ARS | Publication request: Characterization of Nutrient Disorders of Primula acaulis ‘Danova Rose'

Submitted to: Acta Horticulturae
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: March 15, 2010
Publication Date: May 19, 2011
Repository URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10113/50055
Citation: Barnes, J., Whipker, B., McCall, I., Frantz, J. 2011. Characterization of nutrient disorders of Primula acaulis ‘Danova Rose'. Acta Horticulturae. 891:77-83.

Interpretive Summary: The bedding plant and flowering potted ornamental species Primula acaulis were grown in sand-based hydroponic system to cause and photograph nutrient deficiency symptoms of most of the essential elements and one toxicity (boron toxicity). Plants were grown with a complete fertilizer solution. The nutrient deficiency treatments were caused by using a complete nutrient formula that lacked one of the nutrients. Boron toxicity was caused by increasing the element 10× higher than the regular fertilizer recipe. Ultra-pure chemicals and deionized water were used to make the treatment solutions. The plants were watered with the fertilizer every 2 hours and the excess drained from the bottom of the pot, collected, and re-used. A complete replacement of the fertilizers was done each week. Plants were monitored each day to document and photograph sequential series of symptoms as they developed. When plants were severely affected, tissue was harvested and analyzed for nutrient concentrations. Physical (photographed) symptoms of each nutrient stress and corresponding tissue nutrient concentrations will be presented. These collections are useful to help growers distinguish and identify specific nutrient stresses so that corrective action can be taken.

Technical Abstract: Primula acaulis ‘Danova Rose’ plants were grown in silica sand culture to induce and photograph nutritional disorder symptoms. Plants were grown with a complete modified Hoagland's all nitrate solution: (macronutrients in mM) 15 NO3-N, 1.0 PO4-P, 6.0 K, 5.0 Ca, 2.0 Mg, and 2.0 SO4-S, plus micromolar concentrations of micronutrients, 72 Fe, 18 Mn, 3 Cu, 3 Zn, 45.0 B, and 0.1 Mo. The nutrient deficiency treatments were induced that included a complete nutrient formula and complete minus one of the nutrients. Reagent grade chemicals and deionized water of 18-mega ohms purity were used to formulate treatment solutions. Boron toxicity was also induced by increasing the element 10× higher than the complete nutrient formula. The plants were automatically irrigated every 2 hours and the solution drained from the bottom of the pot and recaptured for use. A complete replacement of nutrient solutions was done weekly. Plants were monitored daily to document and photograph sequential series of symptoms as they developed. Typical symptomology of nutrient disorders and critical tissue concentrations will be presented.