Influence of Soil and Foliar Zinc Sulfate Treatments on Growth and Development of Cut Ornamental Sunflower

Onur Sefa Alkaç

doi:10.16882/hortis.1900411

Influence of Soil and Foliar Zinc Sulfate Treatments on Growth and Development of Cut Ornamental Sunflower

Abstract

Zinc (Zn), an essential micronutrient, plays critical roles in plant growth and physiological regulation. In Helianthus annuus L., proper Zn management is necessary to support plant development and the quality parameters that affect commercial performance. However, studies evaluating different Zn treatment methods and doses simultaneously in this species remain limited. This study was conducted to determine the effects of different Zn doses applied foliarly and through the soil, as well as combinations of these treatments, on growth, quality, and post-harvest performance in Helianthus annuus F₁ ‘Solano Orange Summer’. The experiment consisted of 18 predefined Zn treatment regimes (ZnSO₄ 7H₂O, 20% Zn), including combined treatments representing practical Zn management strategies. Within the scope of the study, flower stem length, stem thickness, flower diameter, number of leaves, branch weight, SPAD value, harvest date, and vase life parameters were evaluated. In some combinations using both foliar and soil treatments, the highest stem length was obtained in the ZF₈+ZT_0.5 (8 mg L^-1 from foliar treatment + 0.5 mg L^-1 from soil treatment) treatment, while branch weight increased in the ZF₄+ZT_1.5 (4 mg L^-1 from foliar treatment + 1.5 mg L^-1 from soil treatment) treatment. Leaf number increased in the ZF₂+ZT_2.5 (2 mg L^-1 from foliar treatment + 2.5 mg L^-1 from soil treatment) treatment, while the earliest harvest and longest vase life were determined in the ZF₈+ZT_1.0 (8 mg L^-1 from foliar treatment + 1.0 mg L^-1 from soil treatment) treatment. The SPAD value was particularly high in the ZF₈ treatment (8 mg L^-1 via foliar treatment). It was determined that all combined Zn treatments resulted in higher branch weight and leaf number compared to the control treatment. In conclusion, this study revealed that Zn treatments have different effects on growth, quality, and post-harvest performance in cut ornamental sunflowers depending on the dose and treatment route.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Horticultural Production (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Onur Sefa Alkaç
0000-0002-1948-7627
Türkiye

Publication Date

April 1, 2026

Submission Date

January 5, 2026

Acceptance Date

March 2, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 43 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.16882/hortis.1900411

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA22ET25EH

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Alkaç, O. S. (2026). Influence of Soil and Foliar Zinc Sulfate Treatments on Growth and Development of Cut Ornamental Sunflower. Horticultural Studies, 43(1), 8-15. https://doi.org/10.16882/hortis.1900411

AMA

1.Alkaç OS. Influence of Soil and Foliar Zinc Sulfate Treatments on Growth and Development of Cut Ornamental Sunflower. HortiS. 2026;43(1):8-15. doi:10.16882/hortis.1900411

Chicago

Alkaç, Onur Sefa. 2026. “Influence of Soil and Foliar Zinc Sulfate Treatments on Growth and Development of Cut Ornamental Sunflower”. Horticultural Studies 43 (1): 8-15. https://doi.org/10.16882/hortis.1900411.

EndNote

Alkaç OS (April 1, 2026) Influence of Soil and Foliar Zinc Sulfate Treatments on Growth and Development of Cut Ornamental Sunflower. Horticultural Studies 43 1 8–15.

IEEE

[1]O. S. Alkaç, “Influence of Soil and Foliar Zinc Sulfate Treatments on Growth and Development of Cut Ornamental Sunflower”, HortiS, vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 8–15, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.16882/hortis.1900411.

ISNAD

Alkaç, Onur Sefa. “Influence of Soil and Foliar Zinc Sulfate Treatments on Growth and Development of Cut Ornamental Sunflower”. Horticultural Studies 43/1 (April 1, 2026): 8-15. https://doi.org/10.16882/hortis.1900411.

JAMA

1.Alkaç OS. Influence of Soil and Foliar Zinc Sulfate Treatments on Growth and Development of Cut Ornamental Sunflower. HortiS. 2026;43:8–15.

MLA

Alkaç, Onur Sefa. “Influence of Soil and Foliar Zinc Sulfate Treatments on Growth and Development of Cut Ornamental Sunflower”. Horticultural Studies, vol. 43, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 8-15, doi:10.16882/hortis.1900411.

Vancouver

1.Onur Sefa Alkaç. Influence of Soil and Foliar Zinc Sulfate Treatments on Growth and Development of Cut Ornamental Sunflower. HortiS. 2026 Apr. 1;43(1):8-15. doi:10.16882/hortis.1900411