Few experimental studies have been carried out to analyze growth of the ornamental sunflower under protected environment conditions. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate effects of different silicon doses on the growth of two cultivars of ornamental sunflower. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, from September to December 2010. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme, referring to doses 0; 2; 4; 6 and 8 g of Si per pot and cultivars of ornamental sunflower Jardim Amarelo Alto and Sol Vermelho. Each experimental unit consisted of a plastic pot with a capacity of 10 L, with 5.33 L of soil. All experimental units were fertilized with N:P2O5:K2O in a dose of 60-80-80 kg ha-1. Doses of silicon significantly increased the external capitulum diameter and the total opening of flower bud (days) sunflower plant. The cultivar Sol Vermelho showed better response to the application of silicon compared to Jardim Amarelo Alto.
Helianthus annuus L.; mineral nutrition; leaf area; dry matter
