| dc.description | Potted gerbera is an ornamental plant that is widely commercialized in Brazilian markets. However, information on cultivation techniques is needed to meet growing demand, especially with regard to fertilization. This study was carried out to assess the growth of potted gerbera, Florist Red Black cultivar, with mineral and organic fertilization. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse located at UNIOESTE - Cascavel Campus - PR. The experimental design was composed of randomized blocks with four replicates and five treatments. Treatments were defined according to the fertilization source, which were mineral (NPK) and organic. Organic fertilizers were obtained by diluting in water four organic composts from agroindustrial-waste composting processes. After obtaining composts, water dilution was performed, adjusting the nutritive solution electrical conductivity values. Gerbera plants were assessed fortnightly (0, 14, 28, 42, and 56 days after acclimatization) for leaf area and shoot dry matter, which were adjusted for time using the ANACRES program to obtain the leaf area ratio (LAR), relative growth rate (RGR), and net assimilation rate (NAR). Fifty-six days after acclimatization, plants were assessed for number of leaves, plant diameter, leaf area, leaves and inflorescences dry phytomass, stem height, head diameter, and stem diameter. The highest relative growth rates were obtained in plants grown with organic compost in treatment 3. However, the net assimilation rate, which indicates dry matter conversion efficiency, was highest in plants with chemical fertilization (treatment 1). | |
