Evaluation of the Effect of Different Potassium Concentrations in Nutrient Solution on Growth and Postharvest Life of Lily Flowers (Lilium spp.) in Hydroponic Cultivation

Lilium is scientifically named Lilium longiflorum is a cut bulbous flower. In the process of producing lilium flowers, the quality of the flowers has a special importance and one of the most important factors is proper nutrition. Balanced and optimal nutrition is easily possible in hydroponic systems. In contrast, improper management of the nutrient solution significantly reduces plant growth and impairs the quantitative and qualitative production of the product. Nutrients often interact and the diagnosis of deficiency or toxicity of the nutrients is made by experimental studies under controlled conditions. In order to study the effect of different concentrations of potassium on lily growth and postharvest life, a hydroponic experiment based on a randomized complete design with different concentrations of potassium at three levels of 0, 3 and 6 mM in three replicates in planting bed of 40% perlite + 60% sand was performed. The results showed that most of the plant growth indices, especially shoot dry weight, decreased with potassium consumption in nutrient solution, but at a concentration of 6 mM potassium in nutrient solution, postharvest life increased significantly compared to the control.