SEEDLINGS PRODUCTION OF MENTHA × PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) AND MENTHA SPICATA (SPEARMINT) IN FLOAT SYSTEM WITH ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZATION

The demand for aromatic plants as ornamentals, for seasoning in the food industry and as sources of essential oils has increased recently.
Float system is a promising alternative system for seedling production with many advantages.
In this study the production of peppermint and spearmint seedlings, with organic and conventional fertilizations by using this system, was examined.
The composition of nutrient solutions consisted of the organic Fish Fert (FF), Codaphos and Codasting (C&C), for the two organic operations and the inorganic N-P-K (11-11-23), for the conventional one.
As far as the results are concerned, no significant differences in plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight for both species between the three treatments were observed.
However, the organic seedlings had less developed leaf area and higher shoot water content.
Finally, the organic (FF) gave seedlings, for both species, with better results for the root system (root fresh and dry weight, root surface and length density). Based on this fact these seedlings will present better and easier transplant installation.
Therefore float system can easily be used for the production of both peppermint and spearmint under organic and conventional fertilization.

XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010): International Symposium on Advances in Ornamentals, Landscape and Urban Horticulture

A. Akoumianaki-Ioannidou, M. Rasouli, L. Podaropoulou, D. Bilalis

aromatic plant, medicinal plant, hydroponic system, conventional fertilization

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2012.937.162