Growth and physiological characteristics of Narcissus pseudonarcissus at different nitrogen levels

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1 International Journal of Farming and Allied Sciences Available online at IJFAS Journal S2/ ISSN IJFAS Growth and physiological characteristics of Narcissus pseudonarcissus at different nitrogen levels Mahnaz Haadi-e-vincheh *, Davood Naderi and Ahmadreza Golparvar Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Corresponding author: Mahnaz Haadi-e-vincheh ABSTRACT: In this study, effects of various nitrogen treatments on growth and physiological characteristics of Narcissus pseudonarcissus were evaluated. The present study was carried out in Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University of Isfahan (Khorasgan) branch. Flowers were grown in sandy soil containing with different levels of preservatives, including, ammonium nitrate (0, 100, 200 kg.ha -1 ). Completely Randomized Factorial Designs was applied to test the significance of treatments and means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test at P = Results showed that using ammonium nitrate treatments significantly affected leaf longevity, bulb and bulblet diameter, concentration of carbohydrates and chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll contents. About of using ammonium nitratethe best dosage was 200 kg.ha -1. In conclusion, the best treatment to enhance growth and physiological characteristics of Narcissus pseudonarcissus, was the exact 200 kg.ha -1 ammonium nitrate. This treatment can be proposed as additional substance for Narcissus pseudonarcissus growth increasment. Keywords: Bulb, Carbohydrate, Chlorophyll, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, Nitrogen INTRODUCTION The genus Narcissus comprises bulbous plants of the Northern Hemisphere belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, consisting of about 63 species and many subspecific taxa and natural hybrids. Narcissus is popular as a cut flower (from field or by forcing), garden flower, park and pot plant (Sochacki and Orlikowska, 2005). The Narcissus bulb is multi-annual, which Hanks (Hanks et al., 1993). Interpreted as a perennial branching system producing lateral as well as replacement terminal growth each year. Environmental conditions, especially temperature, control annual development and florogenesis in bulbous plants including Narcissus (Flaishman and Kamenetsky, 2006). Nutritional condition is another factor that can effect on quantity and quality of narcissus flowering. It was reported that, in soil application, NPK mixture in ratio of 1: 3: 4 respectively was the best which affected positively on plant length and bulb weight in Narcissus incomparabilis cv. Carbineer (Fodor and Solymos, 1976). The positive effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium application in hydroponic systems on bulbs growth, quantity and quality of flowers in Narcissus were documented by others (Ruamrungsri et al., 1997). Soil application of NPK described by (Hagiya and Amaki,1966) in tulip and they stated effective use of NPK on flowers quality. The positive effect of NPK has been also reported on corm growth in gladiolus (Butt, 2005). The size of bulbs is also effective in growth and flowering of narcissus. Generally the small bulbs with circumferences of 9-10 cm and weight of g are used for bulb production, not for flowering. Nutrients such as nitrogen play a major role in the growth and development of plants (Scott, 2008). Nitrogen as an essential element that improves the chemical and biological properties of soil, and thereby stimulates the production of higher yield in plants. It should be emphasized, that to increase plant quality and productivity nutrients

2 need to be available from the soil during a plant s growth period (Silberbush et al., 2003, Kim et al., 1998, Engelbrecht 2004). Optimum plant density is another important factor for high plant growth and yield. Spacing between plants is particularly important for the cultivation of Narcissus pseudonarcissus to maximize flower quality and quantity characteristics. Therefore, inter and intra row spacing together with a balanced supply of nutrients such as nitrogen are important for obtaining optimum quality and quantity of Narcissus pseudonarcissus flowers. There is currently limited information on the effects of integrated use of nitrogen and plant spacing on yield and quality of flower in Narcissus pseudonarcissus. It