Nutrient uptake dynamics of Gloriosa for cut flower

Abstract

Gloriosa superba L. is a recently introduced tropical species in Argentina, cultivated as a cut flower. It is extremely important to know the nutritional demands of the crop to provide the optimal amounts of nutrients at each stage, achieving quality and good yield in flowers, reducing production costs and environmental impact. The objective of this work was to determine the dynamics of nutrient absorption in the cultivation of G. superba for cut flowers, to facilitate the creation of a fertilization program, in order to avoid crop deficiencies and contribute to sustainable production. Tuber composition analyzes were carried out and, on the other hand, an essay was installed in greenhouse beds, taking samples at seven moments of the cycle. Fresh matter and dry matter of stems, leaves, flowers, tubers, roots and chemical analysis of aerial organs were measured to obtain the absorption curve. It was verified that only around 20% of each nutrient is provided by the tuber, being necessary the external contribution from initial stages of the crop. The rate of growth and accumulation of dry matter was shown as a double sigmoid, with maximum peaks in the vegetative stage of stem elongation and beginning of flowering. Nutrient amounts were absorbed in the following order: N>K>Mg>Ca>P>Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu. Fertilization rich in N, P, and Fe is recommended in the vegetative stage, balanced during the visible shoot stage, and rich in Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, and Cu during flowering.

Scientific analysis of cut flowers: a review of the main technical issues developed

“…Integrated nutrition in cut flower crops is becoming a relevant area of impact in agronomic management (Savvas, 2019), showing positive physiological effects under abiotic stress conditions (Kumari et al, 2023), without relevant affectation in the growth rate in some species such as lisianthus (Seydmohammadi et al, 2020). In addition, plant nutrition is being complemented by the development of diagnostic techniques and the determination of fertilizer extraction curves for some species (Haussecker et al, 2023). Floral diversity is a strength of the sector that increases temporal relevance and maintains commercial dynamics.…”