Substitution of mineral fertilizers with biofertilizer: an alternate to improve the growth,yield and functional biochemical properties of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Camarosa

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to substitute mineral fertilizers with biofertilizers in strawberry to work out the yield, quality of strawberry and soil fertility. A 25% substitution of mineral fertilizer with biofertilizer increased the number of fruits/plant along with improving Juice content (89.55%), Total soluble solids (10.35°B), total sugar (6.69%), ascorbic acid (43.80?mg 100?g^?1), anthocyanin content (81.05?mg 100?g^?1), total phenol (5.97?mg Gallic acid equiv. g^?1), flavonoids (0.12?mg g^?1) and antioxidant capacity (2.13?µmol. Trolox equiv. 100?g^?1). The available N and K content in post-harvest soils were improved significantly with 75% RDF + Azospirillium @ 2?g plant^?1 + PSB @ 2?g plant^?1 + topdressing of 25% K treatments (200.10 and 211.70?kg ha^?1, respectively). Viable count of soil microorganisms (Bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi) was also estimated maximum (4066, 190 and 11.33?×?10⁴ cfu g^?1?dry soil, respectively) with substitution of 25% of mineral fertilizer either with Azotobacter or Azospirillum.     

Composition of soilless substrates affect the physiology and fruit quality of two strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivars

Abstract

Leaf-level physiology, yield, and fruit quality of two strawberry (Fragaria?×?ananassa Duch.) cultivars, “BG4.370” and “Splendor” grown in five growing substrates were assessed. Substrate ratios were T1: tuff (0–4?mm), T2: cocopeat?+?perlite 4:1, T3: peatmoss?+?perlite 4:1, T4: tuff?+?cocopeat 4:1, and T5: tuff?+?peatmoss 4:1. Strawberry parameters were greatly affected by substrate composition but not cultivars. Plants grown in cocopeat?+?perlite 4:1 had the highest photosynthesis, transpiration, radical scavenging activity, and fruit firmness while those grown in peatmoss?+?perlite 4:1 had the highest yield, total phenolics and nitrate concentration compared to other substrates. Given that peat-based growing substrate has raised concerns over the environmental impacts such as, a reduction of wet-lands and loss of soil organic carbon, the lower environmental impact and higher fruit quality grown on cocopeat justifies the use of cocopeat as an alternative substrate to peatmoss.     

Interactive effects of Si and NaCl on growth,yield, photosynthesis,and ions content in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa var Camarosa)

The effects of silicon (Si) (0, 1, and 2 mM) and sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity (0, 20, and 40 mM) on the yield, photosynthesis, and ion content in strawberry grown in hydroponics were investigated. Salinity caused a reduction in leaf area and plant biomass, regardless of Si supplement. Leaf area in Si₁Na₂₀ treatment was 37% higher than that of Si₀Na₂₀ treatment. Salinity at 20 mM concentration had a 25% yield reduction in absence of Si, corresponding to no reduction in the yield in the presence of Si compared with the Si treatment without salinity. The highest reduction of photosynthetic rate (Pn) was observed in Si₁Na₄₀ treatment; however, in the presence of Si, there was no reduction in the Pn rate at 20 mM NaCl concentration. An obvious positive relationship was found between potassium/sodium (K/Na) and Pn rate. Within each Si concentration, the increased salinity increased Na concentration in the leaf tissue. However, when Si was supplied to the salinity treatments Na concentration was significantly lower than that of the similar treatments without Si. Supplement of Si to the nutrient solution increased the Si concentration in the roots, and old and young leaves. A clear negative relationship (r² = 0.71) was found between Si and Na concentration in the leaves. Salinity (NaCl₄₀) increased the proline level 2.5-fold in the absence of Si, corresponding to no changes the proline level in the presence of 1 mM Si concentration compared with the Si treatment without salinity. The salinity (40 mM) increased the electroleakage by 50% compared with 0 mM NaCl treatment in the absence of Si supplement. Findings from this study lead to the conclusion that Si supplement to the nutrient solution ameliorated the deleterious effect of salinity on the strawberry growth; these effects were attributed to an enhanced K/Na ratio and the reduction in Na content and electroleakage ability in the leaf tissue.     

