RESPONSE OF LISIANTHUS (Eustoma grandiflorum [Raf.] Shinn) CV. ECHO BLUE TO DIFFERENT NITROGEN APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Lisianthus is an ornamental species that is little known in Mexico, probably because it is not widely cultivated by flower growers; due to its attractive flowers and extended vase-life it has been well received by consumers and it is gaining an important status in the cut flower market. Adequate nutrition plays a key role to sustain plant growth and development; however, research on mineral nutrition on lisianthus is scarce. The objectives of the present study were to determine the response of lisianthus to varying concentrations of nitrogen (N) in the nutrient solution, to determine the N concentration associated with higher quality of cut flowers, and to define the distribution of dry mass and nutrients in the different plant parts. Using a completely randomized experimental design and mean comparison according to Tukey’s procedure (P?0.05%) the effect of N concentration in the nutrient solution (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 500, and 600 mg L^-1) was evaluated on growth, nutrient status, dry mass and mineral nutrient distribution. Plants grown with solutions containing N at 100 and 250 mg L^-1 exhibited the best growth, biomass accumulation and floral bud number. These nitrogen concentrations improved plant concentrations of P, K, Ca and Mg, and they impacted dry mass and nutrient distribution in plants. Dry mass distribution exhibited the following ranking: stems>leaves>roots=flowers.