scholarly journals 125 Substrates and Hydrophylic Polymers Influence Growth of Surfinia

HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 463B-463
Author(s):  
P. Jobin ◽  
J. Caron ◽  
C. Menard ◽  
B. Dansereau
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Petunia Hybrida ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Acrylic Polymer ◽  
Available Water Content ◽  
Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity

Low water retention in hanging baskets is a constraint in urban floriculture and hydrogel addition is an alternative. However, growth may be reduced with such a product depending on the substrate used. This study was conducted to determine the combined effects of substrate and type of hydrogel on the growth of Surfinia plants produced in hanging baskets. During Spring 1998, three rooted cuttings of Surfinia (Petunia × hybrida `Brilliant Pink') were transplanted into 30-cm hanging baskets. Plants were transplanted into one of the following substrates: 1) Pro-Mix BX, 2) a blend of 4/5 Pro-Mix BX and 1/5 compost, or 3) 1/3 perlite 1/3 vermiculite and 1/3 compost (v/v). These three substrates were amended with two types of hydrogels. The first type, Soil Moist, is an acrylic-acrylamide copolymer and the second type is Aqua-Mend, an acrylic polymer. Plants were grown for 8 weeks under standard irrigation and fertilization practices. Plant growth characteristics, percent dry weight, mineral nutrition, and growth index were determined. Substrate physical properties such as available water content, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and total porosity were measured. The dry weight and growth index of plants in Pro-Mix BX amended with both types of hydrogels were greater than those plants growing in Pro-Mix BX without hydrogel. Plants growing in substrates 2 and 3 with hydrogels were smaller or similar respectively than those plants growing in substrates without hydrogel. Their effects on physical properties of substrates and plant growth will be discussed.

scholarly journals Comparison of Aged and Fresh WholeTree as a Substrate Component for Production of Greenhouse-Grown Annuals

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
Whitney G. Gaches ◽  
Glenn B. Fain ◽  
Donald J. Eakes ◽  
Charles H. Gilliam ◽  
Jeff L. Sibley
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Pinus Taeda ◽  
Petunia Hybrida ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Tagetes Patula ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Pine Tree ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Pinus Taeda L

Abstract WholeTree (WT) is a potential renewable greenhouse substrate component created by chipping and milling all aboveground portions of a pine tree (Pinus taeda L.). While research regarding the viability of WT as an alternative substrate component is widely available to growers, the potential benefits of aging WT remain unclear. The growth of Dreams White petunia (Petunia ×hybrida ‘Dreams White’) and Little Hero Yellow marigold (Tagetes patula ‘Little Hero Yellow’) in 1:1 (by vol) fresh WT:peat (FWTP) and 1:1 (by vol) aged WT:peat (AWTP), as well as physical properties of AWTP and FWTP were evaluated. For Experiment 1, AWTP had 17.6% particles greater than 3.2 mm as opposed to 12.4% for FWTP. In Experiment 2, this trend was reversed with 8.1% of AWTP particles greater than 3.2 mm and 20.4% for FWTP. For Experiment 1, AWTP had 90.5% total porosity (TP) as compared to 94.4% with FWTP. Air Space (AS) for AWTP was less than FWTP; AWTP had 10% more container capacity (CC) than FWTP. Bulk Density (BD) was similar in Experiment 1. There was no difference in TP in Experiment 2; however, all other physical properties followed a similar trend to Experiment 1. In both experiments marigolds grown in AWTP generally had a lower leachate pH and a higher EC than those grown in FWTP; a trend which was similar in petunia although differences were not present throughout the entire study. Marigolds grown in AWTP had 33% more blooms and 44% greater dry weight than those grown in FWTP, a trend similar in petunias. Aged WT in this study provided a more suitable substrate component for greenhouse grown marigolds and petunias than fresh WT.

scholarly journals Assessment of Physical Properties and Stonecrop Growth in Green Roof Substrates Amended with Compost and Hydrogel

