Production of desert rose seedlings in different potting media

Abstract

Over the past decade the desert rose received fame in the flower market due to its striking and sculptural forms; however, the commercial production of these species is quite recent and little is known about its crop management, including substrates recommendation. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of different substrates on desert rose seed germination and production of its seedlings. Experiment I: freshly harvested seeds of desert rose were sown in different substrates e.g. sand, coconut fiber, semi-composted pine bark, sand + coconut fiber, semi-composted pine bark + sand and coconut fiber + semicomposted pine bark. These substrates were evaluated to study the emergence percentage of seeds, initial growth of seedlings and seedling emergence speed index (ESI). Experiment II: desert rose from the experiment I were transferred to plastic pots filled with the same substrates as in experiment I. The pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the substrates were noted every 30 days while the growth parameters of seedlings were recorded after 240 days. Results from experiment I showed higher germination rate and seedling growth in substrates containing semi-composted pine bark. Similarly, in experiment II, better quality seedlings were observed in substrates containing semi-composted pine bark. Thus, for desert rose seed germination and seedling growth, it is recommended to use substrates containing semi-composted pine bark.

Adenium obesum as a new potted flower: growth management

“…Seed germination is commonly performed in different substrates, which are chosen according to the local availability of material. Substrates based on semi-composted pine bark employed for germination of A. obesum seeds, providing emergence rates > 93% (COLOMBO et al, 2017). These results corroborate to those observed in germination tests that were conducted in laboratories, confirming the elevated germination potential of this species (COLOMBO et al, 2015;COLOMBO et al, 2017).…”

“…In contrast, substrates presenting high water retention capacity, if handled incorrectly, can decrease the seedlings emergence due to seed rot. Colombo et al (2017) observed that the A. obesum emergence in coconut fiber + sand was 83%, while the mixture of coconut fiber + semi-composted pine bark provided 98% of emergence. Thereby, the importance to select the adequate mixture to be used as substrate was confirmed.…”

“…Among the recommended materials, substrates based on semicomposted pine bark, pure or in combination with coconut fiber, provide a high emergence percentage of seedlings, i.e. 97% and 98%, respectively (COLOMBO et al, 2017).…”

Seed germination and development of desert rose seedlings (Adenium obesum Roem. & Schult) on different substrates

“…To ensure the propagation of a species; and consequently, its sustainable exploitation, knowledge of its seed germination process is essential, as well as the ideal substrates for the establishment and development of seedlings because the behavior of each species may differ in response to the same substrate (COLOMBO et al, 2017;GOMES-JUNIOR et al, 2019).…”

Crescimento de rosa do deserto fertirrigada com diferentes proporções de nitrato/amônio

“…Allied to the potential of market expansion and to the search for differentiated products, Adenium obesum, popularly known as desert rose, is on a leading place in national scenario. It is a plant cultivated in pots and appreciated for developing swollen roots and/or shoots that serve as primary organs for water storage, and for presenting a variety of flowers shades and forms (Dimmitt et al, 2009;Brown, 2012;Colombo et al, 2015;Colombo et al, 2017).…”