Effect of colored shading nets and fertigation nutrient solutions on gerbera cultivation1

ABSTRACT The production of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) under greenhouse conditions often involves shading techniques to control micrometeorological conditions and fertigation to optimize plant nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the chlorophyll index, leaf area and yield characteristics of potted gerbera (‘Red with Eye’ cultivar). A randomized complete block design was adopted, in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, with four concentrations of the fertigation nutrient solution (50, 75, 100 and 125 %) and three shading net colors (red, blue and black). The chlorophyll indices, leaf area and dry masses of the flower capitula, stem and leaves were evaluated. The highest chlorophyll indices were observed under red and black nets at the highest nutrient concentration. The leaf area followed a quadratic response to the nutrient concentration, with a maximum value of 82.9 %. For the dry masses, there was a significant interaction between the factors. Under the blue net, the greatest dry masses were obtained at nutrient concentrations of 93-98 %, whereas, under the red net, the highest values occurred at the 50 % concentration and was recommended as the most efficient treatment.