Articles
THE EFFECT OF PHOSPHORUS NUTRITION ON GROWTH, FLOWERING AND LEAF NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS OF OSTEOSPERMUM
Article number
548_68
Pages
557 – 560
Language
English
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.
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.
Authors
J. Nowak
Keywords
bedding plant, fertization, growth retardation, osteospermum
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