Effect of Fertilization and Planting Date on the Production and Shelf Life of Tuberose

Abstract

The tuberose, Agave amica, is an ornamental plant appreciated for its oils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of planting dates (April, May and June), dose of NPK (N80-P60-K40, N300-P200-K200, N100-P50-K50 and N00-P00-K00), and fertilizer sources (chemical, organic, combined and control) on tuberose production, flower quality and postharvest shelf life. The physiological variables spike characteristics, leaf color, biomass, and postharvest flower quality were evaluated. The results show that the best planting date is in June; plants planted in June flowered earlier (156 days) and had better flower quality. The fertilization formula N300-P200-K200 produced a higher number of spikes (1.32) and flowers (38.93), a larger stem diameter (0.9 cm), and promoted fewer days to flowering (188d). Plants fertilized with chemical fertilizer had fewer yellow leaves, a larger number of spikes (1.41), a longer spike length (26.89 cm), and a higher number of flowers/spikes (39.28), corms/plants (31.03), and open flowers on the ninth day in vase (13.14) and heavier stems with spikes (134.80 g). In conclusion, the dose of N300-P200-K200 from chemical source and planting in June produced the best flower quality and the shortest production cycle.