ISHS Acta Horticulturae 456: II Modelling Plant Growth, Environmental Control and Farm Management in Protected Cultivation
RESPONSE SURFACE MODELS OF THE EFFECT OF NUTRIENTS AND SPACING ON THE KEEPING QUALITY OF POTTED ROSES |
| Authors: | B. Nielsen, K. Starkey |
| Keywords: | Post harvest, calcium, ammonium, lime, plant density |
| Abstract:
The post harvest life of potted roses was analysed in a response surface experiment with four growth factors during production, i.e. ammonium and calcium concentration in the nutrient solution, addition of lime to the peat, and plant density. Data of the experiment were used for estimation of stochastic models and the statistically significant growth parameters were identified. Increased calcium concentration in the nutrient solution during production increased the concentration of calcium in the buds and flowers in roses at low levels of ammonium (<27%). The number of wilted flowers until day 21 in the post harvest period was decreased by increasing calcium concentration. By adding more lime to the peat at low ammonium levels the number of wilted flowers and abscised yellow leaves decreased. At 5% ammonium, which was optimal for flower and leaf longevity in roses, the concentration of calcium in the plants was almost constant for all the ranges of lime. | |
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