ISHS Acta Horticulturae 659: VII International Symposium on Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climates: Production, Pest Management and Global Competition
EFFECTS OF CONTROLLED-RELEASE FERTILIZER APPLICATION RATES ON FROND COLOR AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION OF AN ARSENIC HYPERACCUMULATING FERN |
| Authors: | R.H. Stamps, D.K. Rock |
| Keywords: | chlorophyll, dry weight, SPAD, yield |
| Abstract:
Arsenic is a carcinogenic and toxic contaminant of soils and groundwater around the world. The Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata) has recently been shown to be an arsenic hyperaccumulator; however, little is known about its nutritional requirements. Mass production of this fern will be necessary to supply plants for bioremediation projects. Chinese brake fern was grown for a year in a greenhouse in Sphagnum-based soilless growing medium. Plants were fertilized with six rates (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 g/pot) of a 15N 4P 10K controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) applied every two months). Frond color, chlorophyll content, and dry mass were determined periodically. Greenness (L*, h°, SPAD) and biomass increased linearly with increasing CRF application rates. Frond dry biomass production was 2.4 times greater at the highest than at the lowest rate. | |
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