Influence of different calcium materials and spray timing on mineral composition,yield, fruit quality,and control of fruit disorders of ‘anjou’ pears

During a six‐year period (1980, 1985–1989), 20 different calcium (Ca) materials were sprayed at an early (3X; June to July), late (3X; July to August), and an early plus late (5X; June to August) timing on 25‐year‐old ‘Anjou’ pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees. Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) sprays increased fruit Ca in the cortex by an average of 10.5% greater than in unsprayed controls and cork spot was reduced by an average of six‐fold. Yield from trees sprayed with Ca materials averaged greater than 13% more crop load than the unsprayed control trees. Leaf and fruit injury from CaCl₂ sprays in 1980 were near borderline acceptability, but injury was reduced slightly by halving the spray concentration rate to 681 g CaCl₂ per 379 liters of water in 1985 to 1989. Due to temperatures above 26°C, leaf and fruit injury from Ca sprays, particularly calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂], were more severe for the late or early plus late sprays than for the early sprays. Fruit size was slightly larger on trees sprayed only three times (early or late sprays) versus trees sprayed five times during the season (early plus late sprays). Best control of cork spot occurred with early plus late sprays. Best control of alfalfa greening and black end occurred with late or early plus late sprays. The importance of fruit Ca for controlling cork spot is illustrated when triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) was sprayed on trees which resulted in reduced fruit Ca and increased incidence of fruit disorders, alfalfa greening, black end, and cork spot. Sprays containing nitrates or sulfates were frequently associated with a higher incidence of fruit disorders. Although fruit quality was not significantly influenced by Ca treatments or spray time, it was related to Ca in fruit peel or cortex due to annual variations in Ca concentrations.     

Influence of trenching,soil amendments,and mulching on the mineral content,growth, yield,and quality of “Italian” prunes

Abstract

Yields were evaluated three years after applied treatments to determine if responses that were not evident during earlier years eventually occurred. Potassium sulfate was applied to established, non‐irrigated, K deficient trees on fine textured soil by banding, placing in augered holes, adding to the backfilled trenches, and by injecting into the soil. Trenches were dug in the fall beside trees to break roots and ammended during backfilling with K₂SO₄, dolomite lime or combinations of the two. Additional trees received a heavy compost mulch in the early fall. Trenching treatments were generally detrimental. Trenching alone reduced yield and leaf Ca but increased fruit soluble solids content. Trenching plus K₂SO₄, trenching and lime, all soil amendments, and mushroom compost elevated leaf K from deficient or below normal to the normal range, but decreased leaf Mg. Most K application techniques eventually increased yield, but simple surface applications of K₂SO₄ in a narrow band were as effective as other more costly procedures. Mulching treatments appear to be as effective as K additions and produce quicker yield responses. Mushroom composts and alfalfa increased leaf N and yield in two years. Mushroom compost doubled yield even three years after a single application.     

Solar UVB response of bioactives in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. L.): a comparison of protected and open-field cultivation

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cvs. Everest, Elsanta) were grown in a tunnel covered with two films, which were distinguished in their ultraviolet transparency, as well as under open-field conditions. One applied film was not transparent for UVB radiation, and the second film transmitted 70% of UVB radiation. During the present study, the nutritional value and quality parameters of the fruits were evaluated. Strawberries were UV-unresponsive in view of the content of ascorbic acid and sum parameters like total anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity measured with TEAC (trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity), ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) and total phenols. These parameters were mainly affected by sampling date and cultivar. However, HPLC analysis showed that individual phenolics were affected in the absence of UV radiation. The content of the anthocyanin cyanidin 3-glucoside and the flavonols quercetin 3-glucuronide and kaempferol 3-glucoside was decreased in the fruits grown under UV blocking film compared to open-field grown strawberries. By means of the UV transparent film the content of the mentioned flavonoids could be enhanced up to similar amounts like in open-field grown strawberries. All other phenolics were not consistently affected by UV radiation. This result was independent of cultivar.     

