The Effect of Concentration, Type and Source of Silicon and Calcium Chloride on Characteristics and Postharvest Longevity in Asiatic Lily cv.  Brunello'

In the recent years, Lilium cut flower production has become very important among ornamental plant growers in Iran. Proper fertilization is a major factors affecting Lilium flower quality. In this study, the effect of different concentrations of potassium silicate, nanosilicon and calcium chloride were investigated on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Asiatic lily ‘Brunello’. This experiment was conducted randomized complete block design with 9 treatments and 3 replications. Treatments included drench of potassium silicate in three concentrations (25, 50 and 75 mg l-1), spray of potassium silicate in concentration of 25 mg l-1, spray of calcium chloride in two concentrations (25 and 50 mg l-1) and spray of nano-silicon in two concentrations (12.5 and 25 mg l-1) and control. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics and flower postharvest longevity were measured. Results showed significant differences between treatments. Calcium chloride compared to potassium silicate and nano-silicon, significantly increased fresh weight of flower stem at harvest time and drench of potassium silicate at 25 mg l-1 resulted in maximum number of florets 5.27). Maximum flower vase - life was related to spray of potassium silicate at 25 mg l-1. Spray of potassium silicate significantly increased flower vase - life than drench, for one extra day. The results showed that in general, the effect of potassium silicate was more effective than calcium chloride and nano-silicon on improving the measured characteristics particularly floret number and vase - life.