(133) Influence of Two Types of Fertilizers on the Growth and Development of Tissue-cultured Daylilies Transferred to the Greenhouse

Abstract

During Summer 2004, a study was conducted to determine the effect of two types of fertilizers on the growth and development of tissue-cultured daylilies transferred to the greenhouse. Peters 20–20–20 water-soluble fertilizer and a slow-release fertilizer were the two fertilizers evaluated. Peters 20–20–20 fertilizer was used at 0 (control), 50, 100, and 200 mg·L–1 rates. The slow release fertilizer was used at 2.5 g per 10.2 cm pot. Each treatment was replicated four times in a randomized complete-block design. After 6 weeks of growth, the results showed that, when compared to the control, all treatments except for 200 mg·L–1 caused a significant increase in root growth. Shoot growth was significantly increased by the 100 mg·L–1 treatment, while the 200 mg·L–1 and slow-release treatments suppressed shoot growth. Similar to root and shoot growth, the 100 mg·L–1 treatment caused a significant increase in fresh weight, while the 200 mg·L–1 and slow-release treatments caused a reduction. These results imply that the 100 mg·L–1 Peters 20–20–20 fertilizer treatment is the best treatment for maximum growth and development of tissue-cultured daylilies transferred to the greenhouse.