Effect of different levels of calcium and boron on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Pollianthes tuberosa

Introduction: Tuberose (Pollianthes tuberosa L.) is one of the important cut flowers of the country. which has good economic potential for cut flower business and essential oil industry. Therefore, improving the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Tuberose, especially the life after its harvest, is of special importance. Calcium and boron elements play a role in photosynthesis and absorption of nutrients and affect the growth of plants and are very important in improving its quantitative and qualitative characteristics, including the life after harvest. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of calcium on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Tuberosa flowers.

Materials and methods: This experiment was conducted in a factorial form in the form of a complete randomized block design in the National Research Institute of Flowers and Ornamental Plants of Iran located in Mahalat city with a geographical location of 50 degrees 30 minutes east, latitude 33 degrees 53 minutes north in 2017-2018. Done. Factors including calcium foliar application at 4 levels (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 grams per liter of calcium, from calcium nitrate source), and boron at 3 levels (0, 20 and 40 kg of boric acid per hectare ) Was. Traits such as plant height, stem diameter, floret diameter, floret length, postharvest life, calcium, nitrogen, potassium and boron concentrations were investigated. The obtained data were analyzed using SAS statistical software version 9/4 and the comparison of means was performed using the LSD test at the 5% level.

Results and discussion: The results showed that calcium and boron application had a significant effect on plant height, cluster length, concentration of nutrients and postharvest life, and increased all investigated traits compared to the control. According to the results of the maximum plant height, the cluster length was 69.96 cm, 26.63 cm and 1.08 cm, respectively, from the foliar treatment of 0.6 grams per liter of calcium, 20 kg/ha boron. The combined treatment of foliar spraying of 0.6 g/L of calcium, 20 kg/ha boron, increased the postharvest life of Tuberose by 41% compared to the control. Also, the highest amounts of nitrogen and calcium were obtained from the 0.6 g/L calcium foliar treatment, 2.83% and 1.62 mg.kg-1, respectively.

Conclusion: According to the results obtained from the test data (consumption of 3 grams per liter of calcium from the source of calcium nitrate in the form of foliar spraying and 20 kg of boric acid per hectare) has improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Tuberose and this treatment can be used. He advised the producers as the recommended amount in the production fields of Tuberose.