Compari̇son of plant and flower growth in geranium (Pelargonium zonale) grown in perli̇te, cocopeat and peat with different hydroponic soluti̇ons

The experiment was made in the garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Block B to investigate the effects of different root media and hydroponic solutions on the development and flowering of Pelargonium zonale. In the experiment, peat was the control treatment. Two media (cocopeat and perlite) and five different hydroponic solutions (Department solution, ½ Department solution, Florida solution, ½ Florida solution and General Hydroponic Solution (GHE)) were arranged factorially. The experimental design was randomised blocks, 11 treatments were placed in two blocks. There were 22 parcels with two plants in each parcel making a total of 44 plants. Rooted cuttings were planted in 850 ml black pots. There were 20 cocopeat, 20 perlites and 4 peat control pots. Liquid feed application started 10 days after planting for cocopeat and perlite pots and one month after planting for peat control pots. A reservoir in the saucer was made for perlite pots. Twenty per cent drainage was provided for all treatments at each liquid feed application. According to the results, stem length, plant weight with root, plant weight without root, leaf number/plant,and stem diameter were the highest in peat control followed by perlite and the lowest in cocopeat. The number of days to the first flower opening was the lowest in cocopeat followed by perlite. Flowering was the latest in peat control. The number of trusses with flowers was the highest in perlite and the lowest in cocopeat. As a result perlit + ½ department solution can be recommended an the most suitable combination for the growth and flowering. Cocopeat was given the worst result. Peat was suitable for the vegetative growth but not for the flowering.