PROBLEMS IN SOILLESS GREENHOUSE CULTIVATION OF PROTEACEAE IN FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN REGION

ISHS Acta Horticulturae 408: International Seminar on Soilless Culture Technology Protected Crops Mild Winter Climates

PROBLEMS IN SOILLESS GREENHOUSE CULTIVATION OF PROTEACEAE IN FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN REGION

Authors:

P. ALLEMAND, M. MONTARONE, R. BRUN

Abstract:
The adaptation of Proteaceae culture to soilless technique requires the definition of proper nutrient solutions and the finding of adequate substrates for this type of plants. However, it can bring considerable changes in quantitative aspects of their development, flowering and vegetative cycles.

During this preliminary stage, the following questions had to be solved:

relative N.P.K. concentrations and K/(Ca+Mg) ratio at equilibrium conditions;
chemical compatibility of the substrate with respect to excretions from proteoid roots; these, being acide, can attack natural substrates and modify the medium around the rhizosphere;
respect of proper growth cycle of the plant; vegetative and floral stages imply different water and mineral requirements.
pruning and harvesting modes most adapted to architectural features of the species.
level of physiological maturity for flowering.

This paper gives the main results of different trials realised in the south of France for the cultivation of Proteaceae and explains the problems which are unsolved.

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