ISHS Acta Horticulturae 150: International Symposium on Substrates in Horticulture other than Soils In Situ
EFFECT OF SUBSTRATE AND NITROGEN SUPPLY ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF MINICYMBIDIUM |
| Authors: | R. Arnold Bik, Th.J.M. van den Berg |
| Abstract:
A factorial trial with the orchid Mini-Cymbidium cv. 'Pendragon Sikkim' was carried out including the following treatments: Two types of substrate, viz., granulated rock wool and a commonly used mixture based on peat; three nitrogen rates, viz., 4, 6 and 8 mmol N per litre in the nutrient solution; two methods of fertilizer application, viz., withholding fertilizer during May and June, and a continuous fertilizer supply. There were no differences in results between granulated rock wool and the peat mix, except for the spike/shoot ratio which was higher in the case of rock wool. Shoot formation improved with increasing nitrogen rate, in contrast to the spike/shoot ratio which declined from the lowest nitrogen rate upwards. An adverse effect of nitrogen was also found for spike length, spike fresh weight, flower/spike ratio and earliness of flowering. Omitting fertilizers during May and June resulted in a reduced shoot formation, but a higher spike/shoot ratio along with earlier flowering, as compared with a continuous fertilizer supply. The results demonstrate the importance of a well-balanced nitrogen supply in producing a good crop of Mini-Cymbidium. It has also become apparent that withholding fertilizer temporarily in early summer might be advantageous. However, more research data are needed to set up a complete fertilization programme for this orchid. | |
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