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 438-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael W. Olszewski ◽  
Marion H. Holmes ◽  
Courtney A. Young
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Coverage Area ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Growing Conditions

There is a lack of quantifiable data concerning physical analyses specific to shallow-depth green roof substrates and their effects on initial plant growth. Physical properties were determined for green roof substrates containing (by volume) 50%, 60%, or 70% heat-expanded coarse slate and 30% heat-expanded fine slate amended with 20%, 10%, or 0% landscape and greenhouse waste compost. Each substrate also was amended with hydrogel at 0, 0.75, 1.50, or 3.75 lb/yard3. There were no differences in total porosity among substrates containing 0%, 10%, or 20% compost, although total porosity increased for all substrates amended with hydrogel at 3.75 lb/yard3. Container capacity increased in substrates containing 3.75 lb/yard3 hydrogel, except for substrates containing 10% compost where hydrogel had no effect. Aeration porosity decreased when 10% or 20% compost was added to substrates. Determination of aeration porosity at an applied suction pressure of 6.3 kPa (AP-6.3 kPa), indicated that AP-6.3 kPa was higher in substrates containing 0% compost than substrates containing 20% compost. Shoot dry weight and coverage area measurements of ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’ stonecrop (Sedum floriferum) and ‘Summer Glory’ stonecrop (Sedum spurium) were determined 9 weeks after plug transplantation into substrates. Both stonecrop species responded similarly to substrate amendments. Initial plant growth was greater in substrate containing 20% compost and 3.75 lb/yard3 hydrogel than nonamended substrate resulting in 198% and 161% higher shoot dry weight and coverage area, respectively. Alkaline heat-expanded slate and acidic compost components affected initial pH of substrates, but there was less variation among final substrate pH values. We conclude that compost and/or hydrogel amendments affected physiochemical properties following incorporation into slate-based green roof substrates, resulting in greater initial plant growth, and that these amendments may have practical applications for improving growing conditions on green roofs.

scholarly journals Fishwaste Compost Medium Improves Growth and Quality of Container-grown Marigolds and Geraniums Without Leaching

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.L. Hummel ◽  
S. Kuo ◽  
D. Winters ◽  
E.J. Jellum
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Tagetes Patula ◽  
Greenhouse Production ◽  
Available N ◽  
N Source ◽  
Growing Medium

Abstract Utilization of fish waste for producing fishwaste compost (FWC) as a value-added product is preferred to disposing of it in ocean dumping or landfills. This study determined: (i) the effectiveness of FWC as a container-growth medium and N source for greenhouse production of marigolds (Tagetes patula L. ‘Queen Sophia’) and geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum L.H. Bailey ‘Sprinter Scarlet’) that were drip-irrigated to prevent leaching; and (ii) if leaching was necessary to sustain plant growth. In a 3 by 3 factorial experiment, plants were grown in 100% FWC, 50% FWC:50% Douglas-fir bark (B), and 100% B at 0, 160, and 320 mg (0, 0.0056, 0.0112 oz) N container−1 applied as NH4NO3 every 2 weeks. Under drip irrigation, FWC in the 100% FWC growing medium supplied a sufficient amount of available N up to 7 weeks after transplanting to produce plant quality, shoot growth index (SGI), and shoot and root dry weights comparable to those treated with 320 mg N container−1. In the 50% FWC: 50% B growing medium fertilization with 320 mg N improved plant growth and quality 7 weeks after transplanting. The concentration of inorganic N (NO3 plus NH4) in the 100% FWC declined to very low levels 7 weeks after transplanting. This indicated that FWC used as the sole component of the growing medium was an effective N source for marigolds and geraniums up to 7 weeks after transplant. Compared with no leach plants, irrigation of 100% FWC marigolds with a weekly leaching fraction of about 0.55 did not affect quality, SGI, and shoot dry weight at the time-of-sale, 7 weeks after transplant. The FWC did not have sufficiently high salt content to require minimum leaching to prevent salt injury to the plants.

scholarly journals The Effects of Mixed Hardwood Biochar, Mycorrhizae, and Fertigation on Container Tomato and Pepper Plant Growth

