The Effects of Cultivar, Foliar Fertilization and Plant Density on Quantitative and Qualitative Traits and Vase Life of Cut of Lilium

In order the study the effects of cultivar, foliar fertilization and plant density on quantitative and qualitative traits and vase life of cut lilium a split plot factorial experiment with three replications was carried out. Foliar fertilization as the first factor included different concentrations of a complete fertilizer (Foster fertilization + Ammonium nitrate) and had four levels (0, 2000, 4000 and 6000pm) and was located in main plots. Cultivar and plant density each had two levels and factorial combinations of them were located in sub–plots. Cultivars used in this study were Arcolano and Coca and were planted with densities of (20×15 and 30×25 cm). At the end of growth period, traits such as bulb weight, plant height, chlorophyll content of leaf, vase life of cut flower, number of flower per plant and Macro-and micro nutrients contents of leaf were measured. The result of analysis of variance showed that the effects of foliar fertilization were significant on plant height, vase life of cut flower and N, P and K contents of leaf. Foliar fertilization lilium with concentration of 4000 ppm created the height vase life of cut flower. The effects of cultivar were significant an all measured traits except on vase life of cut flower and P and Zn contents of leaf. The Arcolano cultivar was superior to Conca cultivar in respects to the measured traits. The effects of plant density were significant only on K and Fe contents of leaf. But plant density of 30× 25 had higher bulb and flower yield and quality. The results of this study indicate that for increasing yield and quality of cut lilium planting of Arcolano cultivar, with density of 30×25 cm and foliar fertilization of lilium plant with a complete fertilizer (Foster fertilizer + Ammonium nitrate) with concentration of 4000 ppm is recommended.