Zonal Geranium

Research Program

   The zonal geranium, Diablo 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 and watered as needed.  Based upon replicated (6X) block experiments, the effects of these 15 treatments were measured in production stage and post-harvest stage.  After 60 days, all supplemental fertilization was discontinued to simulate stresses at retail and consumer care.

Research Summary

   The photos below illustrate the improvement in plant performance for the ZeoPro treatments versus the controls at harvest date, 62 days after planting.

   At harvest time for retail sale, optimal quality plants were judged to be achieved between 5%v to 10% v ZeoPro with one half normal fertilization compared to the 0% ZeoPro full feed control.  The 10%v ZeoPro treatment without any supplemental fertilization also performed equivalent to the fully fed control.  The 10% ZeoPro with full supplemental fertilization received excessive fertilization and exhibited iron toxicity symptoms, demonstrating that when using ZeoPro one can and should reduce normal fertilization practices by 50% or more.

   In post harvest tests 85 days after harvest and the last fertilization (147 days after planting), ZeoPro (5% and 10%) at half feed also aided in post-harvest maintenance of quality (see bottom photo).

       No ZeoPro                        5% ZeoPro                 10% ZeoPro           10% ZeoPro           

     Full feed control                  Half feed                       Half feed                   No feed

                                                    62 days after planting

         No ZeoPro                    5% ZeoPro                     10% ZeoPro

          Half feed                        Half feed                           Half feed

                                        85 days after harvest

                         (Blossoms removed for photos)

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