Response of Container-grown Confetti Tree Irrigated with Runoff Water

Abstract

<jats:p>This experiment measured plant growth of a halophyte (species adapted to saline conditions) confetti tree (<jats:italic>M</jats:italic><jats:italic>aytenus senegalensis</jats:italic>) using runoff from kneeholy plants (<jats:italic>R</jats:italic><jats:italic>uscus aculeatus</jats:italic>). Three irrigation treatments were used, a standard nutrient solution or control (T<jats:sub>0</jats:sub>), runoff water collected from kneeholy plants irrigated with the standard nutrient solution blended 50:50 with tap water (T<jats:sub>1</jats:sub>), and 100% runoff water collected from kneeholy plants irrigated with the standard nutrient solution (T<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>), in which the nutrient concentrations were analy<jats:sc>z</jats:sc>ed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Growth, photosynthetic parameters, and mineral composition were measured at the end of the experiment. Electrical conductivity and pH increased with increasing runoff application (decreased blending). Treatment 2 had significantly higher plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area index, and dry weight. Treatments 1 and 2 had significantly lower root lengths compared with the control. Chlorophyll concentration and green index color in leaves were greater in T<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> and T<jats:sub>1</jats:sub> than T<jats:sub>0</jats:sub>. The mineral composition of roots and leaves was affected by irrigation treatment, resulting in an increase of sodium and chloride concentration and a decline of nitrogen and phosphorous concentration compared with the control. The reuse of runoff water was beneficial for growing this commercially important halophytic species in <jats:sc>S</jats:sc>pain, a consideration that is particularly relevant in locations with water quality, quantity issues, or both.</jats:p>

Effects of Leachate Fertigation and the Addition of Hydrogen Peroxide on Growth and Nutrient Balance in Dracaena deremensis Potted Plants

“…The decline in color index (R, G and B) in D. deremensis plants fertigated with leachates from C. lutescens with or without H 2 O 2 agree with the reports obtained by García-Caparrós et al [39], where the irrigation with leachates resulted in a decline in color parameters in Maytenus senegalensis plants. Although there was a decline in color parameters, the leaf color ranges characteristic of this species allowed the obtention of saleable plants considering the sales threshold established by local nurseries, since there were no symptoms of chlorosis or necrosis associated with the increase in salinity in the leachate.…”

Effects of Exogenous Application of Osmotic Adjustment Substances on Growth, Pigment Concentration, and Physiological Parameters of Dracaena sanderiana Sander under Different Levels of Salinity

“…The longest root length was then determined, measuring the distance from the crown to the tip of the root. Total leaf area was determined prior to photosynthetic determinations from digitalized images of each plant using the Idrisi Selva computer program (Clark Laboratories, Worcester, MA, USA) as reported by García-Caparrós et al [25]. The percentage of damage in the leaf area was calculated following the methodology established by Valdes et al [33] in poinsettia plants grown under saline conditions.…”

“…The cultivation of ornamental plants in containers on the southeast coast of Spain has increased in recent years, mainly due to the high demand from consumers [24]. Nevertheless, water supplies in this region are scarce and they have high levels of salinity [25,26], therefore an exhaustive study from an agronomic point of view concerning the ameliorative effects of variable osmolytes and the types of application in the production of ornamental species is necessary. We investigated Dracaena sanderiana Sander, a member of the family Agavaceae, known as "Lucky Bamboo".…”

Types of Shelter and Covering Materials Influencing Growth, Pigment, and Nutrient Concentrations of Baby Rubber Plants (Peperomia obtusifolia)

“…Maximum plant diameter was determined across the top of the plant and the number of leaves of each plant counted. Leaf area was determined before photosynthetic determinations from digitalized images of each plant using the Idrisi Selva computer program (Clark Laboratories, Worcester, MA) as reported by García-Caparr os et al (2017). Specific leaf area was calculated by dividing leaf area by plant dry weight.…”