Yield Compounds and Nutrient Elements of Carnation (<i>Dianthus caryophyllus</i> L.) under Different Growing Media

Abstract

Production of cut flowers is very prevalent in Iran. Carnation is most famous for its use as a cut flower. This study was carried out in the research greenhouse of Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, to explore the effect of different growing media on some vegetative and reproductive traits of carnation. The experimental design was randomized complete, using 50% perlite and different growing media including: mineral soil and coco peat in 6 proportions (50% coco peat, 10% soil + 40% coco peat, 20% soil + 30% coco peat, 30% soil + 20% coco peat, 40% soil + 10% coco peat, 50% soil). During growth period, irrigation rate, humidity and temperature were similar. The growth characteristics of carnation were determined at the end of growth period. The results indicated that although there were no significant differences between studied growing substrates in chlorophyll a, b. Statistical analysis showed fresh weight of flower was far greater in coco peat 10% + soil 40% and soil 50% compared to other growing media. Fresh and dry weight of root and shoot in soil 50% were higher than other growing media. The results showed that highest concentration of Fe and Zn was observed in coco peat 40% + soil 10%. The concentration of Mn in coco peat 10% + soil 40% was higher than other growing media. The results showed that the highest Ca concentration was observed in soil 50% and the lowest concentration of this element was obtained in coco peat 50%. According to the obtained results, mineral soil can be used as a suitable alternative to cocopeat for cultivation and growth of carnation in greenhouse.