Effects of Different Nitrogen,Phosphorus and Potassium Levels on Ornamental Characters of Begonia dregei var.macbethii
The effects of nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium on the ornamental characters(caudex diameter and biomass,plant height,number of branches and flowers)of Begonia dregei var.macbethii were investigated via a pot experiment in the greenhouse.The results showed that compared with the standard concentration NPK treatment,the growth and ornamental traits of Begonia dregei var.macbethii were significantly decreased under nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency treatment.Increasing N and P levels could promote the caudex diameter and biomass of caudex and above-ground part,plant height,branch number,and flowering number of Begonia dregei var.macbethii to varying de-grees.The growth indexes of caudex diameter,caudex biomass,and flowering number of Begonia dregei var.macbethii under 2NPK treatment were higher than those under other treatments.In conclusion,different nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium levels significantly affected the ornamental traits of Begonia dregei var.macbethii.To maintain the healthy growth and good ornamental morphology of Begonia dregei var.macbethii,higher nitrogen and essential phosphorus were needed.