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 7072
Author(s):  
Ping Yu ◽  
Qiansheng Li ◽  
Lan Huang ◽  
Kuan Qin ◽  
Genhua Niu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Chicken Manure ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Pepper Plant ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Total Dry Weight ◽  
Similar Soil ◽  
Container Plant

Biochar (BC) has the potential as a peat moss alternative for container plant growth. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of mixed hardwood BC, compost types, mycorrhizae, and fertigation on container-grown tomato and pepper growth. In experiment 1 (Exp1), BC at 50%, 70%, and 90% (vol.) were mixed with 5% vermicompost (VC) with the rest being a commercial peat moss-based substrate (CS) and fertigated at 200 or 300 mg L−1 N. In experiment 2 (Exp2), 80% BC was mixed with chicken manure compost (CM; 5% or 10%) and CS and fertigated at 100 or 200 mg L−1 N. In experiment 3 (Exp3), 90% BC was blended with CS and fertigated at 200 or 300 mg L−1 N. Mixes in all the three experiments were added with or without mycorrhizae. Results showed that, compared with CS, in Exp1 tomato and pepper plants grown in BC-VC mixes had similar soil-plant analyses development (SPAD), growth index (GI), and total dry weight (TDW); in Exp2 and Exp3, plants in BC mixes (80% or 90%) had lower GI and TDW. In conclusion, BC (≤70%) amended with VC mixes could be used for container tomato and pepper production without negatively affecting plant growth, while BC (80%, 90%) mixes could have some negative impacts on plant growth.

scholarly journals Coconut Coir and Peat Biocontainers Influence Plant Growth Retardant Drench Efficacy

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 370-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. Flax ◽  
Christopher J. Currey ◽  
James A. Schrader ◽  
David Grewell ◽  
William R. Graves
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Substrate Surface ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Growth Retardant ◽  
Rice Hull ◽  
Growth Data ◽  
Greenhouse Production ◽  
Uncoated Paper ◽  
Coconut Coir

We evaluated the effects of seven types of 4.5-inch top-diameter biocontainers and five rates of paclobutrazol drench on the growth and development of angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia ‘Serena White’) and petunia (Petunia ×hybrida ‘Wave® Purple Improved Prostrate’) during greenhouse production. The container types included were biopolyurethane-coated paper fiber; uncoated paper fiber; rice hull; coconut coir; peat; two types of bioplastic container, one made from 90% polylactic acid (PLA) and 10% lignin [PLA-lignin (90/10 by weight)] and another made from 60% PLA and 40% soy polymer with adipic anhydride {SP.A [PLA-SP.A]; (60/40 by weight)}; and a petroleum-based plastic control. All containers were filled with 590 mL of substrate composed of (by vol) 75% canadian sphagnum moss and 25% perlite. Ten days after transplanting seedlings, 2-fl oz aliquots of deionized water containing 0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 mg·L−1 paclobutrazol were applied to the substrate surface as drenches. The date of anthesis was recorded for each plant, and growth data were collected 6 weeks after transplant. Shoots were harvested and dried and shoot dry weight (SDW) was recorded. Height (angelonia only) and diameter of angelonia and petunia and time to flower were calculated. Container type and paclobutrazol concentration interacted to affect size and SDW of angelonia and petunia. Growth index of angelonia treated with 0 mg·L−1 paclobutrazol and grown in coir and peat containers was 19% to 29% and 29% to 38% smaller than that of plants in other container types, respectively. Diameter of untreated petunia grown in peat containers was similar to that of those grown in coir and uncoated paper fiber containers, but was smaller (10.9 to 13.5 cm) than that of plants grown in other container types. As paclobutrazol concentrations increased from 0 to 20 mg·L−1 treatments, SDWs of petunia grown in coir containers were suppressed by 23%, whereas plants grown in rice hull containers were up to 45% less. Our results indicate that growth suppression of angelonia and petunia grown in biocontainers using paclobutrazol drenches varies by the type of biocontainer. Producers should reduce paclobutrazol drench concentrations to produce plants of appropriate size if substituting coir or peat biocontainers for traditional petroleum plastics, whereas no adjustment in plant growth retardant (PGR) drench concentrations is required for plants produced in the other biocontainer types we evaluated.