Effects of rootstock and thinning on yield,fruit quality and elemental composition of ‘Redspur Delicious’ apple

Abstract

Influence of two rootstocks and five levels of hand thinning (fruit spacing) on yield, fruit quality at harvest and after storage, and leaf and fruit elemental composition of ‘Redspur Delicious’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) were studied. Trees on M.7 rootstock had a higher yield with heavier and firmer fruit at harvest than those on M.26. Trees on M.7 had significantly lower leaf and fruit N which resulted in a darker fruit color than those on M.26 rootstock. Fruit from trees on M.26 had a higher soluble solids concentration (SSC) at harvest than those on M.7. Leaf and fruit potassium (K) increased but fruit calcium (Ca) decreased with an increase in fruit spacing. Thinning fruit to 10 cm or 18 cm spacing, depending on market demand for fruit size, is recommended for improvement of fruit quality. Fruit weight and quality was improved with 18 cm fruit spacing without a significant decrease in yield, while thinning fruit further than 18 cm apart reduced yield without a significant change in the fruit weight or quality.     

Effects of potassium silicate and nanosilica on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of a commercial strawberry (fragaria × ananassa cv. ‘camarosa’)

Silicon (Si) is considered as a beneficial element to higher plants especially under stress conditions. A factorial experiment, in a completely randomized design with four replications, was used to investigate the effects of two application methods (spraying and soil drenching) and eight levels of Si compounds including 0, 5, 10 and 15 mM of potassium silicate (K₂SiO₃) and 0, 5, 10 and 15 mM of nanosilica (SiO₂). The results indicated that Si application (all or some treatments) decreased transpiration, specific leaf area, petiole length, and promoted the flowering, fruit firmness, leaf/crown number, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, water use efficiency. They also showed it did not affect the fruit set percentage, yield, chlorophyll index, total soluble solid, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of crown, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, internal carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration and mesophyll efficiency of strawberry. The results suggest the beneficial effects of Si on growth and development of strawberry.     

Soil nutrient status,yield and quality of lemon (Citrus limon Burm.) cv. ‘Assam lemon’ as influenced by bio-fertilizers,organics and inorganic fertilizers

An experiment was conducted at Mizoram University, Aizawl, India during 2015-2017 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and quality of lemon cv. ‘Assam lemon’ (Citrus limon Burm.). The experiment was comprised of nine treatments viz. T1: 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) through inorganic fertilizers (IF); T2: 100% N through Farm Yard Manure (FYM); T3: 75% N through FYM + 25% through IF; T4: 50% N through FYM + 50% through IF; T5:75% N through FYM +25% through IF + Azotobacter + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB)+ potash solubilizing bacteria (KSB); T6: 50% N through FYM + 50% through IF+ Azotobacter + PSB?+?KSB; T7: 75% N through FYM + 25% through IF?+?Azospirillum + AMF?+?KSB; T8: 50% N through FYM + 50% through IF+ Azospirillum + arbuscular mychorrhizal fungi (AMF) + KSB; T9: control. Among all treatments, T5 recorded highest value with respect to growth, yield and soil quality. While, T7 showed superiority in quality characters.     

Photoprotective potential of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) extract against UV-A irradiation damage on human fibroblasts

Exposure to UV-A radiation is known to induce discrete lesions in DNA and the generation of free radicals that lead to a wide array of skin diseases. Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) contains several polyphenols with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Because the major representative components of strawberry are anthocyanins, these may significantly contribute to its properties. To test this hypothesis, methanolic extracts from the Sveva cultivar were analyzed for anthocyanin content and for their ability to protect human dermal fibroblasts against UV-A radiation, as assayed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenytetrazolium bromide and Comet assays. Five anthocyanin pigments were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry. Moreover, the strawberry extract showed a photoprotective activity in fibroblasts exposed to UV-A radiation, increasing cellular viability, and diminishing DNA damage, as compared to control cells. Overall, our data show that strawberry contains compounds that confer photoprotective activity in human cell lines and may protect skin against the adverse effects of UV-A radiation.     

