Foliar fertilization: a key strategy for enhancing growth and bio productivity in flower crops
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.7531Keywords:
efficient, flower yield, macronutrient, micronutrients, nanofertilizer, nutrient uptakeAbstract
The foliar application of nutrients in flower crops is gaining popularity as an efficient agronomic practice that involves spraying nutrient solutions directly onto plant leaves for quick absorption of nutrients. This technique is especially for flower crops, where the quality and aesthetics of blooms are critical. The issues like nutrient leaching and soil fixation, can be bypassed by foliar fertilization ensures that essential nutrients are quickly available to plants, leading to rapid growth responses. It is also effective in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, as these elements are often immobilized in the soil. Foliar sprays can supply both macro and micro nutrients, though careful formulation and application frequency are necessary to avoid phytotoxicity. Research indicates that floral excellence, colour intensity and shelf life are improved through foliar application. Moreover, it can be used to deliver growth regulators and plant protectants, enhancing crop performance and resilience against pest and diseases. Despite its benefits, the successful adoption of foliar fertilization requires attention to technical aspects such as nutrient formulation, concentration, timing and environmental conditions to optimize nutrient uptake and improve physiological responses. Emerging trends such as use of Nano fertilizer, offer promising results in enhancing nutrient delivery, improving flower quality and yield. This review synthesizes recent research findings to provide a comprehensive guide on effective foliar practices that can boost flower production, productivity and sustainability.
Downloads
References
Singh J, Singh M, Jain A, Bhardwaj S, Singh A, Singh D, et al. An introduction of plant nutrients and foliar fertilization: a review. Precision Farming: A New Approach, New Delhi: Daya Publishing Company. 2013:252-320.
Silberbush M. Simulation of ion uptake from the soil. Plant Roots: CRC Press; 2002:1017-35. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780203909423-45
Rajasekar M, Nandhini DU, Suganthi S. Supplementation of mineral nutrients through foliar spray - A review. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 2017;6(3):2504-13. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2017.603.283
Alexander A. Optimum timing of foliar nutrient sprays. In foliar fertilization: Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Foliar Fertilization, organized by Schering Agrochemical Division, Special Fertilizer Group, Berlin (FRG) March 14-16, 1985; 1986 Mar 31: 44-60. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.Wittwer S, Teubner F. Foliar absorption of mineral nutrients. 1959. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4386-5
Kolota E, Osinska M. Efficiency of foliar nutrition of field vegetables grown at different nitrogen rates. In International Conference on Environmental Problems Associated with Nitrogen Fertilisation of Field Grown Vegetable Crops 563 1999:87-91. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2001.563.10
Franke W. Mechanisms of foliar penetration of solutions. Annual Review of Plant Physiology. 1967;18(1):281-300. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.pp.18.060167.001433
Dybing CD, Currier H. Foliar penetration by chemicals. Plant Physiology. 1961;36(2):169. https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.36.2.169
Burkhardt J, Dreitz S, Goldbach H, Eichert T. Stomatal uptake is an important factor for foliar fertilization. Technology and Application of Foliar Fertilizers: Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Foliar Fertilization; 1999: Soil and Fertilizer Society of Thailand Bangkok.
Raven P, Johnson G. Evolutionary history of plants. Biology (WCB/McGraw-Hill: Boston, MA). 1999:645-64.
Buick RD, Robson B, Field RJ. A mechanistic model to describe organosilicon surfactant promotion of triclopyr uptake. Pesticide Science. 1992;36(2):127-33. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.2780360208
OosterhuiFs D. Foliar fertilization: mechanisms and magnitude of nutrient uptake. Proceedings of the Fluid Forum; 2009. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3195-2_25
Schonherr J. Characterization of aqueous pores in plant cuticles and permeation of ionic solutes. Journal of Experimental Botany. 2006;57(11):2471-91. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erj217
Dickison WC. Integrative Plant Anatomy: Elsevier; 2000.
Wojcik P. Uptake of mineral nutrients from foliar fertilization. 2004.
Patil B, Chetan H. Foliar fertilization of nutrients. Marumegh. 2018;3(1):49-53.
