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Abstract
The review by Evans and Sorger (6) on “The Role of Mineral Elements with Emphasis on the Univalent Cations” as found in the 1966 Annual Review of Plant Physiology Volume 17 is principally concerned with other than floriculture crops. However, the K nutritional requirements of floriculture crops are so similar to those of vegetables that the review can stand for both.
Abstract
Effects of 5 soilless media and 2 sowing depths, 4 pH levels and 3 medium temperatures on tropical foliage plant seed germination were analyzed using germination rate and final percentage germination. Cordyline australis had highest germination percentages in highly organic media, Philodendron selloum germinated well in all media at a depth of twice the seed diameter, Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ and Brassaia actinophylla germinated equally well in all media and at depths of 2 and 4 times the seed diameter. Most deeper sown seeds took longer to emerge. Best germination occurred in Brassaia actinophylla, C. australis and Philodendron lundii without bottom heat (27°C), and in Nephthytis ‘Emerald Gem’ with bottom heat (30°-33°). Species germinated well between pH 3.7 and pH 6.2 except for Musa balbisiana at pH 3.7.
Abstract
Seeds of Asparagus densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop ‘Sprengen’, Brassaia actinophylla Endl., and Musa balbisiana Colla., were exposed to 5 durations of ultrasonics at a frequency of 60 Hz. Some seeds were then given a 12 hour water soak before sowing. No differences were noted in germination rates for all species. The only significantly improved germination percentage occurred with seeds of Musa balbisiana given a 30 second exposure and no water soak. Seeds of Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’, Brassaia actinophylla, Cordyline australis (G. Forst.) Hook, f., and Philodendron lundii Warm., were given 15 minute soaks in 3 concentrations of 3 fungicides before sowing but no significant differences in final germination percentage or germination rate were observed among treatments.
Abstract
‘Cardinal Sim’ carnations were grown for 2 years in 6 media combinations that were supplemented with 2 particle sizes of vermiculite. The addition of vermiculite resulted in significantly higher K levels in carnation foliage the first year than in control plants. The positive effect of vermiculite persisted through the second year but at a lower level. A combination of 1-1-1 by volume sphagnum peat moss, perlite and #4 vermiculite was as good a growing medium as the control soil when compared on a total production and quality index basis.
Abstract
Two cultivars of poinsettias and 3 cultivars of chrysanthemums were propagated under low concentration mist-fertilizer solutions to offset the problem of nutrient losses by leaching that occur under mist. Greater terminal growth, fresh weight, dry weight and degree of rooting resulted. Effects of mist-fertilizer propagation were permanent, so plants flowerd earlier, and had greater fresh and dry weights with increased numbers and larger size flowers. Significantly higher levels of N, P and K occurred in leaf tissue of cuttings that received a complete fertilizer as opposed to tap-water misted cuttings. The N, P and K content of chrysanthemum leaves was higher when cuttings were removed from the propagation bench than when they were inserted.
There were differences due to cultivar but not to media when moisture conditions in the rhizosphere were adequate. Mist-fertilized chrysanthemum cuttings were not satisfactorily stored at 31-33°F.