Vegetative Growth,Yield and Leaf Mineral Composition in Strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa DUCH. CV. Pajaro) as Influenced using Nickel Sulfate and Urea Sprays

In this study, interactions of nickel sulfate and urea sprays on vegetative growth, yield and leaf mineral contents in strawberry were investigated. Rooted Pajaro strawberry plants were potted in 3 liter pots filled with soil, leaf mold and sand (1:1:1, v/v/v). Established plants were foliar sprayed with nickel sulfate at 0, 150, 300 and 450 mg L^?1 and urea 0 and 2 g L^?1 concentrations. Results indicated that nickel (Ni; 300 mg L^?1) plus urea (2 g L^?1) significantly increased the yield and runner numbers. Nickel sulfate at the rate of 300 and 150 mg L^?1and urea (2 g L^?1) significantly increased the crown numbers. The greatest root fresh and dry weights were obtained from untreated plants. Urea at 2 g L^?1 without nickel significantly increased shoot fresh and dry weights. Nickel at 450 mg L^?1 without urea significantly increased Ni concentration in leaves. Overall, nickel sulfate at 150 and 300 mg L^?1 along with urea at 2 g L^?1 were the best treatments.     

Cold tolerance,yield, and fruit quality of ‘d'Anjou’ pears influenced by nitrogen fertilizer rates and time of application

Low and moderate rates of ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) fertilizer were applied in late winter or late summer to mature ‘d'Anjou’ pear (Pyrus communis, L.) trees (planted 1963, 1965) from 1976 to 1994. Data on cold tolerance, nutrition, yield and fruit quality in relation to nitrogen (N) fertilization were collected between 1980 and 1988. Early autumn cold tolerance was higher for trees receiving low N rates versus moderate N rates in either late winter or late summer. In late autumn and early winter, cold tolerance increased for all trees, and little difference in winter hardiness existed for any N treatment. By mid‐winter, cold tolerance was higher for trees receiving the moderate rate of N in late winter versus low N in late summer. Cold tolerance was relatively high throughout autumn and winter freeze‐test periods for trees fertilized with low N in late winter. Tree vigor, fruit size, leaf N, and fruit N were highest for trees receiving the late winter, moderate rate of N. Yield was lowest, but fruit firmness, fruit quality and fruit calcium (Ca) concentrations were highest for trees treated with the late winter, low rate of N. The incidence of cork spot was lower from trees with the late winter, low N treatment than for the late summer, moderate N‐treated trees.     

Metabolic profiling of strawberry grape ( Vitis × labruscana cv. 'Isabella') components by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and evaluation of their antioxidant and antiproliferative properties

In the assessment of the antioxidant properties of edible plants, the widely consumed Vitis × labruscana cv. 'Isabella', known in Italy as "fragola" (strawberry) grape, was of interest. Phenol and flavonoid contents of the methanolic extracts of peel, pulp, seed, leaf, and stalk components of the plant were determined. The metabolic profile of the extracts was performed by 1D and 2D NMR. Quantitative analysis, obtained in the presence of 0.01% of internal standard trimethylsilyl propionate, evidenced the presence of catechins in both stalk and seed extracts, whereas caffeic acid and quercetin were the main metabolites of the leaf extract. Furthermore, the extracts were tested for their radical scavenging and reducing capacities by measuring their capacity to scavenge DPPH(?) and ABTS(?+) and to reduce Fe(III) and Mo(VI) salts. The antioxidant efficacy of the extracts in cell-free systems and their antiproliferative activity toward HepG2 and A549 cells were also evaluated. Seed and stalk components are able to reduce by 39.6 and 40.6%, respectively, the amount of the metabolically active HepG2 cells after only 24 h of exposure.     

Foliar manganese,zinc and boron application effects on mineral nutrition of an experimental olive grove (cv. “Chondrolia Chalkidikis”)

