Growth and flowering responses of potted chrysanthemums in a coir dust-based medium to different rates of controlled-release fertilizer

 A. Yahya, H. Safie and M. S. Mokhlas

Abstract

The effects of four rates of controlled-release fertilizer (14N:14P 2O5:14K2O, 3-month release period) incorporated in a coconut coir dust-based growing medium on three cultivars of potted chrysanthemums were evaluated. The fertilizer rates were 5, 10, 15 and 20 g for every litre medium. The plants were raised under an acrylic rainshelter and watered twice daily using a microsprayer system. Foliar analysis indicated that leaf N and K contents increased correspondingly with increasing fertilizer rates. The concentrations of leaf N and K in cultivar Red Boon Time were higher than in either Pot Score or Fine Time. The magnitude of fertilizer effects on plants varied between cultivars with Red Boon Time being the most sensitive. Plants grown at higher fertilizer rates produced more flowers. Changes in fertilizer rates did not affect the longevity of individual flowers. Overall dry matter allocation into flowers was reduced when the fertilizer rate had increased to more than 15 g per litre medium. Elevated fertilizer rates delayed flower development in Red Boon Time, thus prolonging its plant shelf life.

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