Abstract
Slow growth rate restricts the development and growth of seedlings due to nutrients deficiency or nutrient imbalance. Exponential fertilization can enhance the internal nutrient reserves in seedlings at the nursery-stage and strengthen their resistance to adverse conditions. In this study, nitrogen requirements for producing Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Hanatemari’ that robust seedlings, nutrient dynamics, biomass and growth, was examined utilizing exponential fertilization. The potted seedlings were fertilized with urea under exponential regime at rates of 0.5, 1.5 and 2.0 g nitrogen/plant (EF1, EF2, and EF3), respectively. In addition, an unfertilized group treated with equal volume of deionized water was used as control. The results showed that seedlings under 1.5 g N/plant (EF2) had the highest plant growth index and total biomass. The nutrient concentrations of different organs varied in different fertilization treatments. Based on the results of current study, it is concluded that 1.5 g N/plant (EF2) is suitable exponential fertilization treatment for the culture of hydrangea seedlings. Our treatments results showed that 2.0 g N/plant is not suitable for seedling culturing, because of serious nutrient toxicity. These findings will help to improve seedling quality and strengthen the production of H. macrophylla for plantation.
Highlights
Hydrangea macrophylla is a deciduous shrub which is native to South China and Japan [1]
The absorbance values at 665 and 649 nm were measured and calculation formula of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content is as follows: Ca is the concentration of chlorophyll a, Cb is the concentration of chlorophyll b, CT is the concentration of total chlorophyll, n is the dilution factor, W is the fresh weight of weighing leaves (g)
Vegetative growth increased linearly with corresponding increase in nitrogen doses in a suitable range. This may be attributed to the fact that nitrogen is an essential part of chlorophyll and nucleic acids, which might have played major role in promoting plant growth
Summary
Hydrangea macrophylla is a deciduous shrub which is native to South China and Japan [1]. ‘Hanatemari’ is an excellent variety of big leaf Hydrangea, with beautiful inflorescence shape, bright flower color and strong resistance. It is commonly used in landscaping in Shanghai. Fertilization is an essential way to promote seedling growth and improve seedling quality. Nitrogen is an essential mineral element which affects plant growth [4]. The exponential fertilization technique is one of the three important ways to attain nutrient loading stage in seedlings and improve plant quality [5]. Nitrogen is one of the most important mineral elements which affect plant growth. We hypothesized that the exponential fertilization could improve the growth and the nutrients reserves in organs of Hydrangea seedlings. A pot experiment was carried out under different dosages, which could provide a rational N fertilizer application strategy for the nutrient management
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