Nutritional Requirements of Solanum lycopersicum, Vaccinium corymbosum, Citrus hystrix and Rubus idaeus
Abstract
Plant nutrient management has gained significant attention due to environmental concerns, the need to sustainably feed a growing population, the misuse of nonrenewable resources, and the rise of container-grown crops in soilless media. However, there is a lack of specific information available for different crops. Investigations were conducted on cherry tomato, blueberry, kaffir lime, and raspberry to explore the impact of supplied macro and micronutrient sources, rates, and their interactions on plant growth and development. The focus was on the effects of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, chloride and iron. Measurements included shoot fresh and dry weight, stem diameter, shoot length, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD value), presence and concentration of leaf volatiles, fruit cracking, number of fruits, fruit size, nutrient solution uptake, root growth, and substrate pH and electrical conductivity. The crops exhibited varied responses depending on the nutrient treatment applications. In cherry tomatoes, the highest fresh and dry weight were obtained with a 14.28 mM N supply, 50% higher than those grown with 3.57 mM nitrogen. Blueberry plants had a poorer response to the highest nitrogen (21.43 mM), while a combination of 10.71 mM nitrogen and 1.00 - 2.00 mM phosphorus appeared optimal. For kaffir limes, the distribution, presence, and surface percentage of volatiles were influenced by the source and rates of potassium. Raspberry plants developed visual symptoms of interveinal chlorosis, reduced dry biomass, height, and number of leaves when deprived of iron. These investigations provide insights into crop-specific nutrient requirements to optimize growth and yield.
Subject Area
Plant sciences|Horticulture|Agriculture|Nutrition
Recommended Citation
Steven A Kennedy,
"Nutritional Requirements of Solanum lycopersicum, Vaccinium corymbosum, Citrus hystrix and Rubus idaeus"
(2024).
ETD Collection for Tennessee State University.
Paper AAI31140808.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI31140808