RESPONSE OF ROSA DAMASCENE TO PHOSPHORUS AND BENZYLADENIN

Abstract

An experiment on the effect of phosphorus fertilizer concentrations and benzyladenin (BA) on growth and flowering of Rosa damascena was conducted. Plants were cultured on 12/4/2009 in the infront garden of Hort. Dept., College of Agric. Three levels of P; 20 or 40 g/l were applied while BA levels were 0,50,100 or 200 mg/l. Plants were sprayed with P or BA twice. First foliar spray was achieved one month after planting ; the second spray was 21 days after the first application. Results could be summarized as follows.All phosphorus fertilizer and BA concentrations were significantly increased vegetation and flowering parameters tested. The 40 g/l of P was superior on elevating plant height, no. of leaves, leaves area and chlorophyll content. Values were 64.96 cm, 109.08, 83.04 cm2 and 458.2 mg/m2 respectively. While 20 g/l of P was more effective or no. of breaches, branch diameter (12.04 branch plant ,3.65cm.) respectively. BA at 100 or 200 mg/l significantly increased height of plant (61.03, 61.53 cm.) However, all BA levels were significantly elevated no. of branches, no. of leaves, leave area and chlorophyll leaves content. The highest values were 12.00 branches/ plant, 103.04, 85.33 cm2 and 447.2 mg/m2 respectively.Significant increases was registered in no. of flowers, flower diameter. Flowering period and flowers dry weight with P concentrations. BA levels were significantly effective on no. of flowers, flower diameter, vase life and flowers dry weight. The highest values were 7.22 flowers/ plant, 12.11 cm., 10.89 days and 29.17 g. respectively.Most of interaction treatments were significantly effective on the growth and flowering parameters tested