Chrysanthemums : an experimental investigation and teacher's guide : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma in Horticultural Science at Lincoln College

Abstract

This dissertation has been modifed in part to form a teachers' guide for part of the University Agricultural Science Syllabus. Part One is a record of the experiments undertaken at Lincoln College to form a basis for Part Two, which is the teachers' guide. This part provides general information on chrysanthemum production and more detailed information as a guide for teachers growing chrysanthemums for experimental use and observation. Two factorial experiments were conducted on Chrysanthemum monifolium Ramat cv Bronze Princess Anne to examine and design suitable experiments for schools. Experiment one examined the effects on plant growth of three concentrations of nitrogen and potassium (50ppm, 150ppm and 300ppm) over two lime rates (3kg/m³ and 6kg/m³). The low rate produced the poorest quality plants, some with magnesium deficiency. Low N concentration retarded flowering and high N concentration increased inflorescence diameter. High K concentration increased inflorescence diameter. Lime and nitrogen and lime and potassium interactions were observed, affecting the inflorescence diameter and stem length, respectively. Experiment two compared the effectiveness of three concentrations and one or three applications. Cycocel and Alar controlled plant height successfully, but Pix was not effective. Alar and Cycocel were more effective at higher concentration and with multiple applications. A teacher’s guide is included for growing chrysanthemums in school for teaching horticulture.