ISHS Acta Horticulturae 548: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
THE EFFECT OF PHOSPHORUS NUTRITION ON GROWTH, FLOWERING AND LEAF NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS OF OSTEOSPERMUM |
| Author: | J. Nowak |
| Keywords: | bedding plant, fertization, growth retardation, osteospermum |
| Abstract:
The effects of phosphorus nutrition on growth control and flowering of Osteospermum 'Denebola' were investigated. The maximum fresh weight was obtained at 2.24 - 3.35 mM P, the maximum plant height and diameter at 1.61 - 3.35 mM P. The plants grown at 1.61 - 3.25 mM P had also the greatest leaf size and the numbers of flower buds and flowers. The average flower diameter increased with increasing P level. The number of days from planting to flowering decreased with increasing concentration of P in medium. Overall, good plant appearance was achieved with P levels from 1.61 to 3.25 mM. The best root growth was also obtained within the same P range. Although P stress did not produce any visual deficiency symptoms on leaves, the use of P below 1.61 mM cannot be recommended due to the delay in flowering time. | |
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