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

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.

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

Journal of Environmental Horticulture ◽

10.24266/0738-2898-18.2.93 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 93-98 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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Coconut Coir and Peat Biocontainers Influence Plant Growth Retardant Drench Efficacy

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech04033-18 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 370-377 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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Incorporation de résidus organiques dans un substrat tourbeux pour la production d'impatiens et de géraniums

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/p97-009 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 78 (1) ◽

pp. 131-138

Author(s):

Fabienne Gauthier ◽

Serge Gagnon ◽

Blanche Dansereau

Keyword(s):

Key Words ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

Growth Index ◽

Visual Quality ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Peat Moss ◽

Paper Sludge ◽

Organic Residues ◽

Top Dry Weight ◽

Impatiens Wallerana

During winter 1994 and spring-summer 1994, seedlings of Impatiens wallerana 'Accent Coral' and Pelargonium × hortorum 'Orbit Hot Pink' were grown in a commercial substrate (PRO-MIX 'BX') or in one of 24 substrates composed of perlite (35% by volume), peat moss and of six organic residues (composted water-treated sludge, forestry compost, fresh or composted used peat extracted by biofilter during treatment of municipal water, and fresh or composted paper sludge). The purpose of the study was to determine the maximal proportion of these residues to be incorporated into a peat substrate to obtain quality plants. Growth parameters (growth index, top dry weight, and visual quality) generally decreased with increasing proportion (5, 10, 25 or 40% per volume). During the winter experiment, growth of control plants was superior to growth of plants grown in substrates composed of residues. An incorporated proportion of 25% per volume was shown to be maximal for the production of impatiens and geraniums. Key words: Impatiens wallerana, Pelargonium × hortorum, water treated sludge, composted wastes, peat moss, subirrigation

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Influence of NaCl Salinity and Different Substracts on Plant Growth, Mineral Nutrient Assimilation and Fruit Yield of Strawberry

Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca ◽

10.15835/nbha3925632 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 219 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Asghar RAHIMI ◽

Ali BIGLARIFARD

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Leaf Area ◽

Inorganic Ions ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Dry Mass ◽

Fruit Yield ◽

Mineral Nutrient ◽

Nutrient Assimilation ◽

Concentration Changes ◽

Total Dry Weight

A hydroponic culture was carried out with strawberry cv. Camarosa to investigate the effects of four salinity levels and four different substrates on plant growth, mineral nutrient assimilation and fruit yield of strawberry. Total dry weight accumulation of plants was not inhibited at low salinities, but it was significantly inhibited at 60 mM NaCl. Dry mass (DM) partitioning in NaCl-stressed plants was in favor of crown and petioles and at the expense of root, stem and leaf, whereas leaf, stem and root DM progressively declined with an increase in salinity. Specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf area ratio (LAR) significantly decreased in cv. Camarosa at 60 and 90 mM. Results also showed that the presence of NaCl in the root medium induced an increase in total Na+ content of the plants in the shoot and root. Despite Na+ and K+, the increase in total inorganic ions resulted from increasing salinity, with Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations decreasing in shoot and increasing in roots with an increase in salinity. For all micro- and macroelements however, significant concentration changes related to different substrates were not detected in the present experiments. Results also showed a significant decline of Fe content of 40% and 49% in shoot and root, respectively.

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

Journal of Environmental Horticulture ◽

10.24266/0738-2898-39.2.62 ◽

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).

