Evaluation of macronutrient demand in calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

Abstract

Zantedeschia species are important plants in the flower market, but there is insufficient information available on nutrient absorption and accumulation for the various developmental stages of these plants. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate macronutrient accumulation in Zantedeschia aethiopica. Following acclimatization, micropropagated shoots were cultivated in pots with coconut fiber as a substrate and were fertilized with a modified version of Malavolta solution, as described. For each tested plot, evaluations were performed every 30 days for 12 months. We evaluated the dry mass of each plant part (leaves, rhizomes, roots and flower stalks) and then calculated the dry mass accumulation and the nutrient contents. A randomized block study design was applied, with 4 replicates, totaling 48 plots. The aerial parts of the plants showed macronutrient content and accumulation in the sequences K + >N>Ca2+>S>P>Mg and K>N>P>Ca>S>Mg, respectively, with the highest values being observed between 265 and 328 days after planting. The aerial parts showed greater accumulation of dry mass and macronutrients, whereas the flowers did not display significant macronutrient accumulation. The highest rates of macronutrient accumulation and growth occurred during the 210 days after transplanting, which corresponds to the pre-blooming period, indicating that fertilizers must be divided and applied at their highest levels prior to blooming.