A 6-month field experiment (from October to March) was conducted in a 20-year-old experimental grove of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in order to enhance its micronutrient levels and assess the effect of micronutrient foliar application manganese, zinc and boron (Mn, Zn and B) on mineral nutrition, chlorophyll concentration and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (F_v/F_m, F_v/F₀ and Performance index, PI) of the olive trees (cv. “Chondrolia Chalkidikis”). The experiment consisted of four treatments (Control-C: trees sprayed with deionized water, T50: trees sprayed with 50 mg/L Mn, Zn and B, T100: trees sprayed with 100 mg/L Mn, Zn and B, T200: trees sprayed with 200 mg/L Mn, Zn and B); the three micronutrients were applied in the forms of manganese sulfate (MnSO₄), zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) and boric acid (H₃BO₃), respectively. The results showed that the most effective treatment for the enhancement of foliar Mn and B levels was T200, while for the increase of Zn levels was T100. In addition, significant differences among the treatments were recorded for most leaf nutrient concentrations (with the exception of potassium (K), which was not influenced by foliar treatment, the other macronutrients, such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N), as well as iron (Fe), obtained their maximum concentrations, at the end of the experiment, in C or T50 treatment). Chlorophyll concentrations were not influenced by foliar treatment. Concerning chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (F_v/F_m, F_v/F₀ and P index), significantly lower values were found in the control (C) trees, compared to the other three treatments, so it seems that a chlorophyll fluorescence technique may be used to detect micronutrient deficiencies in olive groves. However, from all the leaf nutrient concentrations determined, it was found that with the exceptions of: 1) Mn concentrations in the C, T50 and T100 treatments, which were marginal, or slightly deficient; 2) B and Zn concentrations in the C and T50 treatments, which were slightly deficient and marginal, respectively; 3) some K concentrations during the early spring period, which were slightly deficient, all the other concentrations were within the normal levels of sufficiency or within the optimum range, so no serious nutrient deficiency was detected.     

Influence of different long-term mineral–organic fertilization on yield,nutrient balance and soil C and N contents of a sandy loess (Haplic Phaeozem) in middle Germany

In a long-term field trial (Halle, Germany, founded in 1949 by K. Schmalfuß, soil type Haplic Phaeozem), the effects of different mineral and organic fertilization on dry matter yields, soil C and N contents and N balances were investigated. Over a period of 60 years, yields increased on average in all cultivated crops (winter and spring cereals, potatoes, sugar beets, silage maize), even without any fertilization. Nitrogen deficiency in unfertilized and PK treatments caused strong decreases in yield (up to 48%) in comparison with the N2PK standard treatment. The effect of omitting K or P supply was smaller (up to 18% and 7% yield reduction, respectively). The highest yields were obtained with high mineral N + PK application and (except winter wheat) with farmyard manure in combination with mineral fertilization. The N balances were negative in all treatments. However, if N immission from the air (40 kg ha^?1 a^?1) was included in the calculation, N balances were negative only in low N treatments. The soil C and N contents increased up to 1975. A considerable decrease has been seen since about 1985. The highest soil C and N contents were observed in the farmyard manure treatments. In addition to fertilization effects, this development of soil properties reflects changes in environmental pollution, climatic changes, as well as shifts in cultivation methods like tillage depths, over recent decades.     

Effects of fertilizer timing and placement on grain yield and leaf nutrients of sole‐crop cowpeas (V. unguiculata) in Sierra Leone

Abstract

Effects of fertilizer timing and placement on the grain yield and leaf nutrients of uninoculated sole‐crop cowpeas in two experiments during the minor cropping season on Njala upland soil of Sierra Leone were studied. Timing and placement and their interaction had no significant effects on grain yield. Placement affected highly significantly lamina Mg, Cu and Co and significantly lamina N and Ca. Placement and timing x placement interaction affected highly significantly petiole N and petiole P respectively. Timing affected highly significantly petiole N, which decreased as fertilizer application was delayed. The spectrum of nutrient distribution in both lamina and petiole was decidedly different. Multiple regression studies indicated that variability in only petiole Mg, Cu and Co significantly contributed to grain yield variability. By the introduction of 15 nutrients (6 lamina and 9 petiole) after examining the linear regression coefficients into a composite multiple regression study, lamina Ca, petiole Fe and petiole Co were selected as significant contributors to grain yield variability with marked improvement in R². Removal of the effects of the correlated variables produced significances in the effects of fertilizer placement and timing x placement interaction on grain yields.     

