Effects of recycled organic waste in soilless growing medium on the growth and flowering of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bol.) in pot culture

Abstract

Purpose: Cocopeat resources in Iran are limited and unsuitable, and they must be imported from abroad at a high cost. It is therefore essential to evaluate suitable growth media to replace cocopeat. Method: During this experiment, we conducted a completely randomized experimental design with seven types of growing media in a greenhouse with two layers of hexane coating, at the flower and ornamental plant research station in Lahijan city. Seven growth substrate treatments were investigated, including: (100%perlite), (75%cocopeat + 25%perlite), (50%tea waste + 25%peanut shells compost + 25%perlite), (50%tea waste +%25 Azolla + %25 Perlite), (50%peanut shells compost + 25%azolla + 25%perlite), (50%peanut shells compost + 25%tea waste +25% azolla) and (25%peanut shells compost + 25%tea Waste + 25%azolla + 25%perlite). Results: According to the results, growth media containing peanut shells, Azolla composts, and tea waste are effective and recommended, which can significantly reduce the use of cocopeat. A substrate containing compost had a better effect on the morphological and physiological characteristics of Gerber. Conclusion: The yield of Gerbera varied greatly among growth substrates, and flower performance was better in some substrates than in cocopeat. The favorable effect of composted substrates on Gerbera yield allows the selection of the growth substrate. Highlights · The introduction of a new growing medium led to a significant reduction in the consumption of Cocopeat. · The Cocopeat-free growing medium has produced Gerbera of improved morphological and physiological characteristics. · The introduction of new growth substrate combinations containing compost replaces the Cocopeat substrate and produces Gerbera of desirable quality.

Keywords

• azolla compost
• chlorophyll
• cocopeat
• peanut shells
• tea waste