Effect of applying calcium chloride and three milk supplements to poinsettia ‘Prestige Red’

ABSTRACT

Some poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) cultivars are susceptible to bract calcium (Ca) deficiency in developing bracts. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of foliar uptake of Ca from milk-based products plus calcium chloride (CaCl₂) as a potential Ca source. Weekly foliar applications of 237 mL L⁻¹ whole milk, 80 mL L⁻¹ powdered milk, 30 mL L⁻¹ condensed milk, 0.94 g L⁻¹ CaCl₂, or distilled water (used as a control) were applied to runoff of ‘Prestige Red’ for four weeks. The four largest bracts with petioles on three different inflorescences and three leaves with petioles below the transitional leaf per inflorescence were collected per pot. None of the treatments affected bract or leaf Ca concentration. Powdered milk treatments resulted in a higher concentration of zinc (Zn) in bracts and aluminum (Al) in bracts and leaves. White residue remained on the bracts and leaves after treatment with powdered milk, which would reduce marketability.

Keywords:

• Euphorbia pulcherrima
• nutrient absorption
• foliar application
• bract necrosis

Acknowledgments

We thank Sun Gro Horticulture for media donation. Approved for publication by the director, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station.