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Current Research Program of Donglin Zhang This page lists the title of my current research program. For more detailed information or other relevant information, please contact Dr. Donglin Zhang, Horticulture Program, 5722 Deering Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5722, Phone: 207-581-2918, Fax: 207-581-2999, and Email: donglin@maine.edu. Effect of Phosphorous on Growth and Flowering of Scaevola aemula R. Br. 'New Wonder' Scaevola aemula R.Br. (fanflower) is a popular ornamental plant native to Australia. the cultivar ‘New Wonder’ is widely used for hanging baskets and bedding plants. Recently, reduced growth and low-quality was observed with high phosphorous concentrations. To determine how phosphorous affects this plant, rooted cuttings were transplanted into 15 cm standard pots and grown under the 20-P-16.6 (N-P-K) water soluble fertilizer, where P concentrations were 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 mg@L-1. Growth and flowering data were taken every three weeks, and the experiment was terminated after 12 weeks. Phosphorous concentration had significant influence on growth and flowering of ‘New Wonder’ fanflower. The length of the longest shoot was slightly reduced at P concentrations of 40 to 60 mg@L-1, and greater reductions occurred at concentrations above 60 mg@L-1. The number of shoots per plant and shoot dry weight followed the same trend. Number of flowers per plant was not affected by 0-60 mg@L-1. At concentrations above 60 mg@L-1, flower numbers decreased. Leaf size was reduced by increasing P concentration. At 20 mg@L-1 P, leaves were more than three times larger than with 120 mg@L-1 P. To produce better quality plants, 20 mg@L-1 of phosphorous or lower should be applied at each irrigation. Phosphorous concentration higher than 60 mg@L-1 should be avoided. Further investigation should be conducted on the mechanism of how phosphorous affects growth and flowering of Scaevola aemula ‘New Wonder’.Growing Full Charged Scaevola aemula 'New Wonder" Hanging Baskets Extending Growing Season in Maine by Planting Flowering Kale and Cabbage The Relationship of Cupressus Complex Based on ITS Sequences The Origination of Cultivar 'Quiana' from DNA Markers and Sequencing. Propagation of Native Plants for Commercial Uses and Natural Conservation (Hatch Project) New Release: Rudbeckia hirta 'Plainview Farm' (Plainview Farm Daisy) |
