Production of Ornithogalum spp. floral stems as a function of bulb mass

ABSTRACT Among ornamental species, Ornithogalumspp. has a high commercial potential, and bulb size is a determining factor for production success. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of bulb mass on the production and quality of floral stems. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with four bulb mass classes (234-109.9, 109.8-49.9, 49.8-22.7, and 22.6-14.9 g) and six replications. The following variables were evaluated: days to emergence, number of leaves, onset of the reproductive phase, days to harvest (cycle), peduncle diameter, stem height, inflorescence diameter, diameter of the standardized stem at 70 cm, stem fresh mass, and number of stems per plant. Bulbs with mass greater than 109.9 g promoted a higher number of stems per plant, earlier flowering, and floral stems with greater fresh mass and vigor, whereas bulbs with lower mass did not exhibit flowering. Bulbs of greater mass are more suitable for the commercial production of Ornithogalumspp., since they result in floral stems with superior morphophysiological characteristics and greater market value.