Journal of Soil and Plant Interactions

This research was performed to investigate the effect of different substrates and humic acid on quantitative and qualitative traits of cut Rose (Rosa hybrida cv. Angelina) in soilless culture. A factorial experiment was carried out in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. The first factor was humic acid (HA) at 4 concentrations (0, 2, 4 and 6 gr/L) and the second factor was six different combinations of substrate (1- Vermicompost + Cocopeat, 2- Vermicompost + Perlite 3- Vermicompost + Zeolite, 4- Zeolite+ Cocopeat, 5- Sawdust + Cocopeat, and 6- Zeolite + Sawdust, as 50:50 ratio). Traits such as stem length and diameter, flower-bud diameter, fresh and dry weights of stem, chlorophyll index, and potassium and phosphorus content were measured. Results showed that application of HA and type of substrate was significantly effective (P<0.01) on all investigated traits. The highest flower stalk (73.63 cm), diameter of flower bud (33.3 mm), stem diameter (6.97 mm), stem fresh weight (48.83 gr), stem dry weight (12.11 gr) and leaf phosphorus content were obtained in the plants cultured in vermicompost+ cocopeat and treated with 6 gr/L HA as compared to other treatments. Therefore, application of 6 gr/L HA and mixture of vermicompost and cocopeat as susbtrate in order to improve the quality of rose cut flower in soilless culture is recommended.