Monika Tkalec

Influence of biostimulant and substrate volume on root growth and development of scarlet sage (Salvia splendens L.) transplants.

The influence of biostimulant and substrate volume on scarlet sage transplants growth and development was examined in this investigation. There was one cultivar of scarlet sage used in trial which was transplanted in pots of two different volumes. Plants were treated with biostimulant (Radifarm) in concentration of 0.25% or left untreated (control). During the trial, root and aboveground fresh and dry mass were recorded. Treatment with biostimulant and bigger substrate volume showed good results by increasing investigated parameters. Investigation shows how biostimulant application to scarlet sage transplants production improves growth and development of root and aboveground mass which is important for faster plant adaptation to stress during transplanting.

Alternative Substrate Use in Geranium Transplants Production (Pelargonium peltatum L. and Pelargonium zonale L.)

Container production of horticultural plants on alternative substrates is becoming popular. Agricultural producers choose this way of production due to the high cost of commercial substrates as well as their lack of accessibility on the market. When selecting an alternative substrate, care should be taken to have all the characteristics necessary for the unimpeded growth and development of plants (pH value, nutrients). Our work is based on two years research of the possibilities and effectiveness of alternative substrates utilization spent mushroom substrate (button mushroom Agaricus bisporus) and impact on growth and development of roots and aboveground parts of seasonal flowers transplants. As an initial planting materials rooted cuttings Pelargonium peltatum L. and Pelargonium zonale L were used. Measurements of morphological parameters of growth and development of plants (plant height, number of leaves, buds, flowers and flower branches) were performed, as well as determination of fresh and dry weight of roots and above-ground parts of transplants. Application of spent mushroom substrate (as alternative substrate) in the production of geraniums Pelargonium peltatum L. und Pelargonium zonale L. positively influenced growth and development of morphological parameters and the fresh and dry weight of roots and above-ground parts of treated plants compared to non-tretated plants during two growing seasons.

Seed Germination of Some Flower Species Under Influence of Different Light Conditions

The aim of this study was to examine germination energy and seed germination rate of some flower species under influence of different light conditions. Seeds of Zinnia elegans Jacq., Dianthus caryophyllus L. and Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees that were used in the research were purchased in local store. Experiment was set up in three replicates for each light treatment and each flower species. Petri dishes with seeds were placed in growth chamber under artificial white and blue light under 12hL/12hD photoperiod. Results showed no significant difference in germination energy and total germination of investigated flower species in respect of light. Zinnia seedlings were significantly longer on white light, while Dianthus seedlings were longer on blue light. Both, length and fresh weight of Callistephus seedlings were greater on white light. The absence of significant differences between measured parameters under examined light regimes suggests that germination of Zinnia, Dianthus and Callistephus is not photosensitive.

Morphological Characteristics of Roses Cut Flower after Vase Life

Investigation was conducted under controlled conditions in the laboratory for plant production at the Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek. The cut roses used in the study were „Red Naomi“. Three different mediums of 300 ml volume were used in the study: ordinary tap water, Chrysal clear, Crystal soil gel. After symptoms of decay such as weariness of neck and yellowing and drying of petals were observed, each rose was taken out of medium and the volume of the residual liquid was measured. Leaves, neck and head of decayed roses were separately weighed, placed in paper bags and dried at 70 oC for 24h and 48h respectfully. The smallest loss of medium volume (5.45 %) was recorded in cut roses that were stored in the Crystal soil gel, while the greatest loss of medium volume (47.71 %) was recorded in cut roses stored in Chrysal clear.

Influence of temperature and sowing depth on growth and development of annual flowering species

Annuals are plants that germinate, mature, bloom, set seed and die in one growing season. They are sometimes referred to as bedding plants because they provide colour and fill in garden beds. This research was conducted in the laboratory of the Department for Plant Production at the Agricultural Faculty in Osijek. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two different temperatures (18 and 24°C) and sowing depth (2 and 3 cm) on germination of annual flower species. For the purpose of this study, two types of annual flower seeds were used, seeds of floral species Dahlia and Zinnia. Seeds were sown in trays at two different depths (2 and 3 cm) and kept in a chamber under controlled conditions at two different temperatures (18 and 24oC). After three weeks of controlled conditions, the stems and root of young plants were measured. Root length of both flower species was significantly influenced by sowing depth and temperature (p = 0.01). Dahlia stem length was affected by sowing depth and temperature (p=0.05) while the length of Zinnia stems was not influenced by either temperature or planting depth.

Growing Pelargonium peltatum and Pelargonium x hortum from Cuttings

Pelargoniums are plants from the family Geraniaceae, and one of the most popular summers flowering species that adorn the balconies and windows of the houses and are present in the market since the 18th century. In Croatia, the most commonly grown are ivy-geraniums (P. peltatum) and zonal (P. zonale) geraniums. They reproduce vegetatively because propagating by seed is expensive and only large horticultural companies can afford growing from seed. Every year new cultivars are produced, but geraniums still have a very simple genotype and are grown very successfully adhering to a few basic rules for their cultivation. The aim of this study with the species Pelargonium peltatum and Pelargonium x hortorum was assessing the effects of the use of hormones to stimulate root growth when planting cuttings to receive plants and monitoring the development of cuttings. Cuttings of two different types of pelargonium were treated with hormone Rhizopon to stimulate growth and rooting. Results showed that hormone therapy has no significant effect on growth of this geranium species. Differences between treated and control seedlings were very small, hormone-treated cuttings had faster growth of its root, although at all stages of measuring the length P. peltatum cuttings was significantly higher compared to the P. x hortorum cuttings (p=0.01).