Vol. 73 No: 6

Title:
Mineral Nutrition of Zantedeschia Plants Affects Plant Survival, Tuber Yield, and Flowering Upon Replanting

Authors:
J. CLEMENS, D.J. DENNIS, R.C. BUTLERS, M.B. THOMAS, A. INGLE and T.E. WELSH

pp: 755-762

Abstract:
The aim was to establish the carry-over effect of mineral nutrition of Zantedeschia (calla) plants on subsequent flowering of harvested, stored and replanted tubers during a second growth period. Factorial combinations of controlled-release N, P and K fertilizers, and dolomite at rates ranging from nil to exceeding those in commercial practice were applied to a bark-based growing medium before planting small, non-flowering tubers. Following harvesting, storage and replanting of the resulting tubers, N, P and K applied the previous growth period were found to affect the number of flowers per tuber fresh weight. Shoot development was most advanced and time to flower was shortened at low N. Most flowers and highest bloom fresh weight yield were obtained at low N. In addition, plant survival during the initial growth period was highest at low N and P, and at intermediate levels of K. The fresh weight of harvested tubers was highest at intermediate levels of N. Leaf N, P, Ca and Mg concentrations were affected by nutrient treatments. The significance of mineral nutrition for the three key factors of plant survival, tuber yield and subsequent flowering in the production of high quality calla tubers is demonstrated.

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