Nitrogen effects on yield,beta‐glucan content,and other quality factors of oat and waxy hulless barley

Abstract

Oat (Avena sativa L.) and waxy hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) are important sources of water soluble plant fiber (ß‐glucan) needed in human diets to lower serum cholesterol. Recent studies have shown grain ß‐glucan content is influenced by soil type and environment, however, nitrogen (N) response data for oat and waxy hulless barley are lacking. In this study, we evaluated N effects on grain ß‐glucan content and yield; grain yield, protein content, and test weight; and total dry matter production and N utilization of oat and waxy hulless barley. Rates of applied N were 0, 34, 67, and 101 kg N/ha at three field environments in central Montana during 1989 and 1990. Nitrogen increased all variables except test weight and ß‐glucan content. Waxy hulless barley grain yields fluctuated from 0.82 to 4.11 Mg/ha, ß‐glucan content from 62 to 76 g/kg, and ß‐glucan yields from 51 to 354 kg/ha. Oat yields ranged from 0.85 to 3.83 Mg/ha, ß‐glucan content from 37 to 51 g/kg, and ß‐glucan yields from 35 to 178 kg/ha. Oat ß‐glucan content was positively related to grain protein content, and waxy hulless barley ß‐glucan content was positively related to test weight. ß‐glucan content appeared more related to environmental factors other than N.     

Influence of zinc on the growth,distribution of elements,and metabolism of one‐year old American ginseng plants

Using a water culture technique, 0.05 ppm zinc (Zn) was found to be the critical deficiency concentraction for one‐year American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L) plants, 0.3 ppm was optimum, 0.5 ppm the critical Zn‐toxicity concentration, and 10 ppm the concentration when severe toxicity occurs. Therefore, the optimum Zn concentration for the growth of American ginseng plants was between 0.1 ppm ‐ 0.3 ppm. Zinc deficiency symptoms of one‐year old American ginseng plants were indicated by the inhabition of root growth, with little fibrous root development, and smaller leaves compared to normal leaves. The symptoms of toxicity were also indicated by the inhibition of root growth, and when seedlings were suffering from an acute toxicity, no fibrous roots appeared, and eventually the roots yellowed and leaves grew slowly or even entirely ceased to grow, the final result being very small leaves which are also chlorotic. Zinc maintained within the 0.1 ppm to 0.3 ppm sufficiency range promoted the synthesis and accumulation of ginsenosides by American ginseng plants, and both low and high Zn concentrations restrained the synthesis and accumulation of ginsenosides. Both Zn deficiency and the optimum Zn concentration (0.3ppm) are beneficial to the accumulation of amino acids in the roots of American ginseng plants. Close to the optimum Zn concentration, the ratios of P/Zn and Fe/Zn in the shoot of American ginseng plants were maintained at 77 and 9.4, respectively.     

Effect of calcium sprays,time of harvest,cold storage,and ripeness on fruit quality of ‘anjou’ pears 1

Calcium chloride (CaCl₂), increased Ca concentrations in fruit cortex and peel of ‘Anjou’ pears (Pyrus communis L.). Calcium sprays reduced the fruit disorders: brown core, cork spot and superficial scald. Fruit size (weight) increased while fruit Ca concentrations decreased with fruit at the later harvest dates. The earliest harvest date was associated with a lower incidence of fruit disorders. Superficial scald increased in fruit held longer in cold storage and in ripened fruit. Shelf‐life and fruit quality of Ca‐sprayed fruit was improved due to higher Ca concentrations in fruit peel and cortex resulting in overall enhancement of fruit appearance, and in improvement in the control of the incidences of cork spot, scald, brown core, and external and internal rots, and in amelioration of fruit juiciness and fruit color.     

Effect of substrate,nutrition and growth regulator on productivity and mineral composition of leaf and pseudobulb of Cymbidium hybrid “Baltic Glacier Mint Ice”

The study evaluates the effect of various potting media, nutrition, and growth regulators on production and nutrient composition of leaf and pseudobulb of Cymbidium hybrid “Baltic Glacier Mint Ice” grown in greenhouses. The results confirmed a positive influence of growth and nutrition on flower yield of Cymbidium, with shredded tree bark+ coconut husk + brick bits giving the best flowering. A nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) dose of 200:200:200 mg l^?1 with benzyl adenine (BA) and gibberellic acid (GA₃) at 50 mg l^?1 was found best for growth while an NPK dose of 200:100:100 mg l^?1 with BA and GA₃ at 50 mg l^?1 was suitable flower production of Cymbidium hybrid. Application of an NPK dose of 300:200:300 mg l^?1 with BA and GA₃ at 500 mg l^?1 was found to be best for enhancing flowering frequency. Plants of the Cymbidium hybrid with the best flowering characteristics mostly contained significantly higher concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in leaves and pseudobulbs (which acts as reservoir of nutrients).