The effects of supplemental nitrogen and calcium on the quality and postharvest life of cut gerbera

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca), complementary to the complete fertilization established, on production, quality and postharvest shelf life of floral stems of gerbera as cut flower harvested 117 days after transplant. The experiment consisted of a combination of three doses of N.L-1 substrate (0.07 g, 0.15 g and 0.2 g) and three doses of Ca.L-1 substrate (0.02 g; 0.03 g and 0.04 g) and was conducted in a greenhouse in a bifactorial arrangement with an additional control treatment. Control plants were not supplemented with N or Ca. Both elements were diluted in water and applied manually every 15 days. Highest flower yields were obtained with application 0.2 g de N.L-1 substrate and 0.04 g Ca.L-1 substrate. Stem length, stem diameter, flower diameter, and longevity, relative fresh weight and solution uptake were highest in gerbera fertilized with 0.2 g de N.L-1 substrate and 0.04 g Ca.L-1 substrate. Applying every 15 days, 0.2 g of N.L-1 substrate and 0.04 g of Ca.L-1 substrate resulted in higher yields, better quality and postharvest shelf life of floral stems of gerbera as cut flower harvested 117 days after transplant.