Biomass accumulation of Schlumbergera truncata (Haw.) Moran (Thanksgiving cactus) grown under high pot density

Authors

  • Matías Leytur 1Faculty of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires, San Martín Av. 4453 (C1417DSE), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • Esteban Gandolfo 1Faculty of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires, San Martín Av. 4453 (C1417DSE), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • Danilo Carnelos 1Faculty of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires, San Martín Av. 4453 (C1417DSE), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • Ernesto Giardina 1Faculty of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires, San Martín Av. 4453 (C1417DSE), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • Adalberto Di Benedetto 1Faculty of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires, San Martín Av. 4453 (C1417DSE), Buenos Aires, Argentina. 2Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Route 226, (B7620ZAA), Balcarce, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56890/jpacd.v23i.331

Keywords:

cactus growth, cytokinin, pot cropping, space competition

Abstract

The growth of most pot-grown succulents offered by the ornamental industry is limited mainly by water, nutrients, photoperiod, and temperature manipulation, while other decisions, such as: plant density at pot cropping are often based on the grower’s experience. In the present study, to optimize the biomass accumulation of Schlumbergera truncata under high pot density, we performed an experimental design that included different numbers of initials phylloclades and spraying or not with the synthetic cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The highest biomass accumulation on a fresh weight basis and highest stem area expansion were recorded in pots with five initial phylloclades and BAP-sprayed plants. The decrease in individual biomass accumulation and the expansion of steam area were related to an increase in pot density. Since shading effect can be discard, responses to photo-assimilate uptake and distribution more associated with mechanical constraints on pot roots rather than with a competition between individual roots. Our results suggest that, when Schlumbergera truncata is grown in pots, the number of initial phylloclades may be higher than the usually recommended number per pot.

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Published

09/01/2021 — Updated on 09/17/2021

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Scientific Papers