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Abstract
In this study, the effect of phosphite (Phi), an analogue anion of phosphate (Pi), was evaluated on the phenology of Mariachi Blue and Echo Lavanda varieties of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum Raf.), under greenhouse conditions. The Phi was added to the Steiner nutrient solution at 50%, in concentrations of 0, 0.075 and 0.150 mM. The treatments started 15 days after the transplant (DDT) and continued until the end of the cycle. From the transplant, the days at the beginning of flowering (IF), at the beginning of floral opening (AP), at full flowering (PF), at the beginning of senescence (IS), as well as the days of flower life at flowerpot (VFM) were recorded. Treatment with 0.150 mM of Phi, delayed IF, AF, PF and IS in the Mariachi Blue variety; while, both doses of Phi evaluated did not affect the life of the flower in pot. In the Echo Lavanda variety, the treatment with 0.075 mM Phi delayed the IF, AF, PF and the IS; while treatment with 0.150 mM significantly increased VFM; in both cases with respect to the control. It is concluded that both varieties have a delay in the phenological cycle when they are treated with Phi; also, in the Echo Lavanda variety, the VFM is increased in two days, when the plants are treated with 0.150 mM Phi, in comparison to the control.