Effect of the concentration of the nutrient solution on the nutrient content of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.)

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the nutrient concentration at the foliar level of chrysanthemums grown in tezontle sand using three concentrations of the Steiner Universal Nutrient Solution.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A completely randomized design was used, each treatment represented a concentration of the nutrient solution and each concentration had 11 repetitions, the study variables were: foliar concentration of nutrients: N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S, plant height (AP), stem diameter (DT), number of leaves (NH), flower diameter (DF), fresh weight (PF) and dry weight (PS).

Results: The results showed this order of extraction K>N>Ca>P>Mg>S, for all concentrations, the foliar N content was low in the three treatments (<3.35%), the P was found in high concentrations. (>0.63%), K was higher in the 100% concentration treatment, Mg (>0.44%) was in sufficient levels, in Ca the 100% concentration had greater absorption and finally the S content was only the adequate in the concentration of 100 %, in the morphological variables there were no significant differences.

Limitations of the study/Implications: High temperatures helped the proliferation of pests; therefore, it would be good to have a better control of temperatures inside the greenhouse.

Findings/Conclusions: Therefore, using different concentrations of the nutrient solution in chrysanthemums grown in tezontle sand affects the nutrient content at the foliar level but not necessarily its morphology.