CHARACTERIZATION OF NUTRIENT DISORDERS OF GERBERA HYBRID 'FESTIVAL LIGHT EYE PINK'

Abstract

Gerbera hybrid 'Festival Light Eye Pink' plants were grown in silica sand culture to induce and photograph nutritional disorder symptoms. Plants were grown with a complete modified Hoagland's all nitrate solution: (macronutrients in mM) 15 NO 3 -N, 1.0 PO 4 -P, 6.0 K, 5.0 Ca, 2.0 Mg, and 2.0 SO 4 -S, plus μM concentrations of micronutrients, 72 Fe, 18 Mn, 3 Cu, 3 Zn, 45.0 B, and 0.1 Mo. The nutrient deficiency treatments were induced that included a complete nutrient formula and a complete minus one of the nutrients. Reagent grade chemicals and deionized water of 18-mega ohms purity were used to formulate treatment solutions. Boron toxicity symptoms were also induced by increasing the element 10× higher than the complete nutrient formula. The plants were automatically irrigated every 2 hours and the solution drained from the bottom of the pot and recaptured for use. A complete replacement of nutrient solutions was done weekly. Plants were monitored daily to document and photograph sequential series of symptoms as they developed. Typical symptomology of nutrient disorders and critical tissue concentrations are presented.