This manuscript describes the effect of controlled-release, and water-soluble fertilizers on the growth and quality of New Guinea impatiens (NGI) (Impatiens hawkeri Bull.). Three different fertilizers were applied at three rates each in order to investigate their effect on growth and quality of ‘Paradise New Red.’ NGI. Fertilizer treatments included 1) a 20-4.4-16.6 water-soluble fertilizer (WSF), 2) a 10-1.8-2.5 soybean-based fertilizer (SBF), and 3) a 15-4-10, three-to four-month longevity controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). CRF was applied as a pre-plant at 1×, 0.75×, and 0.5× the label rate. WSF and SBF fertigation rates of 75, 150, and 250 mg·L−1 N (75, 150, and 250 ppm N), respectively, were used based on a common range of fertigation rates in a greenhouse setting from what is considered relatively low, moderate, and high for NGI production. Plants were irrigated or fertigated by hand every 1 to 5 days as needed, based on environmental conditions and plant size, with either approximately 300 mL (10.4 oz) of either tap water or a fertilizer solution. SPAD readings, above ground plant weight, consumer preference ratings, and cumulative flower number were measured and used to calculate a quality index (QI). Optimal fertilizer rates as determined by the QI were found to be 1) CRF at 7.11 kg·m−3 (11.8 lb·yd−3), 2) SBF at 150 mg·L−1 (150 ppm) N, and 3) WSF at 75 mg·L−1 (75 ppm) N. With the application method used in this work, the WSF was more efficient than the SBF because it produced high quality plants with less fertilizer applied. While for the most part overall consumer preference ratings coincided with plant dry weight, there were some exceptions, indicating that consumers can prefer plants that are not necessary the largest as indicated by their dry weights. Consumer preferences may not coincide with typical plant parameters of plant growth all the time. Consumer preferences should be always considered in an industry that sell its products based mainly on their appearance.
Analysis of genetic diversity in banana cultivars (Musa cvs.) from the South of Oman using AFLP markers and classification by phylogenetic, hierarchical clustering and principal component analyses
