Photo-selective nets and potassium concentrations on Costus lasius crop

ABSTRACT The practice of using different photo-selective nets, associated with the technique of fertigation, represents a new agrotechnological concept that aims to promote specific physiological responses for growth and production, which are regulated by light. The aims of the study were to evaluate the effect of photo-selective nets and potassium concentrations in the fertigation solution on the horticultural performance of Costus lasius. The study was conducted at the Universidade de São Paulo, ESALQ, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. Three experiments were carried out separately to evaluate five potassium concentrations in the fertigation solution (40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 mg L-1) under three colours of photo-selective nets (red, blue and black) in a randomized block design, with five repetitions. The variables plant height and numbers of leaves, stems and flower buds were evaluated. The data were submitted to the joint analysis of experiments. The association between the K+ concentration of 200 mg L-1 and the black photo-selective net results in higher stem and inflorescence production.