Effect of irrigation on cultivars of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Abstract

With the growing consumer demand for high quality flowers and ornamental plants, and the spread of farming techniques in the agribusiness, combined with scarce water resources, it is imperative to stablish the proper water irrigation management for floriculture. In this context, this work aims to evaluate the effect of different irrigation levels on varieties of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln in a protected environment. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. The experimental design was factorial 4x3, with four irrigation levels (100, 80, 60 and 40% of pot capacity - CV) and three cultivars (Debbie, Gold Jewel and Simone). Throughout the plant growth cycle the plant height, the number of leaves per plant and the canopy area, for each treatment were evaluated weekly. At the end of the cycle, by 252 days after transplanting, was determined the number of flowers per plant and calculated the daily water consumption. The water use efficiency was determined by the ratio between the number of flowers per pot, and the total irrigation water applied during the growth cycle, in mm. The variables were subjected to an analysis of variance at 5%. A significant interaction between the factors was observed only for the area of the canopy, with emphasis for the Gold Jewel variety with 40% level of irrigation. The Debbie and Simone varieties showed greater efficiency in water use, differing statistically from the Gold Jewel variety. It is concluded that the 40% of CV level is enough meet the water demand of crops.