Abstract
This research project was conducted to investigate the comparative effect of different potting media with different compositions on growth and flowering of Antirrhinum majus L. 'Floral Shower'. The data for both morphological and physiological parameters analyzed statistically showed significant effect of media combinations over control values. Each treatment was consisted of 10 plants and was replicated thrice. Agricultural and municipal wastes are good, cheap potting media components for the production of flowering plants. An economical and high-quality production of 'Floral shower' can be attained by using most suitable media. The results regarding growth and flowering parameters showed significant increase in Leaf Mould potting media. The media containing Farm Yard Manure alone and in combination with silt with its higher pH, showed least results for these parameters. On the other hand, plants grown in Farm Yard Manure comprising media provide minimum results for all the characteristics except for media nitrogen content which were statistically similar to control. Peat moss containing growing substrate also showed positive results for plants vegetative and reproductive growth. However, Farm Yard Manure was seen to prove less effective for better plant growth due to its less contribution for the availability of nutrients. Availability of Phosphorus contents in soil has positive relationship with growth and flowering indices. Maximum Phosphorus content was found when Farm Yard Manure and Leaf Mould were used alone in combination with silt + topsoil. Thus, it is suggested that Leaf Mould can be recommended as a standard potting media for Antirrhinum majus L. growth.
Highlights
Antirrhinum majus L. belongs to family Scrophulariaceae is native of Mediterranean region
Farm yard manure (FYM + silt + topsoil) 1:1:1 in T1 followed by T3 (13 .04 cm) and T0 (11.10 cm)
Maximum increase in plant height was attained in Leaf Mould media which might be due to maximum uptake of nutrients [14]
Summary
Antirrhinum majus L. belongs to family Scrophulariaceae is native of Mediterranean region. 36 species and 20, 000 cultivars of Antirrhinum have been renowned [2]. It is commonly known as “Snapdragon” as its hinged flowers open and close like the mouth of a dragon when pinched at the sides with thumb. Potting media plays a key role in quality and production of flowering plants. Natural soil and peat are the most used growing substrates for the container production of annual and perennial ornamental plants [4]. Peat is the most widely used substrate for potted plant production in nurseries and it accounts for a significant portion of the material used to grow potted plants [6]
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