ISHS Acta Horticulturae 294: II Symposium on Horticultural Substrates and their Analysis, XXIII IHC
EFFECTS OF OXYGEN DEFICIENCY ON SPRAY CARNATION (DIANTHUS CARYOPHYLLUS) GROWN IN ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRATES. |
| Author: | R. Baas |
| Abstract:
Effects of various levels of oxygen availability in the root environment of carnation were investigated. Differences in oxygen availability in the treatments were realised by using different irrigation systems including aerating or non-aerating nutrient solution in the substrate, in combination with two particle sizes of perlite (0–1 mm and 1–7.5 mm). Oxygen deficiency in the 0–1 mm perlite increased the percentage of dead plants, and reduced the number of harvested peduncles per m2 and the weight, number of buds and length of the peduncles. Regrowth after the first cutting was severely hampered and P, K, Ca and Mg concentrations in the leaves were decreased as a result of oxygen deficiency. Percentages of dry matter in the leaves increased during the photoperiod. The strongest increase, however, occurred in the oxygen deficient treatments, with a concomitant loss of turgor. It is suggested that troubled growth of carnation on artificial substrates is related to anaerobic conditions in the root environment. | |
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