Effect of the Concentration of Phosphorus on Growth and Nutrition of Leucospermum cordifolium ‘Flame Spike’

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine how phosphorus (P) concentration affects growth, concentration and distribution of nutrients in Leucospermum cordifolium ‘Flame Spike’ (Proteaceae). The trials were performed at the School of Agriculture (ETSIA) of the University of La Laguna (28° 28′ 43′′ N, 16° 19′ 7′′ W) with 64 plants (1-year-old) grown for 12 months in silica sand, fed with nutrient solutions containing different levels of Pi (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg L−1). At 6, 9, and 12 months, whole plants were taken from each experimental unit and divided into root, stem (main, first, second, and third growth) and leaves (adult, first, second, and third growth), which were measured, weighed, and analyzed. The data enabled a nutritional diagnosis, including the limiting P concentrations and nutrient interactions. P concentrations above 5 mg L−1 caused a reduction in growth, which in the third samples was significant (P < 0.05). Plants treated with 15 and 20 mg L−1 P attained similar dry weights (P > 0.05). Some young leaves showed a certain degree of chlorosis, probably due to iron (Fe) deficiency. Fully developed young leaves (YFEL) were suitable for nutritional diagnosis of P, and the P concentration of the nutrient solution affected the foliar manganese (Mn) concentration. This latter factor was related to the zinc (Zn) concentration in the roots.