The aim of this study was to assess the effect of benzyladenine used for soaking corms on the flowering of Gladiolus hybridus cv. Black Velvet, and on the content of micro- and macronutrients in its leaves. Before being planted, corms of 12-14 cm in diameter were soaked for 30 minutes in water solutions of benzyladenine (BA) at 100, 350 and 600 mg dm-3. The control consisted of water-soaked corms. Following slight desiccation, corms were planted to openwork crates of 14 dm3 in capacity, filled with peat substrate of pH 6.2 and supplemented with Osmocote Plus mixed fertilizer (3-4 M) at 3 g dm-3. Five corms were planted into each crate. Plants grown in the greenhouse were watered regularly. After 4 weeks of culture, fertilization was started by applying 0.2% Peters Professional (20:20:20) mixed fertilizer containing micro- and macronutrients. Plants were fertilized once a week. Benzyladenine at concentrations within the 100-600 mg dm-3 range inhibited the elongation of inflorescence shoots in Gladiolus hybridus cv. Black Velvet; the substance only stimulated the elongation of inflorescences. Benzyladenine at 100 mg dm-3 in the first year of the study and at 350 and 600 mg dm-3 in the second year stimulated the development of flowers in inflorescences. Benzyladenine applied at 100-600 mg dm-3 stimulated the calcium uptake by cv. Black Velvet, while having no effect on the uptake of the other macronutrients. BA applied at 600 mg dm-3 stimulated the uptake of manganese and zinc, whereas at concentrations ranging from 100 to 600 mg dm-3  it stimulated boron uptake, while inhibiting copper uptake.  

23.3.2018