Substrates, XXI IHC
INFLUENC OF SOLUTION CONCENTRATION ON GROWTH, FLOWER QUALITY AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE IN SPRAY CHRYSANTEMUM |
| Authors: | A.T. Moustafa, J.V. Morgan |
| Abstract:
The responce of spray chrysantemum(cvs. Fandango and Hurricane) to a range of nutrient solution concentration in NFT was studied during the rooting, long-day and short-day phases of growth. Root initiation and development was most satisfactory at ca. 650 μS. Root tissue levels ofK increased dramatically from 2.5% in tap water (130 μS) to a maximum of 8.6% at ca.1 000 μS. During the long-day vegetative growth phase dry weight of root and shoot portions was maximised at ca. 2 000 μS. Leaf numbers were highest at ca. 2 000 to 3 900 μS, while plant height was not significantly affected. Leaf scorch symptom which developed early in the long-day period, got progressively worse with increasing nutruent concentrations. The occurence of the disorder was serious above ca. 1 000 μS. Affected leaf tissues were low in ca. Plant tissue levels of N, P, K and Ca increased rapidly with solution concentration up to ca. 1 000 μS. Maximum dry matter accumulation was associated with shoot/root ratios of 6.5–6.8. Plant height, fresh weight and number ofshort days to harvest were significantly reduced atthe highest concentration (3 900 μS). while stem strength was improved. Flower number per spray and spray head diameter were not affected. Floret size was increased aand pedical length reduced as concentration increased. Overall growth and cut-flower quality was most satisfactory at ca. 2 000 μS. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
