STUDY OF SUBSTRATES USE IN GERBERA SOILLESS CULTURE GROWN IN PLASTIC GREENHOUSES

The response of four varieties of gerbera (c.v.
Ximena, Fame, Regina, Party) grown on five substrates (rockwool, perlite, zeolite, attapulgite, sand) is studied in the Agricultural Research Centre of Northern Greece and Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias.
The purpose is to investigate the performance and suitability of these substrates for soilless culture, and the effects on yield and quality of gerbera, as well as to record information on the management requirements from the viewpoint of water and nutrient supply along the growing cyclye.

Preliminary results are reported as follows:

The number of so many different properties of the materials suggest specific substrate management and produce diverse effects on crop growth and development.

Zeolite and attapulgite have cation exchange capacity values of 22.6 and 30.5 meq/100 g/ Air filled porosity is 11% in attapulgite, 83% in perlite, 67% in rockwool, 57% in zeolite.
Easily available water is 4.0% in attapulgite and 17% in zeolite.
Conditions of pH are higher in both clays than in the other materials.
All these factors had an influence on early yield of gerbera.
Flower production is higher in perlite, sand, attapulgite and zeolite.
In addition effects on growth parameters occurred.

Symposium on Soil and Soilless Media under Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climates

E. Maloupa, I. Mitsios, P.F. Martinez, S. Bladenopoulou

hydroponics, protected crops

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1993.323.12