scholarly journals Identifying the Optimal Application Rate of Three Fertilizers Used to Grow New Guinea Impatiens

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 118-122
Author(s):  
A.K. Ostrom ◽  
C.C. Pasian

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.

1996 ◽  
Vol 121 (5) ◽  
pp. 820-825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren L. Haver ◽  
Ursula K. Schuch

The objectives of this study were to determine 1) the minimum controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) rate and the lowest constant medium moisture required to produce the highest quality plants and 2) if this production system affected quality of these plants under two postproduction light levels. Two New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens sp. hybrids) `Illusion' and `Blazon' (Lasting Impressions Series) differing in salt tolerance were grown for 42 days with a CRF at three rates (3.3, 6.6, or 9.9 g/pot) and two medium moisture levels (low or high) without leaching. The high moisture level (tension setpoints of 1 to 3 kPa) and 6.6 g of CRF/pot produced optimum biomass. Low medium moisture (tension setpoints of 4 to 6 kPa) reduced leaf area, leaf number, leaf N content, root, stem, and leaf dry masses as CRF rate increased from low to high for `Illusion'. Similar results in `Blazon' were observed as CRF rates increased from 3.3 to 6.6 g. Biomass decreased no further at the high rate of 9.9 g/pot. Biomass increased in both cultivars under high medium moisture when CRF rates increased from 3.3 to 6.6 g. Biomass of `Illusion' decreased at 9.9 g/pot, although no symptoms of salt sensitivity were observed (i.e., leaf tip burn). `Blazon' maintained a similar biomass when amended with 9.9 or 6.6 g CRF/pot, although electrical conductivity (EC) in the medium was 5.9 dS·m-1 in the upper half and 4.1 dS·m-1 in the lower half of the medium at the end of production. Growth of `Illusion' responded more favorably to postproduction light levels that were similar to those of production regardless of treatment imposed during production. Similar biomass responses occurred for `Blazon' regardless of the postproduction light level.


HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 606c-606
Author(s):  
Harvey J. Lang ◽  
Nancy Howard Agnew ◽  
Bridget K. Behe

Determining consumer preferences for specific plant attributes and plant use can assist in the development of breeding program objectives and marketing strategies. Consumers in Ames, Iowa participated in an intercept-survey to determine their knowledge of, use of, and preference for several varieties of New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens × hawkeri). Of the population surveyed, 44% had never seen New Guinea Impatiens. Of those that had previously purchased New Guineas, 40% purchased their plants from a retail greenhouse. Outdoor container plantings were the preferred use of New Guinea Impatiens. Mother's Day was chosen by 88% of the respondents as the most appropriate holiday for a gift purchase. Considering plant characteristics, consumers rated condition of the plant as the most important attribute, followed by flower color, flower number, and price. Consumers were asked to rate plants on display comprised of three factors: flower color, leaf variegation, and price. MANOVA was used to determine the most important factor and the trade-off consumers made when expressing a preference for one plant over another.


HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 777B-777
Author(s):  
Dharmalingam S. Pitchay* ◽  
Jonathan M. Frantz ◽  
Jonathan M. Locke ◽  
Charles Krause

Growers tend to over fertilize their plants as a way to minimize the likelihood of encountering nutrient deficiencies that would reduce the quality of their plants. Much of the nutrition literature focuses on the nutritional extremes namely of toxicity and deficiency. Once plants get to this stage, little can be done to correct the problem. Characteristics of plant performance in super-optimal conditions, yet below toxic levels, is less well known, and needs to be developed to help growers identify problems in their production practices before they impact sales. New Guinea Impatiens were grown over a wide range of N, K, and B levels, from 15% to 400% full strength Hoagland's solution for each nutrient after establishing transplanted rooted cuttings in a peat: perlite soilless media. Plants were grown for four weeks during treatment, during which time the flowers were pinched. After only 2 weeks of treatment, plants with 200% and 400% N were significantly shorter than control plants and plants with 15% N. Reflectance measurements and photographs were made twice a week. At the end of the four weeks, plant tissue was analyzed for form of N, root development and structure, and leaf area. Tissue samples were also analyzed with SEM and energy dispersive X-ray analysis to determine changes in nutrient location and tissue structure. This data provides insight into the nutrition economy of plants in general, tests the use of reflectance spectrometry as a method of detecting super-optimal fertilizer concentrations, and will help growers optimize their fertilization requirements to reduce production costs yet maintain high plant quality.


