The growth and flowering of four annual ornamentals, namely zinnia (Zinnia elegans), celosia (Celosía plumosa), marigold (Tagetes erecta), and vinca (Catharanthus roseus) were evaluated at different growing media containing varying percentage of coconut dust and tropical peat (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 100%, v/v). Plants grown in 100% peat were the shortest and accumulated the least amount of dry matter. Higher proportion of coconut dust delayed plume emergence in celosia but they were longer than those grown in 100% peat. Marigold grown in coconut dust containing media produced more flowers. Variation in the proportion of coconut dust did not affect the growth and flowering of vinca plants. Incorporation of sand into the coconut dust-based growing media to improve media wettability up to 33% maintained good moisture content and air-filled porosity.
- Authors: Awang, Y., Ismail, M.R.
- Author Affiliation: Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia
- Subjects: coconuts, peat, tropics, plants
- Publication type: Journal Article
- Source: Acta Horticulturae 450: 31-38
- Year: 1997
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1997.450.2
