Beneficial element (vanadium) improves Zinnia elegans flowers

Abstract

Our study evaluated the effect of vanadium (V) on the behavior of Zinnia elegans “double variegated”. In this experiment, Zinnia plants grown in a greenhouse were fed with a nutrient solution and two concentrations of vanadium (0, 6, and 10 μm) applied four times during the experiment. The V at its levels of 6 µm and 10 µm increased plant length, number of inflorescences and fresh weight. We observed that during the development and appearance of flower buds, and flowering were earlier with the addition of 6 µm and 10 µm. During harvest the changes in size and shape were homogeneous with the control treatment. With the addition of 6 µm, flowers of different sizes were induced, with non-uniform petals, but with different shades of color. With 10 µm the shape of the petals, the distance between them and changes in the shades of the flowers were modified. The postharvest life for the flowers of the control treatment was shorter (15 days), the petals, anthers and floral disc at this time were observed in a poor condition. While 6 µm and 10 µm had a longer postharvest life (20 days), the flowers had a good presentation, their colors were more intense compared to the harvest stage. The application of this beneficial element contributed to the development and flowering of Zinnia in the greenhouse. It is suggested that future research be carried out on the accumulation and/or concentration of vanadium in the different stages of growth or its effect on the concentration of other nutrients.