scholarly journals Plant Growth Regulator Impacts on Vegetative Cutting Production of Moroccan Pincushion (Pterocephalus depressus) Plants

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-67
Author(s):  
Sean J. Markovic ◽  
James E. Klett
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Gibberellic Acid ◽  
Plant Growth Regulators ◽  
Growth Regulators ◽  
Growth Regulator ◽  
Plant Growth Regulator ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Stock Plant ◽  
Cutting Production

Abstract Moroccan pincushion (Pterocephalus depressus) is a drought-tolerant perennial that is being used in landscapes throughout arid areas of the western United States. This paper describes two experiments researching vegetative cutting production from stock plants. Moroccan pincushion stock plants received foliar applications of gibberellic acid (GA3), benzyladenine, ethephon, or auxin [indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)] plant growth regulators (PGR). Plant growth regulators were applied singularly and in combination with GA3 to determine efficacy on stock plant growth. A propagation study was conducted simultaneously to determine effects of these different PGR treatments applied to stock plants on the rooting of moroccan pincushion cuttings. The stock plant study showed GA3 + benzyladenine application increased cutting production over other PGR treatments. Fresh weight of moroccan pincushion cuttings did not differ among treatments. While cuttings did not differ in dry weight in experiment 1, statistical differences were observed in experiment 2. However, these differences in dry weight did not affect the quality of the cuttings. Cuttings from stock plants treated with GA3 + IBA treatment had the highest numerical growth index [(height + width + width)/3]. Cuttings from stock plants treated with GA3 alone or in combination with another PGR were all greater in average growth index and statistically differed from those without GA3 being applied. PGR treatments did not affect rooting percentages of the cuttings with nontreated stock plant cuttings successfully rooting at an average rate of 95%. However, GA3 + IBA was the only treatment where cuttings had 100% rooting for both experiments, indicating potential rooting benefits. Index words: Plant growth regulator, propagation, Pterocephalus depressus, vegetative cuttings. Species used in this study: Moroccan pincushion [Pterocephalus depressus Archibald]. Chemicals used in this study: gibberellic acid (GA3), benzyladenine, ethephon, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).

scholarly journals Impact of Two Hydrophilic Acrylic-Based Polymers on the Physical Properties of Three Substrates and the Growth of Petunia ×hybrida `Brilliant Pink'

2004 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 449-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Jobin ◽  
Jean Caron ◽  
Pierre-Yves Bernier ◽  
Blanche Dansereau
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Water Potential ◽  
Soil Water Potential ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Irrigation Frequency ◽  
Water Desorption ◽  
Acrylic Polymer ◽  
Shoot Dry Weight ◽  
Container Capacity

Hydrophilic polymers or hydrogels have shown potential to increase water retention of media and to reduce irrigation frequency. This property would be particularly useful in the production of fast growing species in which large amounts of water are needed. This study evaluated the effect of two acrylic-based hydrogels on water desorption curve and hydraulic conductivity of substrates and on plant growth. The duration of their effects was also investigated. Rooted cuttings of Surfinia (Petunia ×hybrida `Brilliant Pink') were transplanted into 30-cm pots containing one of three different substrates amended with one of two types of hydrogels, a commercial acrylic polymer, and a commercial acrylic-acrylamide copolymer, and grown for 9 weeks under well watered conditions and then imposed with a drought. Results indicated that both polymer types gave similar results. The substrates' physical properties (air-filled porosity, available water) at potting time were significantly affected by hydrogel addition, but differences vanished within 9 weeks of growth. Hydrogels had no significant effect on the point at which plant wilted and on the substrate's unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Shoot dry weight was affected by substrate and hydrogel and was positively correlated to water content between container capacity and -10 kPa of water potential, or between container capacity and the soil water potential at plant turgor loss.

