Effect of potting media mixtures on rooting and growth in geranium (Pelargonium Zonale AIT) cutting

• Published in: The Research Reports of the Rural Development Administration - Horticulture (Korea R.) Vol. 31; no. 4
• Main Authors: Park, N.B. (Chonbuk Provincial Rural Development Administration, Iri (Korea R.)), Andersen, A.S. (The Royal Verterinary and Agricultural Univ., (Denmark). Dept. of Horticulture)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.12.1989
• Subjects: BOUTURE; CAPACIDAD DE RETENCION DE AGUA; CAPACITE DE RETENTION D'EAU; CRECIMIENTO; CROISSANCE; EMPOTAGE; ENRACINEMENT; ENRAIZAMIENTO; ESQUEJES; PELARGONIUM; SIEMBRA EN MACETA; SOL HORTICOLE; SUELO HORTICOLA
• ISSN: 1010-562X

The effect of 10 different potting media mixtures on rooting and growth of Pelargonium zonale AIT grown with subirrigation was investigated. Finpeat, Grodan Green (G.G) + peat (25/75), G.G + peat (50/50) were found to be, superior to all other media and supported the greatest fresh and dry weight in aerial and root parts. The number of flowers and leaves were evidently best in the following four media: G.G + peat (25/75), peat, G.G + peat (50/50), Finnpeat. The range of water holding capacity was 33 +- 5.0 %; pH 5.0 +- 0.5 was the best rooting and growth of plant among the medium. The poorest root formation and growth occurred in the Grodan green granulated, Perlite, G.G + Grodan Blue (G. B) + peat (1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3) medium while media mixtures like G. G + peat (25/75) were more effective than other media for the production of number of high flowers and leaves during the first 5 weeks. It is concluded that these differences represent a direct effect on the rooting process, and that substrate charateristics are of the utmost importance for the quality of rooted cuttings