Composition of Optimal Nutrient Solution for Single-stemmed Rose 'Red velvet' in a Closed Aeroponic System

Experiments were carried out to develop an optimal nutrient solution for the single-stemmed rose (Rosa hybrida L.) 'Red velvet' in a closed aeroponic system. Plants were grown in 1/3, 1/2, 1, or 3/2 strength of the nutrient solution of National Horticultural Research Station in Japan (NHRS). Significantly less changes of pH and EC ($dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$) in the drainage were observed in 1/2 strength treatment as compared to other treatments. The $NO_3-N$, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations in the drainage solution of 1/2 strength treatment were maintained at optimal levels. These results indicated that the rose uptakes of both nutrients and water was more stable than those in other concentration. The concentration of macronutrients in nutrient solution were adjusted based on the ratio of nutrient:water (n/w) taken up by plants grown in the 1/2 strength solution. The composition of the new solution (classified the University of Seoul (UOS) solution) was as follow; $NO_3-N$ 8.8, $NH_4-N$ 0.67, P 2.0, K 4.8, Ca 4.0, Mg 2.0 $me{\cdot}L^{-1}$. To further evaluate new solution on crop growth, the rose 'Red Velvet' was grown again in l/2, 1, and 2 strength UOS solution to compare with 1.0 strength PBG (proefstion voor bloemisterij en glasgroenpe) solution. Overall the plant growth, including the stem length and number of five-leaflet leaves was higher in 1.0 strength of UOS solution than other treatments. Results presented in this study indicate that the nutrients in the UOS solution are well balanced for the single-stemmed rose in the closed aeroponic system.