Effects of different nutrient concentrations on growth and nutrient absorbance of Gerbera jamesonii growing in substrates at flower budding stage

【Objective】 To better understand the culturing of Gerbera jamesonii in substrates,the nutrient requirements of gerbera plant at flower budding stage were investigated.【Method】 'Sunshine Coast' was the chosen sample species from G.jamesonii,and seedlings were planted in substrates that mixed of wheat barn,corn cob and cow dung in a volume proportion of 3∶2∶1.Nutrient solutions with concentrations of 0.5,1.0,1.5 and 2.0 folds,were supplied to gerbera plants when flower buds showed up on over 50% seedlings.The effects of nutrient concentrations on growth and nutrient absorbance were analyzed.【Result】 The higher fresh and dry weight of the aboveground part and the root of the plants were those with nutrient solutions group 1.0 and group 1.5,respectively.The highest number of lateral roots and leaves were found in nutrient treatment group 1.5.Nutrient solutions with higher concentrations were helpful to the use of macro elements N and P while that with lower concentrations increased the levels of K and microelements Zn,Fe and Mn in the plant.【Conclusion】 The fastest growth rate of the plants during flower budding stage occurred at the treatment with nutrient concentrations of 1.5 folds.