Effect of different levels of superabsorbent and vermicompost on qualitative and quantitative traits of gazania (Gazania hybrida) in green roof condition

Document Type : Full Paper

Authors

1 M. Sc. Student, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Iran

Abstract

Regarding to Iran’s climate and water shortage problems and also low green space capitation, it is essential to use different methods to decrease water consumption in green roofs. Therefore, a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted in 2013 in research greenhouse complex roof of Shahrekord University using Gazania hybrida. The first factor consisted of vermicompost at three levels (0%, 4%, and 8%) and the second factor was conducted at four levels of superabsorbent (hydrogel) consisted of 0, 250, 500 and 1000 g/m3. Irrigation was considered based on water usage of control substrate. Four months after transplanting, measuring the flower diameter and the number of flowers were initiated. Also, other indices such as water use, dry and fresh weights of shoots and roots were measured and the results showed that vermicompost and hydrogel treatments not only resulted in less water consumption, but also improved plant vegetative and generative traits such as shoot fresh weight, flower number and diameter.

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Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science
Volume 48, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
September 2017
Pages 423-429

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 May 2016
  • Revise Date: 15 January 2017
  • Accept Date: 29 January 2017

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