Ali EF, Hassan F, Abdel-Rahman SS, Siddique KH. Foliar application of potassium and zinc enhances the productivity and volatile oil content of damask rose (Rosa damascena miller var. trigintipetaladieck). Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Hortorum Cultus. 2021;20(4):101-14. https://doi.org/10.24326/asphc.2021.4.9
Mahajan M, Pal PK. Flower yield and chemical composition of essential oil from Rosa damascena under foliar application of Ca(NO3)2 and seasonal variation. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum. 2020;42(2):23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-019-2996-5
Younis A, Riaz A, Sajid M, Mushtaq N, Ahsan M, Hameed M, et al. Foliar application of macro-and micronutrients on the yield and quality of Rosa hybridacvs. Cardinal and Whisky Mac. African Journal of Biotechnology. 2013;12(7):702.
Shah ST, Ullah S, Khan N, Sajid M, Rab A, Amin NU, et al. Effect of zinc as a foliar spray on growth and flower production of Marigold (Tageteserecta L.). Pure and Applied Biology. 2016;5(4):1. https://doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2016.50092
Ahmad I, Khan MA, Qasim M, Ahmad R, Randhawa MA. Growth, yield and quality of Rosa hybrida L. as influenced by various micronutrients. Pak J Agric Sci. 2010;47(1):5-12.
Devi SR, Thokchom R, Singh U. Growth, flowering and yield of tuberose (Polianthestuberosa L.) cv. Single as influenced by foliar application of ZnSO4 and CuSO4. Int J Curr Microbiol App Sci. 2017;6(10):735-43. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2017.610.090
Mudassir S, Ahmad R, Anjum MA. Foliar application of micronutrients enhances growth, flowering, minerals absorption and postharvest life of tuberose (Polianthestuberosa L.) in calcareous soil. J HorticSci Technol. 2021;4:41-7. https://doi.org/10.46653/jhst2142041
Mohana M, Sureshkumar R, Sendhilnathan R, Rajkumar M, Barathkumar T, Sivasankar S. Effect of foliar application of organic and micro nutrients on certain growth and flower yield of African marigold (Tagetes Erecta L.) Cv. Benz Tall. Plant Archives. 2021;21(1):2038-40. https://doi.org/10.51470/PLANTARCHIVES.2021.v21.S1.333
Choudhary A, Mishra A, Bola P, Moond S, Dhayal M. Effect of foliar application of zinc and salicylic acid on growth, flowering and chemical constitute of African marigold cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda (Targets erecta L.). Journal of Applied and Natural Science. 2016;8(3):1467-70. https://doi.org/10.31018/jans.v8i3.984
Shyala MR, Dhanasekaran D, Rameshkumar S. Effect of foliar application of micronutrients and potassium humate on growth and flower yield of African marigold (Tageteserecta L.). Annals of Plant and Soil Research. 2019;21(2):101-7.
Vanlalruati S, Anand P, Kumar G. Effect of micronutrients (Fe and Zn) on flowering and yield attributes of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) cv. Mayur 5. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 2019;89(8):1282-6. https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v89i8.92846
Patel H, Bhatt D, Patel G, Chawla S, Gurjar T. Effect of foliar application of micronutrients on growth and flowering of rose cv. Top secret under polyhouse condition. The Bioscan. An International quaterly Journal of Life Science. 2016;11(1),603-606.
Saini TC, Polara ND, Bajad AA. Effect of micronutrients (Fe and Zn) on growth of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.).2015:216-221. https://doi.org/10.15740/HAS/TAJH/10.2/216-221
Keerthishankar K, Kulkarni BS, Yathindra HA, Sudarshan GK, Mutthuraju GP. Yield and cost economics of Jasminum sambac cv. Mysuru Mallige as influenced by fertigation along with a foliar spray of micronutrients. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2020;9(6):1499-501.
Tayade M, Badge S, Nikam B. Foliar application of zinc and iron as influenced on flowering and quality parameters of tuberose. Int J CurrMicrobiol App Sci. 2018;7(1):2239-43. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.701.270
Mudassir S, Ahmad R, Anjum MA. Foliar application of micronutrients enhances growth, flowering, minerals absorption and post harvest life of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) in calcareous soil. J HorticSci Technol. 2021;4:41-7. https://doi.org/10.46653/jhst2142041
Attia EA, Elhawat N. Combined foliar and soil application of silica nanoparticles enhances the growth, flowering period and flower characteristics of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.). Scientia Horticulturae. 2021;282:110015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2021.110015
Hussein S, Abido AI, Weheda B, Gaber MK. Effect of organic and nano fertilization as substitutes of mineral fertilization on the growth and chemical composition of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) plants. Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research. 2016;22(1):122-35.
