Cerium (Ce) affects the phenological cycle and the quality of tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.)

Abstract

Objective: To study the effect of Ce applied in a nutrient solution during the productive cycle, in the duration of the phases of the phenological cycle of tulip cv. Jan van Nes.

Design/methodology/approach: Commercial bulbs (caliber 12+) were sowed under shade cloth conditions during the autumn-winter period. The levels of Ce used were 5, 15 and 15 µM from CeCl₃ 7H₂O; apart from the control, without the application of Ce, it was applied in the nutrient solution from the first day of the sowing.

Results: The different concentrations of Ce stimulated the sprout of bulbs. The low concentration of Ce (5 ?M) promoted the early formation of floral buds and the coloration of them. Hence, the application of 5 ?M Ce moves forward the flowering of the tulip, without exhibiting changes in the period of time to reach the senescence. When 25 ?M Ce were applied, the opposite effects were observed. The duration of the flower was not significantly affected by the treatments.

Limitations/study implications: This study was made only in one cultivar of tulip.

Findings/conclusions: The application of 5 µM of Ce had a positive effect in the tulip cycle, by stimulating the bulb sprout, the formation of the floral bud, the coloration, and the advance of the flowering cycle.