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GROWTH OF BEDDING PLANTS IN MINERAL WOOL AND MINERAL WOOL/PEAT MIXES

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.27.6.686b ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 27 (6) ◽

pp. 686b-686 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Thomas M. Contrisciano ◽

E. Jay Holcomb

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Optimal Level ◽

Mineral Wool ◽

Water Holding Capacity ◽

Peat Moss ◽

High Ph ◽

Bedding Plants ◽

Water Holding

The objective of this research was to develop a mineral wool based growing medium for the horticultural industry. Two types of hydrophilic mineral wool, clean wool (CW) and unclean wool (UC) were used unamended, as well as both types in combinations with 25, 50, and 75 percent peat moss (PM). A control of 100 percent (PM) was also used. Unamended CW had a low bulk density, excellent water holding capacity, good aeration, but high pH. Once PM was added to CW, bulk density still remained low, water holding capacity and aeration remained good, and the pH dropped to a more suitable level. Unamended UW had a high bulk density, good water holding capacity, poor aeration, and high pH. Once PM was added to UW, bulk density decreased, water holding capacity remained good, aeration increased, and pH decreased to a more optimal level. Impatiens `Violet' and Begonia `Whiskey' were grown in the nine treatments for six and nine weeks respectively. At harvest, plant growth was evaluated by height, diameter, fresh weight, dry weight, and tissue analysis. Plant growth response showed plants grown in unamended CW, UW, and PM were smaller in size and lighter in fresh and dry weights than those in 50 percent wool/50 percent PM. The plants grown in 25 and 75 percent PM were similar to the 50 percent wool/50 percent PM in size and weight.

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The Effect of Ammonium Nitrate Ratio and Support Types on the NPK Uptake and Growth of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Field Conditions

Poljoprivreda ◽

10.18047/poljo.27.2.3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 25-33

Author(s):

Issukindarsyah Issukindarsyah ◽

◽

Endang Sulistyaningsih ◽

DidikIndradewa Indradewa ◽

Eka Tarwaca Susila Putra

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Block Design ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Black Pepper ◽

N Fertilizer ◽

Field Conditions ◽

Piper Nigrum ◽

Pepper Plant ◽

Randomized Block Design ◽

Npk Uptake

The study’s objective was to determine the effect of the NO3-: NH4+ratio and types of support on NPK uptake and pepper plant growth in field conditions. The study used a completely randomized block design with three replications. The first factor was the type of support, being the deadwood and living supports in the form of Gliricidia sp. and Ceiba pentandra. The second factor was the ratio of N fertilizer forms, which were 100% NO3-, 100% NH4+, 50% NO3-:50% NH4+, 75% NO3-:25% NH4+ and 25% NO3-:75% NH4+. The results have demonstrated that the uptake of N, P, and K, as well as the plant growth, were not affected by the interaction of the N fertilizer form ratio with the types of support. In field conditions, the black pepper prefers the N fertilizer in the form of 50% NO3-:50% NH4+. The pepper plants that were given N fertilizer in a combination of 50% NO3-:50% NH4+ have demonstrated an N, P, and K uptake, and morphology and plant dry weight were higher than the ratio of other forms of N fertilizers.

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EFFECTS OF POTASSIUM AND CHLORINE ON THE PRODUCTION OF TOBACCO SEEDLINGS

Canadian Journal of Soil Science ◽

10.4141/cjss63-033 ◽

1963 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. 268-274 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

J. M. Elliot ◽

M. Elizabeth Back

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Leaf Area ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Greenhouse Experiment ◽

Potassium Content ◽

Soluble Salts ◽

Plant Leaf ◽

Tobacco Seedlings ◽

Total Dry Weight ◽

Survival Of Seedlings

In a tobacco greenhouse experiment, potassium was applied to the muck layer at 3.32, 6.64, 9.96, 13.28, and 16.60 pounds, with and without 3 pounds of chlorine, per 900 square feet. A check treatment received no potassium or chlorine. Greatest total dry weight per plot and highest rate of survival of seedlings in the field was obtained with the 3.32-pound rate of potassium with or without chlorine; dry weight of tops, height of plant, leaf area, and total dry weight per plot tended to decrease with each increment of potassium above 3.32 pounds. High levels of applied potassium increased soluble salts in the muck to a level which retarded plant growth. Apparently the muck was capable of releasing large amounts of potassium for plant growth as more potassium was taken up by the plants than was supplied by the 3.32-pound rate. Chlorine in the fertilizer increased the total ash and potassium content of the seedlings but tended to decrease the nitrogen. Potassium and chlorine had no effect on the weight of roots and relative turgidity of the plants.

