Abstract
Abstract The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca), complementary to the complete fertilization established, on production, quality and postharvest shelf life of floral stems of gerbera as cut flower harvested 117 days after transplant. The experiment consisted of a combination of three doses of N.L−1 substrate (0.07 g, 0.15 g and 0.2 g) and three doses of Ca.L−1 substrate (0.02 g; 0.03 g and 0.04 g) and was conducted in a greenhouse in a bifactorial arrangement with an additional control treatment. Control plants were not supplemented with N or Ca. Both elements were diluted in water and applied manually every 15 days. Highest flower yields were obtained with application 0.2 g de N.L−1 substrate and 0.04 g Ca.L−1 substrate. Stem length, stem diameter, flower diameter, and longevity, relative fresh weight and solution uptake were highest in gerbera fertilized with 0.2 g de N.L−1 substrate and 0.04 g Ca.L−1 substrate. Applying every 15 days, 0.2 g of N.L−1 substrate and 0.04 g of Ca.L−1 substrate resulted in higher yields, better quality and postharvest shelf life of floral stems of gerbera as cut flower harvested 117 days after transplant.
Highlights
Gerbera (Gerbera hybrida Hort.) is one of the most important flower species cultivated as cut flower both at Brazilian and international markets, occupying the fifth position in volume in the ranking (Khosa et al, 2011)
The attractiveness of the species derives from the large variety of colors, sizes and flower forms rendering it as an excellent flower for different uses in decoration and bouquets
In Brazil, there is no information on nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca) fertilization for gerberas as cut flower grown in containers with organic substrate
Summary
Gerbera (Gerbera hybrida Hort.) is one of the most important flower species cultivated as cut flower both at Brazilian and international markets, occupying the fifth position in volume in the ranking (Khosa et al, 2011). An adequate management of the fertilization is decisive for elevated yields and quality of flower stems (Ludwig et al, 2008). In Brazil, there is no information on nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca) fertilization for gerberas as cut flower grown in containers with organic substrate. The growth and development of plants are highly dependent on supplies of nitrogen. As well, is important for the quality of flowers because it is essential for membrane permeability and cell wall structural integrity (Taiz and Zeiger 2013)
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