Effects of bioslurry and plant biostimulant Hicure^® on yield, flower quality and vase life of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.)

Abstract: Two greenhouse experiments were conducted in Finlays, Lemotit Flower Farm, Kenya to determine the effect of bioslurry and plant biostimulant Hicure^® on yield, quality and vase life of carnation. The experiments were laid in split plot embedded in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Four levels of bioslurry: 0, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 L m^-2 were applied in the main plot while four levels of Hicure^®: 0, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 L ha^-1 were used in the sub-plot. Results showed that bioslurry or plant biostimulant did not have a significant effect on carnation’s flower yield, weight, flower stem length and flower stem diameter. However, the interaction of bioslurry and plant biostimulant particularly at the rate of 0.5 L m^-2 and 3 L ha^-1 significantly improved the flower stem length by 1.11 cm as compared to control. The application of bioslurry significantly improved the flower head size in second trial from 21.09 mm in control to 21.68 mm, 21.81 mm and 21.90 mm for the carnation’s flower head diameter and from 40.34 mm in control to 40.96 mm, 40.97 mm and 40.88 mm for the carnation’s flower head length, respectively for the rate of 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 L m^-2. The flower head diameter was significantly improved from 22.12 mm in control to 22.32 mm, 22.30 mm and 22.40 mm by respective application of Hicure^® at the rate of 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 L ha^-1 during first trial. Their interaction also improved the flower head length in second trial. Application of bioslurry had no significant effect on the vase life while plant biostimulant at the rates of 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 L ha^-1 significantly reduced the vase life by two days in first trial and one day in second trial. It was concluded that application of bioslurry at the rate of 0.5 L m^-2 and plant biostimulant Hicure^® at the rate 3 L ha^-1 can therefore, be adopted for improvement of carnation quality parameters such as stem length and flower head size.