Vermi products and biodegradable superabsorbent polymer improve physiological activities and leaf nutrient contents of gerbera

Abstract

Consistent with the fact that limited water and nutrient availabilities adversely impact the growth of potted plants, we investigated the effects of vermi-products and Pusa Hydrogel on physio-biochemical relations of gerbera cv. Yosemite. The potting media having CPV (Cocopeat: Perlite: Vermiculite in 4:1:1 ratio) and the soils amended with vermicompost (VC), pusa hydrogel (PHG) and/or horn bio-manure (HBM) had significant positive effects on plant physiological parameters that greatly influence growth and flower yield. Amelioration of growing media with 20% VC, 0.25% PHG and 1.0% HBM and the application of 20% vermiwash (VW) proved superior over other treatments in terms of marked improvements in leaf chlorophyll content, gas exchange characteristics and mineral acquisition by gerbera plants. In most of the cases, incremental additions of amendments and supplemental VW spray positively influenced these traits. Notably, 20% VW almost invariably proved superior over its lower (10%) concentration with regard to the parameters studied. Correlation study revealed that photosynthesis significantly increased with increase in stomatal conductance. Similarly, plants having high relative water content in leaves also maintained higher chlorophyll levels. The beneficial effects of soil substitution and/or enrichment with different media seemed partly due to favourable changes in the physico-chemical properties of the growing media. It also appeared that conjunctive use of amendments and supplementary VW applications acted synergistically to enhance the plant performance. These findings lead to the conclusion that incorporation of vermi-products and superabsorbent polymers in conventionally used media may prove beneficial for gerbera plant growth and flower yield.