This study was conducted to establish appropriate seedling production methods and optimal nutrient solution concentration for stable production of Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng) under an aeroponic cultivation system. Germination c...
This study was conducted to establish appropriate seedling production methods and optimal nutrient solution concentration for stable production of Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng) under an aeroponic cultivation system. Germination characteristics of three cultivars were compared, and the effects of seeding density and shoot cutting treatment during plug seedling production on growth enhancement were evaluated. In addition, growth responses, antioxidant compound contents, and nutrient uptake characteristics of Chinese chives were analyzed under different electrical conductivity (EC) levels of the nutrient solution. Among the tested cultivars, ‘Speed Green’ showed the highest germination rate, whereas the local cultivar ‘Dume’ showed low germination. Increased seeding density did not proportionally increase leaf number however, shoot cutting treatment significantly promoted tillering and leaf development, with greater effects observed at a 7 cm cutting height. Seeding 8 – 10 seeds per cell in plug trays was effective for early tillering. Under different EC treatments, leaf number was highest at EC 1.2 dS·m⁻¹, while shoot and root fresh and dry weights were greatest at EC 1.6 dS·m⁻¹. No significant difference in shoot fresh weight was observed between EC 1.2 and 1.6 dS·m⁻¹, indicating that EC 1.2 dS·m⁻¹ may be more efficient for shoot production. Antioxidant activity was higher in underground parts, and total antioxidant content was highest at EC 1.6 dS·m⁻¹. During cultivation, nutrient solution pH gradually increased, while EC declined in the late growth stage. Nutrient uptake varied with growth stage, particularly for potassium, nitrate nitrogen, and sulfur, with sulfur demand increasing during later stages. These results provide fundamental information for optimizing nutrient solution management in aeroponic cultivation of Chinese chives.