Foliar application of macro- and micronutrients on the yield and quality of <i>Rosa hybrida</i> cvs. Cardinal and Whisky Mac

Abstract

The quality and flower yield of roses are directly dependent on the balanced application of macro and micronutrients. In the present study, foliar application of macro- and micronutrients was done after every 15 days when new emerging leaves had sprouted after pruning. The results reveal that plants treated with foliar application of micronutrients along with NPK showed significant increase in the growth characteristic like plant height, number of flowers plant-1, bud diameter, flower diameter, fresh and dry weight of flower, flower quality, flower stalk length compared to the application of NPK alone and untreated plants (control). Application of foliar fertilizer (NPK = 15:32:7 + micro power) and NPK (15:32:7) + chelated mix micronutrients gave the highest values compared to the other treatments in both cultivars. Cardinal responded well to micronutrients as compared to Whisky Mac in case of cultivars. Leaf total chlorophyll contents, vase life and the mineral contents (NPK) of leaves were significantly increased as a result of foliar application of micronutrients compared to the control treatment. It was concluded that application of micronutrients along with NPK could improve flower yield and quality of roses.

Keywords: Chlorophyll content, NPK percentage, micronutrients, rose

African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(7), pp. 702-708