Abstract

GARCIA-ALBARADO, J. C. et al. Growth of petunia in response to different proportions of compost in substrate. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2010, vol.16, n.2, pp.107-113. ISSN 2007-4034.

Petunia (Petunia x hybrida Hort. Vilm.-Andr.) is an annual ornamental species with a long flowering period; it is easy to grow and has a wide range of shapes and sizes. Furthermore, it is a species tolerant to salinity, which makes it a very versatile plant for a more sustainable landscape approach in marginal soils. Given the need to seek substrates alternative to peat moss for commercial production, this research evaluated the effect on indicators of growth, flower and seed production of three substrates: agricultural saline soil (T1), agricultural saline soil supplemented with 30 % (v/v) compost of cattle manure and crop residues (T2), and agricultural saline soil containing 80 % (v/v) of the same compost (T3). Addition of 30 % compost (T2) markedly improved plant growth (P<0.05); plants were taller and produced flowers with seeds. On the other hand, addition of 80 % compost significantly decreased soluble Na⁺ and Cl^- in the substrates, and although this treatment (T3) produced the largest shoot diameter, more sprouts, leaves and flowers (P<0.05), plant height was not the highest, and plants were more susceptible to lodging than those of the other treatments and did not produce seeds. Lodging was provoked by a higher production of dry biomass, as a consequence of higher N and K contents in leaf tissue. It was concluded from this study that up to 30 % (v/v) compost made from cattle manure and crop residues to amend saline soil significantly improves growth in petunia plants and maintains flower and seed production.

Keywords : Petunia x hybrida; bovine manure; biomass; nutrients.

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