Influence of calcium and silicon fertirrigation in the quality of cut gerbera

Abstract

Aiming to evaluate the effect of Ca and Si fertirrigation in the quality of cut gerbera, was conducted one experiment in a greenhouse, in experimental design in blocks randomized, in split plot in time, being the treatments three doses of Ca (7,5; 10 e 12,5 mmol.L-1) and four doses of Si (0; 2,95; 4,43 and 5,89 mmol.L-1), applied nutrient solution, valued at three times, with three replication. The cultivation of gerbera was held in plastic pots 5L, containing coconut fiber. At the beginning of the application, in the reproductive phase, were evaluated flowering stem quality on its harvest point, evaluated by the length and diameter stem, diameter chapter and intensity of petals coloration (L, C, a, b e hº), besides vase longevity and fresh mass loss of flowers in the postharvest period. The quality of flowering stem was influenced by Ca and Si for parameter a, chromaticity and length stem, to 150 days after transplantation (DAT). The Si applied weekly nutrient solution during the gerbera growth increased postharvest flowers collected at 210 DAT.