Characteristics of substrates for nutrient absorption and production of gerbera

The production systems on substrates have been employed in most commercial cultivation of flowers and ornamental plants, including gerbera. However, its introduction as potted flower is recent in Brazil and many studies, especially those related to the determination of substrates physical and chemical properties, which contribute to production quality are still needed. The present study aimed to assess the influence of substrates characteristics for nutrient absorption and production of potted gerbera. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse with the experimental design in randomized blocks, factorial arrangement 5x2 (5 substrates and 2 cultivars) and 4 replications. Treatments consisted of substrates with different physical and chemical characteristics and gerbera cultivars (Cherry and Red). Plants grown on substrate with pH above 7.0 had a reduction in iron absorption, resulting in lower intensity of green coloration in the leaves. Plants grown on substrate with pH below 5.0 showed toxic levels of manganese and lower dry mass. The characteristics of the substrate, especially the pH, influence the nutrients absorption and the production of potted gerbera, altering the final plant quality.