scholarly journals Impact of Root Growth on the Physical Properties of Peat Substrate under a Constant Water Regimen

HortScience ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. 1394-1399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrice Cannavo ◽  
Houda Hafdhi ◽  
Jean-Charles Michel
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Root Growth ◽  
Water Potential ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Shoot Weight ◽  
The Impact ◽  
New Guinea Impatiens ◽  
Water Holding

The impact of root growth on the hydraulic properties of peat substrate was investigated under optimal water retention, i.e., at a constant water potential of –1 kPa. ‘New Guinea’ impatiens was grown in 1.1-L cylindrical containers for 196 d in a greenhouse under controlled climate and fertilization conditions. Water retention and hydraulic conductivity curves, root biomass and volume, and shoot weight were measured. Results indicated a maximal root volumetric content of 0.065 m3·m−3 that was as high as the peat content in containers (0.068 m3·m−3). From Day 0 to Day 196, the total porosity of the growing media decreased from 0.931 m3·m−3 to 0.874 m3·m−3. Moreover, considering the water-holding capacity at a water potential of –1 kPa, it increased from 0.58 to 0.75 m3·m−3 (i.e., by 29.3%) without changes in water availability but with a large decrease in air-filled porosity from 0.35 to 0.14 m3·m−3. The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity K(θ) decreased as a result of root growth. Root growth also modified pore size distribution and pore structure. Hydraulic conductivity curves indicated a better pore connectivity reflected by a decrease in tortuosity.

The Relationship Between Colliery-waste Particle Sizes and Plant Growth

1974 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher G. Down
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Size Range ◽  
Growth Period ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Particle Sizes ◽  
Small Particles ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Water Holding

Seed germination and dry-weight production in Lolium perenne were examined in relation to growth on 12-years-old colliery waste separated into seven size-fractions. The size-range was from more than 4,000 μ to less than 125 μ, and the growth period was up to 30 days. Germination percentages after 6 days generally increased with decreasing particle-size, as did dry-weight. Shoot : root ratios also showed an inverse relationship with particle size.After 30 days there was no distinction between dryweights on different particle sizes, except that on the largest fractions it had been found impossible to keep the plants alive. Problems of water-holding capacity are discussed, and the significance of soil particle-size in revegetation work is examined, it being concluded that an admixture of small particles is important for water retention and plant growth.

scholarly journals Effects of Mixed Hardwood and Sugarcane Biochar as Bark-Based Substrate Substitutes on Container Plants Production and Nutrient Leaching

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Yu ◽  
Lan Huang ◽  
Qiansheng Li ◽  
Isabel M. Lima ◽  
Paul M. White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Sugarcane Bagasse ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Nutrient Leaching ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Tomato Plants ◽  
N Concentration ◽  
Bagasse Biochar ◽  
Leaf Greenness

Biochar (BC) has the potential to replace bark-based commercial substrates in the production of container plants. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of mixed hardwood biochar (HB) and sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB) to replace the bark-based commercial substrate. A bark-based commercial substrate was incorporated with either HB at 50% (vol.) or SBB at 50% and 70% (vol.), with a bark-based commercial substrate being used as the control. The total porosity (TP) and container capacity (CC) of all SBB-incorporated mixes were slightly higher than the recommended value, while, the others were within the recommended range. Both tomato and basil plants grown in the BC-incorporated mixes had a similar or higher growth index (GI), leaf greenness (indicated by soil-plant analyses development), and yield than the control. The leachate of all mixes had the highest NO3–N concentration in the first week after transplantation (1 WAT). All BC-incorporated mixes grown with both tomato and basil had similar NO3–N concentration to the control (except 50% SBB at 1 and 5 WAT, and 50% HB at 5 WAT with tomato plants; 50% SBB at 5 WAT with basil plants). In conclusion, HB could replace bark-based substrates at 50% and SBB at 70% for both tomato and basil plant growth, without negative effects.

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