ISHS Acta Horticulturae 450: International Symposium Growing Media and Plant Nutrition in Horticulture
CULTURAL CONTROL OF PLANT GROWTH - A FRESH LOOK |
| Authors: | N.C. Bragg, A.K. Fuller |
| Keywords: | Bedding plants, phosphate, growth regulants |
| Abstract:
Research conducted in the U.K at HRI Efford examined the use of controlled phosphate levels to manipulate plant growth, specifically in seed raised plants. Using a range of bedding plant species, controlled rates of phosphate were used in the base growing media ranging from zero up to 3.0g/l (single superphosphate - SSP). Growth was severely restricted where no phosphate had been given and plant growth and vigor increased as phosphate levels rose. It appeared that very low rates of SSP could be successfully used to control the growth of young plants in the plug tray, preventing excess stretching without the need to apply chemical growth regulants. Further studies evaluated the use of zero/low phosphate in the base media in conjunction with the use of high phosphate applied liquid feeds (10: 52: 10 N: P: K). This approach enabled plants which had been 'checked' in their growth to recover quickly for transplanting and growing on. Subsequent plant growth was little affected and there was some indication that the resultant plant habit was more compact and of better quality. | |
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