The Effect of Altering Nitrogen and Sulfur Supply on the Growth of Cut Chrysanthemums

Abstract

`Dark Yellow Fuji Mefo' chrysanthemums (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev.) were grown hydroponically with either 64, 127, or 254 mg·L-1 N and either 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 mg·L-1 S in a randomized complete block. Time to flower was measured and symptoms of S deficiency were observed on root, stem, and leaf systems. New leaves and inflorescences were analyzed for S, and lower leaves were analyzed for N concentration. There were four sampling dates and two experiments. Flower diameter was measured when flowers were present, while stem length was measured every sampling date. Nitrogen application could be reduced by half to 127 mg·L-1 as long as some S, 4 mg·L-1 in the fall and 8 mg·L-1 in the spring, was applied. Sulfur deficiency symptoms observed included branchless roots, which aged earlier, overall yellowing of new leaves, and reddening on the leaf abaxial starting from older leaves and moving acropetally. Plants receiving no S had smaller leaves, shorter stems, delayed inflorescence initiation, and restricted inflorescence development. Without S, plants did not produce flowers suitable for commercial sale.