Chemical characteristics and longevity of potted chrysanthemum plants in function of fertilizing termination and rates

Abstract

Reports have been published indicating an extension in the longevity of potted chrysanthemum plants as a function of the suspension of the final fertilization. The objective of this research was to verify the absorption of nutrients by potted 'Puritan' chrysanthemum plants when the fertirrigation was suspended in the last weeks, and to evaluate postproduction longevity. The treatments were: T: 50% of the dose of fertilizers in the 0th week and water from the th; T2: 00% of the dose of fertilizers in the 0th week and water from the th; T3: 50% of the dose of fertilizers in the th week and water from the 2th; T4: 00% of the dose of fertilizers in the th week and water from the 2th; T5: 50% of the dose of fertilizers in the 2th week; T6: 00% of the dose of fertilizers in the 2th week. After twelve weeks, the plants aerial part was submitted to chemical analyses. Plants destined to longevity evaluation were kept indoors for 28 days. For the majority of elements no significant differences between treatments were observed in relation to amounts of nutrients. The fertirrigation suspension in the two last weeks (treatmentand 2) led to greater longevity compared to the other treatments. Additional keywords: fertirrigation; nutrient absorption; durability; postproduction.