Poinsettia

ZeoPro amendment results in better plants with less supplemental fertilization

Research Program

   The poinsettia, Sonara Red variety, was tested for response to varying levels of soluble fertilization and varying levels of ZeoPro H-Plus incorporated into a peat:perlite growth medium.  The tests were conducted cooperatively by Fischer USA, ZeoponiX, and SunGro Horticulture in Tagawa research greenhouses in Parker, Colorado.

   Rooted cuttings were transplanted into 6.5 inch round pots on June 9, 2000.  ZeoPro H-Plus was used at 0%, 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% by volume.  Three supplemental fertility levels, none, 150 ppm N, and 300 ppm N (fed as 20-10-20), were applied on approximately 3 day intervals with watering as needed.  Based upon replicated (6X) block experiments, the effects of these 15 treatments were measured in production stage and post-harvest stage.  Short day cycle was begun in early September.  At harvest (November 3) all supplemental fertilization was discontinued to simulate stresses at retail and in consumer care.

Research Summary

   The photos illustrate the improvement in plant performance for the ZeoPro treatments versus the controls at harvest date, 147 days after planting.  Post harvest data is still being collected at the time of preparing this summary.

   Plants grown with ZeoPro showed a progressively greater overall quality with increasing amounts of ZeoPro compared to the fully fertilized controls.  At harvest time for retail sale, optimal quality plants were achieved with 5%v to 10%v ZeoPro with one half normal to full fertilization compared to the untreated full feed control.  This trial demonstrates that when using ZeoPro one can reduce normal fertilization practices by 50% or more and still achieve superior quality poinsettia plants.  Plants are currently in post harvest stress testing with all fertility withdrawn to determine the shelf life at retail stores and low level care by the homeowner.

        No ZeoPro                   2.5% ZeoPro                    5% ZeoPro        

          Full feed                        Full feed                             Full feed

                  Harvest Stage:  147 days after planting

          5% ZeoPro                              10% ZeoPro

            Half feed                                   Half feed

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