The effects of supplemental nitrogen and calcium on the quality and postharvest life of cut gerbera

Abstract

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca), complementary to the complete fertilization established, on production, quality and postharvest shelf life of floral stems of gerbera as cut flower harvested 117 days after transplant. The experiment consisted of a combination of three doses of N.L−1 substrate (0.07 g, 0.15 g and 0.2 g) and three doses of Ca.L−1 substrate (0.02 g; 0.03 g and 0.04 g) and was conducted in a greenhouse in a bifactorial arrangement with an additional control treatment. Control plants were not supplemented with N or Ca. Both elements were diluted in water and applied manually every 15 days. Highest flower yields were obtained with application 0.2 g de N.L−1 substrate and 0.04 g Ca.L−1 substrate. Stem length, stem diameter, flower diameter, and longevity, relative fresh weight and solution uptake were highest in gerbera fertilized with 0.2 g de N.L−1 substrate and 0.04 g Ca.L−1 substrate. Applying every 15 days, 0.2 g of N.L−1 substrate and 0.04 g of Ca.L−1 substrate resulted in higher yields, better quality and postharvest shelf life of floral stems of gerbera as cut flower harvested 117 days after transplant.

Yield and quality of gerbera floral stalks in substrate supplemented with different doses of nitrogen and calcium

“…The beginning of the reproductive period was established after 91 DOT (August 2013). At that time 80% of the gerbera plants presented a visible flower capitulum of a size of ± 1 cm (Milani et al, 2019) and all plants were supplemented with 1.63 P, 8.77 K and 0.61 Mg g.L -1 substrate. Micronutrients were applied through a commercial formulation (5.1 g Rexolin ® .L -1 substrate) containing: 11.6% K 2 O, 1.28% S, 0.86% Mg, 2.1% B, 0.36% Cu, 2.66% Fe, 2.48% Mn, 0.036% Mo and 3.38% Zn.…”

Nitrogen and calcium fertilization on the growth and development of gerbera cultivated in pots for cut flowers

“…From each flower stalk, the length and the diameter of the capitulum were determined. The stalk diameter was determined 20 cm down the inflorescence and results were expressed in mm (Milani et al, 2019).…”

Gerbera leaf nutritional status as a cut flower cultivated with different doses of nitrogen and calcium

“…However, in Brazil, there is slight information on nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca) fertilization for gerberas as cut flower grown in containers with organic substrate. Thus, the choice to study these nutrients is due to their functions for plants growth (Milani et al, 2019).…”