Original research article
Efficiency of Ammonium and Nitrate Ratios on Macronutrient Content and Morphological Properties of Gerbera jamesonii Cut Flower
2020, 85 (3) p. 281-289
Mohammad Ali Khalaj, Alireza Noroozisharaf
Abstract
This experiment was carried out to study on the effect of different NO3 ¯:NH4 + ratios on macronutrient content and growth of two cut gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hooker f.) cultivars in an open hydroponic system. The plants were nourished with different NO3¯:NH4+ ratios as 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, and 40:60. The application of NO3- and NH4 + at ratio 40:60 caused a reduction in flower height, stem and disk diameter, number of flowers, inflorescence fresh and dry weight, and vase life. Results indicated that N, P and NH4 + concentrations were enhanced in leaves of gerbera cultivars by increase of NH4 + ratio, whereas K, Ca, Mg, and nitrate were decreased. As compared to ‘Double Dutch’, the ‘Stanza’ cultivar could uptake more of N, P, and Mg. Inversely, ‘Double Dutch’ was able to uptake more of K and Ca than ‘Stanza’. Defined optimal ratio of NO3¯:NH4 + 80:20 could be used for gerbera production in vegetative and reproductive stages.
Keywords
gerbera, ammonium, nitrate, nutrition, uptake
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