Abstract

GARCIA-AVILA, Clemente de Jesús et al. Magnesium and its relationship with quality of Lilium cv. Casablanca. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2015, vol.6, n.2, pp.265-276. ISSN 2007-0934.

The application of an adequate concentration of magnesium (Mg²⁺) is essential to produce quality plants, because it is an auxiliary in phosphate metabolism, plant respiration and activation of several enzymes involved in energy metabolism; is also necessary to quantify the concentration of nutrients absorbed by plants to determine a good fertilization. This research aimed to determine the optimal concentration of Mg²⁺ in relation to quality, vase life and plant nutrient status in Lilium cv. Casablanca. The experiment was established at the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Texcoco, State of Mexico, in a greenhouse with 18/20 cm bulbs, under a completely randomized design with 10 treatments: 0, 2.06, 4, 6.17, 8.23, 10.29, 12.35, 16.46, 18.52 and 20.58 meq L^-1 Mg²⁺ and 10 replications. The number of leaves, height, leaf area, diameter (basal, middle and apical), length and width of tepals, dry matter (stem, leaf, flower, bulb and total), number of flowers and vase life were not significantly affected by the treatments. The concentration of elements and its relation were affected by the treatments and organs. The bulbs used increased its nutrient concentration during the crop cycle. With the application of 20.58 meq L^-1 Mg²⁺ was observed a greater concentration of nutrients in the bulb at the end of the crop cycle. The results indicate that the crop demand of Mg is relatively low, but necessary in the production of cut flowers and bulbs fatten.

Keywords : dry matter; new and used bulb; nutrient concentration; vase life.