has been reported that the highest plant height, panicle length and number of flowers per panicle was obtained at 350 kg/ha N (Singh, 2000). (Patil et al., 1999) evaluated the effects of nitrogen doses and plant densities on growth and yield of tuberose. Growth and yield increased with an increase dose of nitrogen dose and according to plant density. The highest flower stem height, yield, number of stems and flower clusters related to 200 kg/ha N with the spacing of three bulbs in each hole. (Yadav et al., 1985) researched nitrogen and phosphorus levels on growth and yield of tuberose and recorded the best results were at N: P 2 O 5 ratio of 200: 300 and a split application of nitrogen in 2 stages (half at sowing + half at 40 days after planting). (Banker and Mukhopadhyay,1990) demonstrated higher plant height (50.94 cm) and number of leaves per plant (52.30) with an application of 20 kg/ha N compared to 5 kg/ha N (42.5 and 26.37, respectively) in tuberose. (Amarjeet et al., 1996) recorded an increase of flower stalk height and leaf length in tuberose with an application of a higher dose of NPK and increased flowering period and the largest panicle length was produced with 200: 200: 400 kg/ha NPK. (Singh and Uma,1996) researched the effect of nitrogen levels on growth and yield of tuberose in a field experiment. They found that the best tuberose quality and quantity yields were obtained at three split applications of 250 kg/ha N fertilizers (at basal, 60 and 90 days after planting). Parkash et al., (2006) observed the most flower yield and tuber number with spacing of 15 x 20 cm in tuberose. Results showed that the highest flower number with best tuberose quality and quantity characteristics was produced by 200: 200: 150 Kg/ha NPK. The effect of nitrogen fertilization has been studied in various alkaloid-producing plants. Since alkaloids contain nitrogen and are usually derived from amino acid precursors, it has generally been assumed that higher levels of nitrogen availability would lead to higher levels of alkaloids in plants. In more recent studies on periwinkle (Catharanthusroseus), yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) and Datura increased alkaloid accumulation was also observed as a result of nitrogen fertilization (Parkash et al., 2006). In N. pseudonarcissus cv. Carlton, fertilization increased galanthamine content in the bulbs as compared to no fertilization (Parkash et al., 2006). In the study of (Parkash et al.,2002) galanthamine was determined after the bulbs were in the ground for two years. In this study growth and physiological characteristics of N. pseudonarcissus bulbs treated with different levels of fertilizer was determined. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of N nutrient solution as preplanting bulb treatment on growth and physiological characteristics of small bulbs of N. pseudonarcissus. MATERIALS AND METHODS The experiment was carried out in pots, to evaluate the effects of different ammonium nitrate on Narcissus pseudonarcissus growth and physiological characteristics in greenhouse condition. Narcissus pseudonarcissus flowers were obtained from local commercial greenhouses (Isfahan, Iran). Plants were grown under standard greenhouse conditions with 22 and 16 C day and night temperatures, respectively. A factorial experiment was established, including ammonium nitrateat 0.0 (control), 100 and 200kg.ha -1, effects on Narcissus pseudonarcissus flowers physiological characteristics. The flowers were harvested in the early morning and transported with appropriate cover (in plastic packages) immediately to laboratory. The flowers were kept in a controlled room at 19±2 C, 70±5% relative humidity and 12 μmol m 2 s 1 light intensity (cool-white fluorescence lamps) under a daily light period of 12 h. The period from the first day (0 day) when flowers were placed in pots, until they lost their ornamental value were investigation traits. Relative fresh weight, water uptake, water loss and water balance were recorded 2 days intervals by measuring weights of vases without flowers and of flowers separately (He et al., 2006). Sample of leaves were dried at 70 C to determine total carbohydrate using the methods described by (Dubios et al.,1956). The flowers were checked once a day for signs of deterioration. Total chlorophyll content was determined (2 days intervals) by chlorophyll meter (SPAD-502 Konica, Minolta, Tokyo), which is presented by SPAD values. Average of 3 measurements from different spots of a single leave was considered (Kazemi and Ameri, 2012). 1326

