Pot growing Media Amendment with Calcium Cyanamide and Weed Control Relationships

Abstract

The aim of this research was to characterize the effect of a pre-transplant calcium cyanamide fertilization on weed control in the potted bedding ornamental plant Impatiens wallerana and to describe the physiological mechanisms involved. The positive effect of a calcium cyanamide amendment included both ammonium toxicity on weed seed germination and a decrease of weed rates growth such as relative leaf expansion rate (RLAE) and relative growth rate (RGR). Data showed RGR-NAR (net assimilation rate), RLAE-RGR, RLAE-NAR and RGR-root dry weight relationships, which would explain ammonium toxicity to roots and weed growth responses. These effects probably could be explained by a change in hormonal root synthesis. Our results showed that a pre-transplant calcium cyanamide amendment combining with a transplant routine optimize both I. wallerana growth and weed control.