The use of Si in the cultivation of pot-grown ornamental species in greenhouse has increased the output and quality of the final product. The objective of this study was to evaluate yield and nutrient uptake of two rose cultivars grown in pots under Si application to the substrate. The treatments, arranged in a 2 x 5 factorial design, consisted of two rose cultivars (Yellow Terrazza® and Red White Terrazza®) and five Si doses (0.0; 0.25; 0.50; 0.75 e 1.00 g kg-1), and evaluated in a randomized block design with four replications. The plant height, cycle, yield, diameter, floral longevity, concentration and amounts foliar Si, macro- and micronutrients were evaluated. Analysis of variance was performed adjusting regression equations for the effect of Si doses. Silicon applied to the substrate improved the output and quality of the roses grown in pots in greenhouse, although the plant response varied with the Si rates. To obtain 90 % of the maximum production of flowers dry matter the Si rates were of 0.43 and 0.22 g kg-1 for the Yellow Terrazza® and Red White Terrazza®, respectively. Negative effects of the element were however observed at rates of 0.86 and 0.55 g kg-1 Si and upwards for Yellow Terrazza® and Red White Terrazza®, respectively. The foliar Si contents increased according to the Si rate applied to the substrate.
hybrid rose; floriculture; potassium silicate
