Changes in nutrient content and iron deficiency in growing media of Cymbidium hybrid ‘Pine Clash Moon Venus’

Abstract

The experiment was undertaken during 2008 and 2009 to study the distribution of major (N, P and K), secondary (Ca, Mg and S) and micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) on the growing media and to overcome the iron deficiency problem in Cymbidium ‘Pine Clash Moon Venus’. Among all the nutrients, potassium and iron content were very low in the growing media. Most of the tissue culture Cymbidium hybrid shows iron deficiency after six month of growth in plastic poly bag under greenhouse condition. Foliar application of 50 ppm iron in the form of iron sulphate at 15 days interval for two consecutive months controls the iron deficiency in one year old Cymbidium ‘Pine Clash Moon Venus’. However, foliar application of 100 ppm iron is suitable to overcome Fe deficiency in two year old Cymbidium ‘Pine Clash Moon Venus’.