DeRosa MC, Monreal C, Schnitzer M, Walsh R, Sultan Y. Nanotechnology in fertilizers. Nature Nanotechnology. 2010 Feb;5(2):91. https://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2010.2
Karimian N, Nazari F, Samadi S. Morphological and biochemical properties, leaf nutrient content and vase life of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) affected by root or foliar applications of silicon (Si) and silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs). Journal of Plant Growth Regulation. 2021;40:2221-35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-020-10272-4
Abass MM, Essa RST, Fahmy AA. Impact of potassium fertilizer and lithovit on growth, flowering and chemical constituents of Arabian jasmine Var. double petals plant. Sinai Journal of Applied Sciences. 2022;11(6):1115-28. https://doi.org/10.21608/sinjas.2023.170414.1163
Mehta A, Sharmaa S, Gautama H, Saha P, Kunwara K, Pantb Ss. Effects of foliar spray of potassium oxide on vegetative growth and flower quality of gladiolus cv. American Beauty. 2022. https://doi.org/10.26480/ppsc.02.2022.79.87
Sajid GM, Kaukab M, Ahmad Z. Foliar application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and nutrients for improvement of lily flowers. Pak J Bot. 2009;41(1):233-7.
Madhuri G, Barad A. Flowering parameters of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) varieties under protected condition influenced by NPK nutrients through foliar spray. The Pharma Innovation. 2018;7(7):105-8.
El-Naggar AH, El-Sayed SG. Response of Dianthus caryophyllus L. plants to foliar nutrition. World Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 2009;5(5):622-30.
Sarwar M, Rehman S, Ayyub C, Ahmad W, Shafi J, Shafique K. Modeling growth of cut-flower stock (Matthiola incana R. Br.) in response to differing in nutrient level. Univers J Food Nutr Sci. 2013;1:4-10. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujfns.2013.010102
Erao K. Influence of iron nutrition on growth, flowering and corm yield in gladiolus. Journal of Ornamental Horticulture. 2005;8(4):293-5.
Wilson A, Singh D, Wesley CJ. Effect of micronutrients foliar application on growth and flowering of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) in naturally ventilated polyhouse under prayagraj agro climatic conditions. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change. 2023;13(10):651-8. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2023/v13i102699
Fahad S, Ahmad M, Akbar Anjum M, Hussain S. The effect of micronutrients (B, Zn and Fe) foliar application on the growth, flowering and corm production of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) in calcareous soils. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology. 2014;16(7):1671-82.
Mishra A, Singh A, Kumar A, Singh A. Effect of foliar application of micronutrients on growth and flowering characters of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv. Nova lux. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci. 2018;7(6):662-6. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.706.076
Giri TK, Beura S, Behera S, Acharjee S. Response of Asiatic lilium hybrid cv. Tresor to foliar application of different group of nutrients. Int J Curr Microbiol App Sci. 2017;6(9):3280-6. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2017.609.404
Verma VK, Verma J, Meena RK. Response to foliar spray of micro-nutrients (Zn, Fe and Cu) in respect to growth and flower productivity of China aster (Callistephuschinensis (L.) NEES) cv. Princess. 2017. https://doi.org/10.15740/HAS/IJAS/14.1/160-164
Singh A, Asmita AS, Hembrom R. Effect of foliar application of zinc and copper on leaf nutrient content, growth and flowering in gladiolus (Gladiolus spp) cv. pink friendship. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 2015;85(7). https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v85i7.50130
Sahu MK, Tirkey T, Sharma G, Tiwari A, Kushram T. Effect of foliar application of micronutrients on growth and flower production of gerbera under protected condition. Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology. 2016;10(4):3099-103. https://doi.org/10.22207/JPAM.10.4.84
Singh AK, Hembrom R, Sisodia A, Pal A. Effect of foliar application of zinc and iron on growth, flowering and post-harvest life in lilium cv. Navona. Indian Journal of Horticulture. 2017;74(3):418-22. https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-0112.2017.00081.0
Islam R. Foliar supplementation of copper-based zinc nano fertilizer on growth and flowering of Lisianthus. 2020.