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Plant growth and phosphorus uptake in mycorrhizal rangpur lime seedlings under different levels of phosphorus

Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0100-204x2006000100013 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 93-99 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Marco Antonio Nogueira ◽

Elke Jurandy Bran Nogueira Cardoso

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Glomus Intraradices ◽

Root Colonization ◽

Dry Weight ◽

P Uptake ◽

Rangpur Lime ◽

P Concentration ◽

External Mycelium ◽

Mycorrhizal Plants ◽

Total Dry Weight

The objective of this work was to evaluate the response of rangpur lime (Citrus limonia) to arbuscular mycorrhiza (Glomus intraradices), under P levels ranging from low to excessive. Plants were grown in three levels of soluble P (25, 200 and 1,000 mg kg-1), either inoculated with Glomus intraradices or left noninoculated, evaluated at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days after transplanting (DAT). Total dry weight, shoot P concentration and specific P uptake by roots increased in mycorrhizal plants with the doses of 25 and 200 mg kg-1 P at 90 DAT. With 1,000 mg kg-1 P, mycorrhizal plants had a transient growth depression at 90 and 120 DAT, and nonmycorrhizal effects on P uptake at any harvesting period. Root colonization and total external mycelium correlated positively with shoot P concentration and total dry weight at the two lowest P levels. Although the highest P level decreased root colonization, it did not affect total external mycelium to the same extent. As a result, a P availability imbalance affected negatively the mycorrhizal symbiosis and, consequently, the plant growth.

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Plant growth response of subirrigated salvia 'Vista Red' to increasing water levels at two substrates

Horticultura Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0102-053620160000200009 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 34 (2) ◽

pp. 202-209 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Rhuanito S Ferrarezi ◽

Marc W van Iersel ◽

Roberto Testezlaf

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Net Photosynthesis ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Water Levels ◽

Pine Bark ◽

Disease Spread ◽

Peat Moss ◽

Data Logger ◽

Sphagnum Peat ◽

Sphagnum Peat Moss

ABSTRACT: Subirrigation applies water and nutrients to the bottom of pots without wetting leaves, improving water use and reducing disease spread compared to overhead irrigation systems. However, water levels applied within the benches are often higher than required to promote capillary action, applying more water than needed and wasting pumping energy. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different water levels on plant growth of subirrigated salvia (Salvia splendens) 'Vista Red' in two substrates. Five water levels (0.75, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 cm) and two substrates {pine bark: sphagnum peat moss and peat: perlite (both 75%: 25% v/v)} were tested, with four replications. Substrate moisture was monitored by capacitance-type sensors connected to a multiplexer and data logger. Volumetric water content (VWC) was higher in peat: perlite (0.34 to 0.75 m3/m3) than pine bark: sphagnum peat moss (0.21 to 0.60 m3/m3) at all water levels. Higher water levels increased VWC in both substrates. The leaf chlorophyll index was 4% lower at the 6.0 cm compared to the other treatments in peat: perlite (p<0.0001). Stomatal conductance decreased overtime; but increased with the increase in water levels in peat: perlite (p<0.0001). Different water levels had no effect on leaf area, net photosynthesis, number of branches and leaves, and shoot dry weight (p>0.05), an indication that the different water levels do not affect the plant growth. However, shoot plant height increased 13% in pine bark: sphagnum peat moss (p=0.0096) and 17% in peat: perlite (p=0.0335) as water levels increased. Water levels of 1.5 cm and higher can be recommended for pine bark: sphagnum peat moss or peat: perlite in subirrigation, applying water according to plant needs, optimizing plant growth and reducing the nutrient solution pumping costs compared to systems that apply higher water levels.

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