On 26 Mar. 1997, New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens × New Guinea) cultivars `Aglia', `Anaea', `Bora-bora', and `Dark Delias', were planted in 1 peat: 1 vermiculite (v/v) rooting media containing 0%, 25%, or 50% by volume of coal bottom ash (CBA) that had been sieved through 6-mm mesh. Individual flower longevity was recorded from the first day of flower opening until senescence. There was no significant effect among levels of CBA on flower longevity. However, flower life varied significantly among cultivars from 9.5–9.9 days in `Aglia' to 15.1–15.8 days in `Dark Delias'. Per-plant bloom numbers increased linearly with increase in percent CBA for all cultivars. Plant diameters were reduced by CBA in `Aglia', but not affected by CBA in the other three cultivars. Plant heights of `Dark Delias' were increased at 50% CBA over that of plants in 0% CBA. Visual quality indices were significantly greater for plants in CBA media compared to that for plants in 0% CBA. Top fresh and dry weights within each cultivar were equal among CBA levels. Within cultivars, there were no significant differences among plants at different CBA levels in plant transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and net photosynthesis when measured with an LCA3 Leaf Chamber Analyser. However, there were significant differences in these processes among cultivars.
Exogenously Used 24-Epibrassinolide Promotes Drought Tolerance in Maize Hybrids by Improving Plant and Water Productivity in an Arid Environment
