Abstract
To test the effect of soluble salts on the growth of New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens platypetala), `Selenia' was grown for 70 days in a soilless medium and irrigated with solutions of 20N-4.3P-16.6K at rates of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 g·liter-1. A fifth treatment was no fertilization for the first 14 days, 0.5 g·liter-1 for the next 14 days and 1.0 g·liter-1 till finish. At 14-day intervals shoot dry weight and growth medium soluble salts were measured. By 42 days after planting, differences between treatments were statistically significant with respect to dry weight. Over a 70-day period, growth was greatest with 0.5 g·liter-1. The 1.0 g·liter-1 treatment caused a similar growth response. Plants in delay treatment responded similarly to 0.5 and 1.0 g·liter-1. Higher rates, 1.5 and 2.0 g·liter-1, caused growth suppression and resulted in soluble salts buildup in the growth medium. Soluble salts levels of 1.5 dS·m-1 and above suppressed early growth. Results show that during the first 42-56 days of growth, New Guinea impatiens are sensitive to soluble salts and levels over 1.5 dS·m-1 are cause for concern.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
