The effects of zinc and cytokinin uses on tillering, yield, quality and vase life of carnations

In this study, the effects of zinc (ZnSO4) and cytokinin (benzylaminopürine) uses on coating, yield, quality and vase life of Nirvana carnation cultivar were investigated. This research was carried out in between years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 under same conditions and cultural practices. For this purpose, already rooted carnation seedlings were transfered and planted in the greenhouse and necessary cultural practices were performed. The first tip cut (pinching) was performed 4 weeks after planting. The first zinc and BAP applications were done 2 days before the pinching, the same applications were performed 3. and 7 days after the first one. All the applications were done as spray to the leaves. Zinc was used at concentrations of 0, 20, 100, 175, 250 ve 500 ppm while BAP was applied at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 50, 100 ve 250 ppm levels. Both zinc and BAP were aplied at 6 different concentrations as indicated above. There were significant differences between tillering and flowering period in days from planting to the first flower cuttings in 2 nd consecutive years, respectively. In the first and second year trials, the highest number of tillerings were reached with 100 ppm BAP applications. The highest shoot numbers were obtained from 100 ppm BAP treatments in the first and second year. The least number of shoots were ontained from 10 ppm BAP application in the first year, and 250 ppm BAP and 100 ppm zinc applications in the second year. The shortest time period from seedling planting to first flower cut was obtained from 100 ppm BAP applications whereas the longest period span was achived by 10 ppm BAP applications. The effects of BAP and zinc applications on shoot length and chlorophyll contents were found statistically significant in the firts year, however, they were not significant in the second year. The longest shoots were obtained from 100 ppm zinc applications and controls whereas the shortest shoots were obtained from 500 ppm zinc applications. Shoot thickness (stem diameter) was found to be statisticaly significant in the first year trials while the thickness was not significant in the second year. The thickest shoots were obtained from 500 ppm zinc applications whereas the thinnest shoots were obtained from 100 ppm BAP applications. Stem fresh weights and flower bud numbers were found to be statisticaly not important in 2 consecutive years. In vase life trials, the effecets of BAP and zinc applications on weight differences of carnations were statisticaly significant. The highest weight was obtained from 5 ppm BAP applications whereas the least weight was given by 500 ppm zinc applications. The effects of BAP and Zn applications on water uptake, flower diameter and leaf color of cut carnations were statisticaly insignificant. During the vase life trials, the average highest L* value was obtained from 20 and 500 ppm Zn teratments while the lowest L* value was given by 5 ppm BAP treatments. Similarly, the highest average C* value was observed from 20 ppm Zn and 50 ppm BAP applications whereas the lowest C* value was observed from 500 ppm Zn applications. The highest score in terms of visual quality was taken from 10 and 100 ppm BAP applications. On the other hand, the lowest score was recorded from 100 ppm Zn, 50 and 250 ppm BAP applications. In conclusions, in a study carried out in Antalya under the plastic cover, BAP 100 ppm zinc and zinc were obtained from the application of the best results among applications. This dose Nirvana carnation cultivar, to increase the number of shoots and to reduces the time of flowering after planting, has led to an increase in productivity. Also the best visual quality during vase life dose of 100 ppm BAP application also has been. Total chlorophyll content in leaves in terms of this application are to achieve the most successful results, measured in terms of many other features has shown good results.