• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.247-250
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• 1998

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of changes of ionic strength according to growth stage on growth and flowering of Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura 'Seiun' grown hydroponically in perlite. The stage I, II, and III covered early vegetative growth (27-40 days after planting), latter vegetative growth (41-54 days), and reproductive growth (55-80 days), respectively. The 2 strength (1S and 2S) of nutrient solution were treated in stage I, whereas 3 strengths (1S, 1-2S, and 2S) were treated in stage II. Then, total 9 treatments in stage III were designated by 3 treatments (tap water, 1S, and 2S) for each 3 strengths in stage II. Each nutrient solution was applied 8 times per day. At vegetative growth stage (54 days after planting), stem length was highest when irrigated 8 times a day with 1S nutrient solution. Both photosynthesis and transpiration rate were higher in 1S than those in other treatments (1-2S, 2S), whereas leaf chlorophyll content was highest in 2S treatment. Ion content of plant treated with 2S was higher than other treatments. Growth (plant height, leaf area, stem length), fresh weight, and dry weight of each plant organ after flower bud formation were better in tap water treatment (1-1-0) than other 1S treatments (1-1-1, 1-1-2). Regarding the number of days to flowering, tap water treatment was the most effective. Thus, after flower bud formation supplying tap water or lower concentration of nutrient solution than those used during the vegetative growth stage was economical in saving chemical fertilizers, shortening the number of days to flowering, reducing salt accumulation in media, saving efforts of leaching, and reducing ground water contamination.