Abstract

There are few studies of nutrition in the different cultivars of Lilium spp., especially for cut flower. The objective of the present study was to determine the nutrient absorption curves in three cultivars belonging to three different types. Results indicate that the cvs. Navona and Fangio, which correspond to Asian and hybrid L/A types, respectively, showed significant differences in the daily and accumulated absorption of most nutrients, despite presenting similar levels of C and dry matter (DM) accumulation. The Oriental type cv., Miami, which showed a higher DM and C accumulation than Navona and Fangio due to larger size bulbs and flowers, did not show higher macronutrient absorption levels. However, its micronutrient absorption was much higher, due, in part, to its higher DM production, but mainly as a result of the greater acidification of the substrate in which it was planted, caused by the acidulation of the irrigation water. Results confirm the importance of knowing the nutrient absorption curves for the different cultivars in order to design appropriate nutrition and fertilization programs for production of Lilium for cut flower.