Rapid Determination of Nitrogen Status in Annual Vinca

Abstract

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to develop a method for rapid determination of nitrogen (N) status in ‘Pacifica White’ vinca (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don). In experiment 1, N was applied to potted vinca at 40, 80, 120, or 160 ppm N to produce plants ranging from N deficient to N sufficient. Data were collected 14, 28, and 42 days after treatment (DAT) and included flower number, growth index [(height + width + width) ÷ 3], and from recently matured foliage the following parameters: SPAD-502 readings, petiole sap nitrate (SN) concentration, and total-N (percent of dry weight) (FN). Experiment 2 was similar with the exception that N rates applied were 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, or 180 ppm N, and data were collected 14, 29, and 42 DAT. In experiment 3, N was applied at 0, 90, or 180 ppm N and data were collected 0, 4, 7, 10, and 14 DAT. In experiments 1 and 2, SPAD readings were poorly correlated to FN (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.35 to 0.88) and the relationship between FN and SPAD readings changed at different collection dates. Petiole sap nitrate concentration determined by a Cardy nitrate meter was highly correlated throughout the three experiments. Above 380 ppm SN, the relationship between FN and SN was determined to be: SN/1000 = 2.3 × FN-4.8 (r2 = 0.73, n = 104). In experiment 3, FN and SN readings were able to detect N deficiency in vinca by 4 DAT, despite lack of visual symptoms until 14 DAT. SPAD readings were not suitable for predicting FN and plant N status. SN was a reliable predictor of FN and thus could be used to rapidly determine plant N status.