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Organic substrate amendments improve growth, nutrient uptake and antioxidant responses in Philodendron erubescens var. prince of orange
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Sharifeh Ghasemi   , Sepideh Kalateh Jari * , Marjan Diyanat |
| SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (29 Views) |
In agricultural science, the selection of suitable growth media is recognized as a determining factor in optimal growth, plant health, and input efficiency in ornamental houseplant cultivation. This study investigated the effects of 15 different growing media compositions—1) P30% + C70%, 2) P30% + 6Months FC10% + C60%, 3) P30% + 6Months FC20% + C50%, 4) P30% + 6Months FC30% + C40%, 5) P30% + 12Months FC10% + C60%, 6) P30% + 12Months FC20% + C50%, 7) P30% + 12Months FC30% + C40%, 8) P30% + VC10% + C60%, 9) P30% + VC20% + C50%, 10) P30% + VC30% + C40%, 11) P29% + A1% + C70%, 12) P28% + A2% + C70%, 13) P27% + A3% + C70%, 14) P29% + 6Months FC10% + A1% + C60%, and 15) P29% + 12Months FC10% + A1% + C60%—on the growth and physiology of Philodendron erubescens (Philodendron erubescens var. Prince of Orange) in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results demonstrated that the medium containing 29% perlite + 10% 12-month-old mushroom compost + 1% dried Sargassum seaweed + 60% cocopeat significantly (at the 1% level) improved vegetative growth indices, nutrient uptake (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and photosynthetic pigment content (chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids). This composition, by supplying natural growth nutrients and hormones, reduced oxidative stress and decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and malondialdehyde accumulation. In contrast, the control treatment (30% perlite + 70% cocopeat) exhibited the highest levels of antioxidant enzyme activity and proline accumulation due to organic matter deficiency, indicating oxidative stress. The findings confirm that growth media containing mushroom compost and seaweed enhance soil physicochemical properties and provide gradual nutrient release, creating optimal conditions for ornamental plant growth. This study highlights the critical role of appropriate growth media selection as a key factor in the production management of ornamental plants. |
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| Keywords: Growing media, Growth enhancement, Ornamental plants, Oxidative stress |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/04/12 | Accepted: 2025/07/19 | Published: 2025/10/13
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