ISHS Acta Horticulturae 644: International Symposium on Growing Media and Hydroponics
CONCENTRATION OF NUTRIENT SOLUTION AND GROWING MEDIA AFFECT GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF DORITAENOPSIS ‘TINNY TENDER’ |
| Authors: | Y.Y. Cui, M.W. Jeon, E.J. Hahn, K.Y. Paek |
| Keywords: | Hydroponic culture, net CO2 uptake, orchids |
| Abstract:
Twenty-month-old Doritaenopsis ‘Tinny Tender’ orchids were grown hydroponically for 6 months at different concentrations of nutrient solution (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 times of standard solution) to determine the effect of nutrient strength on growth and flowering characteristics and to select optimal nutrient concentration. Nutrient solution was supplied at three-day intervals using ebb and flood system. In early growth, 1.5 times nutrient solution resulted in greater number of leaves and leaf area compared to others. Photosynthetic rate was also higher in 1.5 times nutrient solution but became lower as culture period proceeded. Low strength solution was proven to be better for flowering stage. Half and 1 times nutrient solutions increased flower size and flowering period, and reduced days to flowering. High strength solution decreased flower size and increased the number of malformed flowers. Severe root damage was observed under high solution concentrations (1.5 and 2.0 times), which resulted in high percentage of plant death. Among growing media, peatmoss mixed with perlite and sphagnum moss resulted in the highest growth and inflorescence compared to coconut husk and bark. The results indicated that high salt strength in the nutrient solution deteriorated both plant and flower qualities. Further experiments are required regarding the time and the frequency of nutrient supply according to season, stage of growth and types of growing media. | |
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