The effects of water deficit and fertilization are fundamentals for productivity and quality of ornamental plants.
This study evaluated the production, quality, and longevity of zinnia flower stems under irrigation levels and silicon doses. In a greenhouse, irrigation levels corresponding to crop water requirement (V4 - 100%) and three deficits (V3 - 85%; V2 - 73%; V1 - 61%), and Si doses of 0 (S1), 75 (S2), 150 (S3) and 300 (S4) mg per plant, in five weekly applications, were evaluated. The irrigation system was composed of emitters with different flow rates and it was automatically activated in response to the soil water tension. The total volume applied in treatment V4 was 5.2 L per plant. The results showed that higher water levels increased stem length and total fresh mass, and the supplementation with S3 provided greater dry mass in leaves and flowers. Plants in V1S3 exhibited higher fresh mass and leaf area. Water absorption and fresh mass of the stems followed a similar post-harvest pattern, with stability for five to six days, and a subsequent gradual loss of mass.
The commercial longevity of stems was 6.4 days, but the total longevity ranged from 9.7 to 12.7 days, being greater in V4S2. Application of 150 mg of Si and full water replacement are recommended to increase the growth and longevity of zinnia stem flower.
Moreira, Kellis & Pêgo, Rogério & Schultz, Nivaldo & Medici, Leonardo & Carvalho, Daniel. (2025). Production, quality, and longevity of zinnia cultivated under silicate fertilization and water restriction. Ciência e Agrotecnologia. 49. 10.1590/1413-7054202549021424.
Source: Research Gate