Cerium (Ce) Affects the Phenological Cycle and the Quality of Tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.)

Objective: To study the effect of cerium (Ce) applied in a nutrient solution during the productive cycle, on the duration of the phases of the phenological cycle of tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.) cv. Jan van Nes. Design/Methodology/Approach: Commercial bulbs (caliber 12) were planted under shade cloth conditions during the autumn-winter period. The levels of Ce used were 5, 15 and 15 M from CeCl3 7H2O; Ce was applied in the nutrient solution from the first day of the sowing, apart from the control without its application. Results: The different concentrations of Ce stimulated bulb sprouting. The low concentration of Ce (5 M) promoted the early formation of floral buds and their coloration. Hence, the application of 5 M Ce induces flowering of the tulip without exhibiting changes in the period of time to reach senescence. When 25 M Ce were applied, the opposite effects were observed. The duration of the flower was not significantly affected by the treatments. Study Limitations/Implications: This study was made only in one cultivar of tulip. Findings/Conclusions: The application of 5 M of Ce had a positive effect in the tulip cycle, by stimulating bulb sprouting, the formation of the floral bud, the coloration, and the induction of the flowering cycle.