Effects of Boron Applications on Flower Spike Dieback of Statice (Limonium spp.)

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of boron treatments on flower spike dieback of Statice (Limonium spp.) grown in soilless hydroponic and soil cultures under rain shelter system. The growth of Statice was gradually improved with increasing boron applications in the hydroponics, but not in soil culture with boron treatment as foliar spray or soil application. The degree of flower spike dieback in 6 levels (0, no dieback incidence to 5, very severe dieback incidence) ranged between 0.5 with boron application and 4.4 with no boron treatment. The content of boron in Statice flower spike increased with increasing rates of boron applications in the hydroponics, but the contents of P, Mg, and N were not affected by the boron application. However, K content was highest with no boron treatment. In soil culture, incidence of flower spike dieback decreased with foliar spray or soil application of boron. Therefore, boron application was effective in reducing flower spike dieback and improving cut-flower productivity and its quality, and the recommended rates of boron application were <TEX>$50{\sim}80{\mu}gL^{-1}$</TEX> for hydroponics culture whereas 0.2% borex or <TEX>${\geq}0.4kg\;10a^{-1}$</TEX> boric acid by foliar spray application for soil culture.