Abstract

OCAMPO-JUAREZ, H. et al. Gladiolus production in relation to nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium. Terra Latinoam [online]. 2012, vol.30, n.3, pp.239-248. ISSN 2395-8030.

Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) is one of the species most in demand as a cut flower, a major source of income and employment for the population engaged in farming. Flower quality parameters are plant height, length of the inflorescence and rachis, and number and size of flower. The management of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) is essential to achieve quality flowers. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of levels of N, P and K on phenology, growth, quality and net income of gladiolus in warm weather. The cultivar White Pearl was planted at a density of 250 000 plants ha-1 in Cocula, Guerrero, where the climate is hot. Fourteen treatments resulted from a combination of 0, 80, 160 and 240 kg ha-1 of N and P, and 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg K ha-1 selected with the matrix Plan Puebla 2. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with 4 replications. Treatments did not affect the date of occurrence of the phenological stages. In contrast, except for the number of leaves, the gladiolus with 80-80-80 kg ha-1 showed greater height, stem diameter, leaf area, dry matter and quality parameters such as length of inflorescence, number and size flowers per plant. N had the greatest influence on this response. The accumulation of heat and evapotranspiration from planting until the opening of the last flower (R3) was 1244 °C and 257 mm, respectively. The higher net income was with 80-80-40 kg ha-1 and the lowest with 0-80-40 of N, P and K. These results indicate that in warm weather NPK fertilization can improve the income of gladiolus producers.

Keywords : leaf area; flowers number; heat units; economic analysis.

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