3 The data were statistically processed by analysis of variance according to a randomized complete block design and means with standard errors were calculated using the program Statistical Analysis System, version 9.1 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). Differences between the treatments were determined using Duncan s test. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The significant differences (p<0.01) were revealed among the treatments for leaf longevity, that the control treatment had the lowest leaf longevity and 200 kg.ha -1 ammonium nitrate treatment had the highest leaf longevity after harvest (Table1). With respect to the results, using ammonium nitrate treatment increased significantly the leaf longevity Narcissus pseudonarcissus flowers, as compared to control treatment during experiment. Previous researches had revealed that the nitrogen treatments significantly extend the growth of cut flowers (Singh, 2000), that is in agreement with our results. (Amarjeet et al., 1996) recorded an increase of flower stalk height and leaf length in tuberose with an application of a higher dose of NPK and increased flowering period and the largest panicle length was produced with 200: 200: 400 kg/ha NPK. The data indicated that the ammonium nitrate treatments increased significantly leaf longevity of Narcissus pseudonarcissus flowers than in the control treatment. As shown in table 1, carbohydrates content increased significantly during the experiment. The excess supply of N up to 100 Kg/ha -1 could increase Carbohydrate percentage. It could be concluded that the nitrogen fertilizer at rate of 100 Kg/ha -1 could be stimulatory for increasing carbohydrate content by increasing N in flower cells. A variation in terms of carbohydrates content was observed among the treatments and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.01). The carbohydrates content was affected by ammonium nitrate treatments, since control Narcissus pseudonarcissus had significantly lower carbohydrates content during experiment, while the highest levels were obtained with 200 Kg/ha -1 ammonium nitrate treatment (Table 1). Similar patterns of changes were also reported for iris bulbs flowers (Mahgoub et al., 2006). The significant differences (p<0.01) were revealed among the treatments for bulb and bulblet diameter, that the control treatment had the lowest bulb and bulblet diameter and 200 kg.ha -1 ammonium nitrate treatment had the highest bulb and bulblet diameter after harvest (Table1). Harmony with are the finding of (Rajiv and Misra,2000) on gladiolus, they mentioned that, higher dose of N (80 g/m 2 ) resulted in maximum significantly bulb and bulblet diameter. (Also Das,1998) on gladiolus mentioned that thenumber and diameter of bulb and bulblet was affected by N application. Table 1. Effect of ammonium nitrate treatments on different characteristics of Narcissus pseudonarcissus flowers ammonium nitrate (kg.ha -1 ) leaf longevity (cm) carbohydrates (mg.kg -1 ) bulb diameter (cm) bulblet diameter (cm) c b 3.48b 2.67c* b b 3.57ab 2.74b a a 3.62a 2.8a *Values followed by the same small or capital letter are not significantly different within rows or columns at Duncan test P 0.05 According to results shown in table 2, the total chlorophyll content, Achlorophyll and B chlorophyll increased significantly during experiment, that the levels of total chlorophyll at the initial of the after harvest were lower than the end ones just. The results were in agreement with the findings reported by (Ferrante et al., 2002). There were significant differences in the total chlorophyll content of the different treatments. The lowest and highest the total chlorophyll A chlorophyll and B chlorophyll values were observed in 0 and 200 Kg/ha -1 ammonium nitrate treatments, respectively (Table 2). Similar data were also reported for cut flowers of gerbera (Kazemi et al., 2011 a), lily (Kazemi et al., 2011 b) and rose (Zamani et al., 2011). 1327

