Effect of a Novel P Fertilizer on Production of Florist Azalea and Pythium Resistance
is continuing to impress investigators. The P-rich aluminum compound was
developed during a search for a P fertilizer less apt to leach from soilless
media. Mixed sparingly into potting mix, the compound steadily releases
small amounts of P in response to plant roots’ P uptake. Compact, healthy
bedding plants grown with the responsive-release fertilizer used lower
levels of P than traditional fertilizing programs generally recommend growers
apply. In early crop trials, the compound reduced P leaching up to 97 percent.
And crops of chrysanthemums, impatiens, and poinsettias grew as well on
the new fertilizer as on traditional ones. Plus, marigolds grown with the
newly patented fertilizer sported beefier root systems and were less quick
to wilt during drought stress than conventionally fed plants.
Led by veteran plant nutritionist Jonathan Lynch, the team is currently
using Endowment funds to test the low-P fertilizer’s effects, throughout
a production cycle, on florist azaleas. Since azaleas are naturally adapted
to low-pH, low-P soils, the team anticipates the plants will respond especially
well to the new fertilizer. Lynch is also cooperating with another Endowment-funded
researcher to determine whether improved P nutrition can increase geraniums’
resistance to Pythium root rot. Results from these studies should be available
later this year.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT RESEARCH-PROJECT LEADER:
Jonathan Lynch, Department of Horticulture, Pennsylvania State University
E-MAIL: <jonathan_lynch@agcs.cas.psu.edu>