Ghoneim A, Bosila H, Zewail M. Impact of lithovit and Humic acid fertilization on the vegetative growth of Gladiolus grandiflorus L. cv. white. Environmental Science. 2020;15(4):15-25.
Sarhan AM, Habib AM, Fahmy A, El-Deen N, Selim A. Effect of nano, bio, chemical fertilization and leaves extract of moringa plant on flowering and chemical constituents of gladiolus plant. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry. 2022;65(7):221-30.
Foidle, N; H.P.S. Makkar and K. Beeker (2001). The potential of Moringa oleifera for agricultural and industrial uses. In miracle tree the multipurpose attributes of Moringa. CTA Publications, Wugeningen. The Netherlands.285.
Dhoke SK, Mahajan P, Kamble R, Khanna A. Effect of nanoparticles suspension on the growth of mung (Vigna radiata) seedlings by foliar spray method. Nanotechnology Development. 2013 Feb 5;3(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/nd.2013.e1
Srisha V, Prasad V. Effect of NPK and nanofertilizers on plant growth, yield and quality of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.). International Journal of Plant & Soil Science. 2022;34(22):1529-34. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2022/v34i2231528
Abbasi F, Khaleghi A, Khadivi A. The effect of potassium and nano-potassium on some physiological and biochemical traits of Asiatic Lilium hybrid cv. Tresor. Plant Productions. 2019;42(2):253-64.
Gaber K. Vegetative and flowering growth of geranium as affected by mineral fertilization and ascorbic acid foliar application. Middle East J Appl Sci. 2019;9(1):220-30.
Kaviani B, Ghaziani MVF, Negahdar N. The effect of iron nano-chelate fertilizer and cycocel (CCC) on some quantity and quality qharacters of Euphorbia Pulcherrima willd. Journal of Medical and Bioengineering Vol. 2016;5(1). https://doi.org/10.12720/jomb.5.1.41-44
Nasiri Y, Najafi N. Effects of soil and foliar applications of iron and zinc on flowering and essential oil of chamomile at greenhouse conditions. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica. 2015;105(1):33-41. https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2015.105.1.04
Khalifa R, Shaaban S, Rawia A. Effect of foliar application of zinc sulfate and boric acid on growth, yield and chemical constituents of iris plants. Ozean J Appl Sci. 2011;4(2):129-44.
Kamaluddin AA, Mohsin RM, Kamil AN. Effect of NPK nano fertilizer on vegetative, flowering and content traits of Kalanchoeblossfeldiana. Tikrit journal for agricultural sciences. 2022;22(3):113-9. https://doi.org/10.25130/tjas.22.3.13
Sharpley AN, Chapra SC, Wedepohl R, Sims J, Daniel TC, Reddy KR. Managing agricultural phosphorus for protection of surface waters: Issues and options. Journal of Environmental Quality. 1994;23(3):437-51. https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq1994.00472425002300030006x
Haytova D. A review of foliar fertilization of some vegetable crops. Annual Review & Research in Biology. 2013;3(4):455-65.
Fageria N, Filho MB, Moreira A, Guimarães C. Foliar fertilization of crop plants. Journal of plant nutrition. 2009;32(6):1044-64. https://doi.org/10.1080/01904160902872826
Kuepper G. Foliar fertilization current topic. ATTRA-National sustainable Agriculture Information service NCAT Agriculture specialist. 2003.
Ronen E. Foliar feeding: Another successful way of feeding plants. Practical Hydroponics and Greenhouses. 2008:41-46.
Witek A. Foliar application of fertilizers as an environment-friendly system of mineral fertilization. 2000.

Downloads
Published
Versions
- 01-04-2025 (2)
- 27-03-2025 (1)
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Jeevaa G, Rajadurai K R, Sellamuthu K M, Beaulah A, Venkatesan K, Udithyan B

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright and Licence details of published articles
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
Open Access Policy
Plant Science Today is an open access journal. There is no registration required to read any article. All published articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC Attribution 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).