4 Table 2. Effect of ammonium nitrate treatments on chlorophyll content of Narcissus pseudonarcissus flowers ammonium nitrate (kg.ha -1 ) total chlorophyll (SAPD) chlorophyll A chlorophyll B c 0.452b 0.186b* b 0.495b 0.201ab a 0.544a 0.212a *Values followed by the same small or capital letter are not significantly different within rows or columns at Duncan test P 0.05 Different nitrogen doses significantly affected some qualitative and quantitative characters in Narcissus pseudonarcissus. A rise in nitrogen rate increased flower stalk height, spike length, floret number and diameter, bulb weight, vase life and flower quality. From these results it can be concluded that Narcissus pseudonarcissus should be nitrogen application rate of 200 kg/ha N to obtain the maximum flower qualitative and quantitative characteristics. The using of different treatments is recommended to improving quality of flowers. In this study, influence of ammonium nitrate applications on improving quality of Narcissus pseudonarcissus flowers during vase period were investigated. This research showed that the same behaviour in all measured factors after harvest for all treatments. The leaf longevity, bulb and bulblet diameter, concentration of carbohydrates and chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll contents increased significantly after experiment. In addition, statistically significant differences were observed between control and ammonium nitrate treatments in all measured parameters. Ammonium nitrate treatment is able to increase growth of Narcissus pseudonarcissusf lowers by increasing total chlorophyll content. Thus, the data suggest that ammonium nitrate treatment has the potential to be used commercially to improving quality of Narcissus pseudonarcissus flowers. REFERENCES Amarjeet S, Godara NR, Ashok K, Singh A, Kumar A Effect of N.P.K on flowering and flower quality of tuberose (Polianthestuberosa L.) cv. Single. Haryana Agric Univ J Res 26(1): Banker GJ, and Mukho Padhyay A Effect of N.P.K on growth and flowering in tuberose cv. Double. Indian J Hort 47(1): Butt SJ Effect of N, P, K on some flower quality and corm yield characteristics of Gladiolus. J. Tekirdag Agric., 2: 3. Das TK Corm and cormel production in gladiolus as affected by spike removal and Kapplication. Ind. J. Hortic., 55(4): Dubios M, Cilles KA, Humitton R, Rebers M, Smith F Calorimatric method for determination of sugar and related substances. Anal. Chem., 28: 380. Engelbrecht GM The effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilization on the growth, yield and quality of Lachenalia. Dissertation, University of Bloemfontein. Ferrante A, Hunter DA, Hackett WP, Reid MS Thidiazuron a potent inhibitor of leaf senescence in alstroemeria. Postharvest Biol Technol. 25: Flaishman MA and Kamenetsky R Florogenesis in Flower Bulbs: Classical and molecular approaches. Teixeira da Silva, J.A. (Ed.) Floriculture, Ornamental and Plant Biotechnology. Global Science Books, Japan, 1: Fodor E and Solymos E Base fertilization of Narcissus. Kerteszeti Egyetem Kozlemenyei, 39(7): Hagiya K and Amaki W Nutritional studies on tulips: The leaching of three major elements from the soil during the growing season. J. japan. Soc. Hort. Sci., 35: Hanks GR, De Hertogh AA, Le Nard M The physiology of flower bulbs. Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp: Giant. Bul. Faculty Agric., 49: He S, Joyce DC, Irving DE, Faragher JD Stem end blockage in cut Grevillea, Crimson Yullo, in inflorescences, Postharvest Biol.Technol. 41: Kazemi M and Ameri A Response of vase-life carnation cut flower to salicylic acid, silver nanoparticles, glutamine and essential oil. Asian J Animal Sci. 6(3): Kazemi M, Zamani S, Aran M. 2011a. Effect of some treatment chemicals on keeping quality and vase-life gerbera cut flowers. Am J Plant Physiol. 6(2): Kazemi M, Zamani S, Aran M. 2011b. Interaction between glutamin and different chemicals on extending the vase life of cut flowers of Prato lily. Am J Plant physiol. 6: Kim HH, Ohkawa K, Nitta E Effects of bulb weight on the growth and flowering of Leucocoryne coquimbensis. Acta Hort 454: Mahgoub H, Rawia M, Eid A, Bedour S, Abou Leila H Response of Iris Bulbs Grown in Sandy Soil to Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 2(11): Parkash J, Singh NP, Sankaran M Package of practices for tuberose cultivation in tripura. ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre. Patil PR, Reddy BS, Patil SR, kulkarni BS Effect of community planting and fertilizer levels on growth and flower yield of tuberose (Polianthestuberosa) cv. Double. South Indian Hort 47(1-6): Rajiv K and Misra RL Response of gladiolus to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilization. Journal of Ornamental Horticulture. Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture, New Delhi, India, 6(2):

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