Growth and flower production of lilium as influenced by precise application of mineral nutrients

Healthy and quality production of cut flower stems is one of the most important factors that determines the decorative and market value of cut flowers being greatly influenced by the type and mode of nutrient application. The productivity of cut flowers varies greatly with the microclimate management as well. Therefore, this study investigated the role of precise nutrient application through fertigation and foliar spray in influencing vegetative and flower characters of lilium. The findings of the study revealed that Nitrogen (10g m^-2) through fertigation+ NPK 19:19:19 (1g L^-1) as foliar spray produced maximum number of leaves plant^-1 (84.05), leaf area plant^-1 (842.30 cm2) and leaf area index (2.81). The same treatment again played an important role in reducing days to emergence of first bud (43.38 days), colour break stage (55.57 days) and opening of first flower (58.86 days) as compared to control. The quality parameters of lilium viz., number of flowers plant^-1 (6.41), flower bud length (9.95cm), flower diameter (20.25 cm)and spike length (105.53 cm) were also significantly improved through application of Nitrogen (10g m^-2) fertigation+ NPK 19:19:19 (1g L^-1) foliar spray.