Application of vermicompost in improving the growth, water content, and vase life of LA hybrid lily

Abstract

One of the limitations of soilless cultivation is its high cost. Considering this issue, this technique is cost-effective when the obtained product is of high quality from a commercial point of view. Lilies are the world’s fourth most popular cut flowers in terms of commercial importance. It is crucial to provide the lily with a culture medium that will extend its vase life and enhance its morphological and marketable characteristics. Vermicompost (VC) improves plant growth and performance with better access to water and nutrients. This study investigated the effect of different VC levels on LA hybrid lilies’ growth parameters and vase life. LA hybrid lily bulbs were planted at 20, 35, 50, and 65% VC levels on a cocopeat and perlite bed. First, growth traits such as the number of leaves and flowers, leaf area, plant height, petals’ anthocyanin content, some plant organs’ water content, and finally, vase life were measured. It was found that only the 20% VC treatment resulted in an increase in leaf number (8.6%) and flower number (3.6%). Furthermore, only in this treatment did water absorption in cut flowers and vase life increase by 43.5% and 9.8%, respectively. This research showed that the 20% VC treatment (V1) performed better in producing compact cut flowers with freshness and longer vase life.