Nutrient uptake dynamics of Gloriosa for cut flower

Abstract Gloriosa superba L. is a recently introduced tropical species in Argentina, cultivated as a cut flower. It is extremely important to know the nutritional demands of the crop to provide the optimal amounts of nutrients at each stage, achieving quality and good yield in flowers, reducing production costs and environmental impact. The objective of this work was to determine the dynamics of nutrient absorption in the cultivation of G. superba for cut flowers, to facilitate the creation of a fertilization program, in order to avoid crop deficiencies and contribute to sustainable production. Tuber composition analyzes were carried out and, on the other hand, an essay was installed in greenhouse beds, taking samples at seven moments of the cycle. Fresh matter and dry matter of stems, leaves, flowers, tubers, roots and chemical analysis of aerial organs were measured to obtain the absorption curve. It was verified that only around 20% of each nutrient is provided by the tuber, being necessary the external contribution from initial stages of the crop. The rate of growth and accumulation of dry matter was shown as a double sigmoid, with maximum peaks in the vegetative stage of stem elongation and beginning of flowering. Nutrient amounts were absorbed in the following order: N>K>Mg>Ca>P>Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu. Fertilization rich in N, P, and Fe is recommended in the vegetative stage, balanced during the visible shoot stage, and rich in Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, and Cu during flowering. Resumo Gloriosa superba L. é uma espécie tropical recentemente introduzida na Argentina, cultivada como flor de corte. É de extrema importância conhecer as demandas nutricionais da cultura para fornecer as quantidades ideais de nutrientes em cada fase, obtendo qualidade e bom rendimento nas flores, reduzindo os custos de produção e o impacto ambiental. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a dinâmica de absorção de nutrientes no cultivo de G. superba para flores de corte, para facilitar a criação de um programa de adubação, a fim de evitar deficiências na cultura e contribuir para uma produção sustentável. Foram realizadas análises da composição dos tubérculos e, por outro lado, foi instalado um ensaio em canteiros de casa de vegetação, coletando amostras em sete momentos do ciclo. Foram mensuradas a massa fresca e seca de caules, folhas, flores, tubérculos, raízes e análises químicas dos órgãos aéreos para obtenção da curva de absorção. Verificou-se que apenas cerca de 20% de cada nutriente