Impact of fertigation on physiology, nutrient uptake and flowering characters of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) var. Gaudina

This investigation was conducted during 2011–2013 on impact of the different fertigation levels on physiology, nutrient uptake and flowering characters of Dianthus caryophyllus cv. Gaudina under aero dynamic polyhouse condition in The Nilgiris. Critical stages of crop growth of the carnation var. Gaudina were compared under this study. The results revealed that plants treated with a fertigation dose @ 80: 20: 110 g NPK/m² (100%) at weekly intervals along with foliar application of EDTA micronutrient mixture @ 0.2% at forth night intervals showed significant increase in total leaf area (538.54; 973.58; 1248.47cm²), total chlorophyll (0.94;1.19;1.14 mg/g) and total dry matter production (22.92; 41.31; 82.00 g plant⁻¹) during vegetative, flower bud appearance and peak flowering stage respectively compared to control. Similarly, uptake of plant nutrients NPK on vegetative stage (29.34; 6.88; 40.39 g plant⁻¹), flower bud appearance stage (63.62; 12.64; 127.23 g plant⁻¹), peak flowering stage (113.98; 26.90; 256.17 g plant⁻¹) and flowering parameters viz., days taken for flower bud opening (139.40 days), length of flower stalk (82.24 cm), girth of flower stalk (2.78 cm), opened flower diameter (7.02 cm), number of flower buds plant⁻¹ (7.50), flower yield m⁻² (268.50) were superior than untreated plants (control). Although all treatments were effective in improving carnation physiology, nutrient uptake and flowering characters during critical stages of crop growth of first flush as compared to control.