Rapid Determination of Nitrogen Status in Pansy

Two experiments were conducted with pansy ( Viola × wittrockiana Gams `Bingo Yello') to determine the relationship between foliar nitrogen (% of dry weight) (FN) and either sap nitrate concentration (SN) in petioles or SPAD readings of foliage. FN was highly correlated to SN throughout both experiments ( r = 0.80 to 0.91). FN was poorly correlated to SPAD readings early in both experiments ( r = 0.54 to 0.65), but more highly correlated later when visual symptoms of N deficiency were apparent ( r = 0.84 to 0.90). SN determined with the Cardy sap nitrate meter was a reliable predictor of FN in pansy, while SPAD readings were only reliable after symptoms of N deficiency were visually evident. FN can be predicted with SN using the following equation: log(SN) = 0.47 * FN + 1.6 [ r 2 = 0.80, n = 132]. Growers and landscape professionals can use SN readings to predict FN levels in pansy, and thus rapidly and accurately diagnose the N status of their crop.