Articles
CALCIUM AFFECTS QUALITY AND NUTRITION OF CUT LILY FLOWERS
Article number
900_12
Pages
113 – 117
Language
English
Abstract
Lilium is a very popular cut flower highly valued in the international market.
In order to meet consumer demand, a constant development and introduction of new cultivars is required.
However, some recently introduced cultivars show a tendency to develop tip burn of young leaves and flower bud abortion, directly affecting the quality of both cut flowers and potted lilies.
This physiological disorder is attributed to disorders in the absorption and/or translocation of Ca2+. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate growth and nutritional effects on Oriental hybrid lily Río negro as cut flower in response to irrigation with solutions containing increasing concentrations of Ca2+. The study was conducted from June to August 2009 in a plastic greenhouse located in North Mexico.
Lily bulbs (16-18 cm in circumference) were planted in perlite in polyethylene containers and irrigated with solutions containing 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 or 6 mM Ca2+ with the rest of the nutrients maintained at constant levels.
Optimum plant height, stem diameter, flower diameter and leaf area was exhibited by plants irrigated with solutions containing 2 and 4 mM Ca2+. Plants irrigated with lower concentrations of Ca2+ presented yellowing of the upper leaves and flower bud abortion, typical symptoms of Ca2+ deficiency.
In order to meet consumer demand, a constant development and introduction of new cultivars is required.
However, some recently introduced cultivars show a tendency to develop tip burn of young leaves and flower bud abortion, directly affecting the quality of both cut flowers and potted lilies.
This physiological disorder is attributed to disorders in the absorption and/or translocation of Ca2+. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate growth and nutritional effects on Oriental hybrid lily Río negro as cut flower in response to irrigation with solutions containing increasing concentrations of Ca2+. The study was conducted from June to August 2009 in a plastic greenhouse located in North Mexico.
Lily bulbs (16-18 cm in circumference) were planted in perlite in polyethylene containers and irrigated with solutions containing 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 or 6 mM Ca2+ with the rest of the nutrients maintained at constant levels.
Optimum plant height, stem diameter, flower diameter and leaf area was exhibited by plants irrigated with solutions containing 2 and 4 mM Ca2+. Plants irrigated with lower concentrations of Ca2+ presented yellowing of the upper leaves and flower bud abortion, typical symptoms of Ca2+ deficiency.
Publication
Authors
G. Salazar-Orozco, L.A. Valdez-Aguilar, J. Tello-Marquina, A. Grassotti, G. Burchi, A.M. Castillo-González
Keywords
calcium related disorders, geophytes, hydroponics, luxury consumption, perlite
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