1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 138-142
Author(s):  
Joyce G. Latimer ◽  
Ronald D. Oetting

Abstract Conditioning treatments were evaluated for effects on growth of bedding plants during greenhouse production and carryover effects on plant performance in the landscape. Treatments included two fertilization regimes using a complete water soluble fertilizer applied three times/week at 500 ppm N, designated ‘high N’, or at 50 ppm N, designated the ‘low N’ treatment. Other treatments included: ebb and flow irrigation, drought stress for up to 2 h wilt/day, 5000 ppm B-Nine (daminozide), 45 ppm Bonzi (paclobutrazol; 180 ppm on columbine), and brushing (40 strokes twice daily). Unless otherwise noted all plants, including controls, were maintained well-irrigated and fertilized with 250 ppm N three times/week. Marigolds and New Guinea impatiens grown under low N during greenhouse production exhibited reduced plant height and width relative to control plants at 4 weeks after planting (WAP) in the landscape. Plant quality ratings of all species conditioned with low N were lower than those of controls 2 and 4 WAP. Plant height of New Guinea impatiens conditioned with high N was greater than that of controls 4 WAP in the landscape. Marigolds subjected to drought in the greenhouse were still shorter than controls 2 and 4 WAP. Persistent height reductions in the landscape in response to B-Nine were observed in ageratum 2 and 4 WAP and to Bonzi in New Guinea impatiens through 8 WAP. Brushing reduced the height of all species except ageratum in the greenhouse, but had no carryover effect on plant growth in the landscape. At 4 weeks after treatment, plant height of columbine treated with low or high N, drought, brushing, or B-Nine was reduced relative to controls, but all plants were similar in size in the landscape.


HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 2047-2051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrie L. Whitcher ◽  
Matthew W. Kent ◽  
David Wm. Reed

The objective of this study was to quantify the optimum rates of water-soluble phosphorus (P) under constant nitrogen and potassium on the growth of new guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri Bull.) `Paradise Violet' and vinca Catharanthus roseus `Pacifica Red' in soilless media in a recirculating subirrigation system. The experiment was designed so that only phosphate varied between treatments while all other nutrients remained constant. The ammoniacal N to nitrate N ratio was varied to counter balance increases in phosphate. Sodium was used as a counter ion to phosphate at higher concentrations of phosphate; sodium proved to be toxic at concentrations above 6 mm. In the new guinea impatiens experiment, there was a small increase in K due to the use of dibasic K phosphate to buffer pH. All growth parameters measured (height, leaf number, flower number, and shoot fresh and dry weight) showed significant differences with increasing P rate. Depending on the growth parameter measured, quadratic–linear models revealed an optimum P rate of 0.1 to 0.96 mm for new guinea impatiens `Paradise Violet' and 0.45 to 1.25 mm P for vinca `Pacifica Red'. For dry shoot weight, a common measure of optimum plant growth, the optimum P rate was 0.75 mm P for new guinea impatiens `Paradise Violet' and 0.67 mm P for vinca `Pacifica Red'. For flower number, a common measure of floral quality, the optimal P rate was 0.96 mm P for new guinea impatiens `Paradise Violet' and 1.25 mm P for vinca `Pacifica Red'. Electrical conductivity (EC) of the growing media increased significantly with increasing rate of P. At all rates, EC was significantly greater in the top layer than in the bottom and middle layers. The pH of the growing medium did not vary in relation to P concentration.


HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 557b-557
Author(s):  
Daphne Richards ◽  
David Wm. Reed

New Guinea impatiens `Illusion' were grown in a recirculating subirrigation system using a controlled-release complete fertilizer (Osmocote 14–14–14). In a preliminary experiment, plants were grown under varying label rates (0, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x) incorporated throughout the growing medium. Excellent growth and high-quality plants were produced at the 0.5x and 1x rates. Higher rates caused reduced growth and quality. The next study was a factorial experiment of rate (0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x, and 1x) times placement (incorporated, top dress, bottom placement, and dibble). Slight growth increases and dramatic leaf area increases were observed with increasing fertilizer rate, regardless of placement. Slightly higher fresh and dry weights were observed in the incorporated treatment compared to the top dress treatment. Both the incorporated and top dress treatments yielded better growth than bottom placement or dibble treatments. Other parameters measured (height, chlorophyll content) did not appear to be affected by placement. EC (dS/m) of the growing medium was highest in the top 1/3 of the container in all placement treatments. EC increased with increasing rate. EC was higher in the incorporated than in the top-dress treatment, which may be due to different release rates or may be an artifact of extraction (prill removal). No rates or placements showed damaging EC levels.


2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 58-65
Author(s):  
G.A. Andiru ◽  
C.C. Pasian ◽  
J.M. Frantz

Bedding impatiens plants were grown with a 16N-3.9P-10K controlled-release-fertilizer (CRF) of 5–6 or 8–9 month longevities placed at four positions in the container: top-dressed, incorporated, top-one-third, and bottom. These were compared to plants grown with a 20N-4.4P-16.6 water-soluble fertilizer (WSF) at a rate of 150 mg·L−1 nitrogen (N) (150 ppm N). All treatments received the same volume of tap water (CRF treatments) or fertilizer solution (WSF treatment), which was enough to achieve a 20 to 30% leaching fraction. Leachates were collected and measured at each irrigation and the concentrations of N, phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) were measured. Shoot dry weight (SDW) and canopy cover (CC) were also determined. Fertilizing with WSF produced plants of similar size as CRF treatments. CRF applied at the bottom of the substrate leached the highest amount of N among all treatments. Higher concentrations for most nutrients were measured in the leachates from containers treated with 5–6 month CRF during the first 20 d after planting than the next 23 to 34 days. The higher levels of nutrients in the leachates observed within two weeks after planting does not support the use of 5–6 month CRF at the application rates used in this experiment with short-cycle plants such as bedding plants in compared to use of WSF. Except for the bottom placement treatment, the use of 8–9 month CRF resulted in generally less nutrients leached than WSF.


Rice ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seul-Gi Park ◽  
Hyun-Su Park ◽  
Man-Kee Baek ◽  
Jong-Min Jeong ◽  
Young-Chan Cho ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Rice is one of the few cereals consumed as a whole grain, and therefore the appearance of the final milled product, both before and after cooking, strongly influences the consumer’s perception of product quality. Matching consumer preference for rice grain quality is a key component of rice variety development programs, as the quality drives demand, which in turn drives variety adoption, market price, and profitability. The quality of cooked rice is normally evaluated indirectly, through measurement of key elements driving quality as well as more directly by sensory evaluation, but remains a complex trait conditioned by the genetic complexity of factors driving quality, changes wrought by environment, and the complexity of consumer preferences. Result In this study, we evaluated 17 traits, including the taste value obtained by glossiness of cooked rice (TV), to explain rice eating quality by statistical methods and identified QTLs associated with TV. To explain the correlation among traits, exploratory factor analysis was performed for 2 years. The overall eating quality (OE) was correlated with TV and protein content loading at the same factor (PA1) in 2017, and there was a relationship between the OE (PA1) and the TV (PA2) in 2018 (PA1:PA2, r = 0.3). In QTL analysis using 174 RILs, three QTLs for TV derived from Wandoaengmi6 were detected on chromosomes 4, 6, and 9. The QTL qTV9 delimited within Id9007180 and 9,851,330 on chromosome 9 was detected in both years, explaining approximately 17% of the variation, on average. Through the use of fine mapping, qTV9 was delimited to an approximately 34-Kbp segment flanked by the DNA markers CTV9_9 and CTV9_13, and nine ORFs were listed in the target region as candidate genes associated with TV. In the evaluation of qTV9’s effect on OE, the lines with qTV9 showed a significant increase in correlation coefficiency compared to the negative lines. These data will apply to functional analysis on the glossiness and the MAS breeding program to improve the eating quality of japonica as a donor line. Conclusion In this paper we report a number of QTL associated with changes in glossiness of cooked rice, and these may have utility in the development of MAS in breeding programs with a specific focus on cooked grain quality.


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