scholarly journals Coconut Coir and Peat Biocontainers Influence Plant Growth Retardant Drench Efficacy

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 370-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. Flax ◽  
Christopher J. Currey ◽  
James A. Schrader ◽  
David Grewell ◽  
William R. Graves
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Substrate Surface ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Growth Retardant ◽  
Rice Hull ◽  
Growth Data ◽  
Greenhouse Production ◽  
Uncoated Paper ◽  
Coconut Coir

We evaluated the effects of seven types of 4.5-inch top-diameter biocontainers and five rates of paclobutrazol drench on the growth and development of angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia ‘Serena White’) and petunia (Petunia ×hybrida ‘Wave® Purple Improved Prostrate’) during greenhouse production. The container types included were biopolyurethane-coated paper fiber; uncoated paper fiber; rice hull; coconut coir; peat; two types of bioplastic container, one made from 90% polylactic acid (PLA) and 10% lignin [PLA-lignin (90/10 by weight)] and another made from 60% PLA and 40% soy polymer with adipic anhydride {SP.A [PLA-SP.A]; (60/40 by weight)}; and a petroleum-based plastic control. All containers were filled with 590 mL of substrate composed of (by vol) 75% canadian sphagnum moss and 25% perlite. Ten days after transplanting seedlings, 2-fl oz aliquots of deionized water containing 0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 mg·L−1 paclobutrazol were applied to the substrate surface as drenches. The date of anthesis was recorded for each plant, and growth data were collected 6 weeks after transplant. Shoots were harvested and dried and shoot dry weight (SDW) was recorded. Height (angelonia only) and diameter of angelonia and petunia and time to flower were calculated. Container type and paclobutrazol concentration interacted to affect size and SDW of angelonia and petunia. Growth index of angelonia treated with 0 mg·L−1 paclobutrazol and grown in coir and peat containers was 19% to 29% and 29% to 38% smaller than that of plants in other container types, respectively. Diameter of untreated petunia grown in peat containers was similar to that of those grown in coir and uncoated paper fiber containers, but was smaller (10.9 to 13.5 cm) than that of plants grown in other container types. As paclobutrazol concentrations increased from 0 to 20 mg·L−1 treatments, SDWs of petunia grown in coir containers were suppressed by 23%, whereas plants grown in rice hull containers were up to 45% less. Our results indicate that growth suppression of angelonia and petunia grown in biocontainers using paclobutrazol drenches varies by the type of biocontainer. Producers should reduce paclobutrazol drench concentrations to produce plants of appropriate size if substituting coir or peat biocontainers for traditional petroleum plastics, whereas no adjustment in plant growth retardant (PGR) drench concentrations is required for plants produced in the other biocontainer types we evaluated.

scholarly journals Fishwaste Compost Medium Improves Growth and Quality of Container-grown Marigolds and Geraniums Without Leaching

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.L. Hummel ◽  
S. Kuo ◽  
D. Winters ◽  
E.J. Jellum
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Salt Content ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Tagetes Patula ◽  
Greenhouse Production ◽  
Available N ◽  
N Source ◽  
Growing Medium

Abstract Utilization of fish waste for producing fishwaste compost (FWC) as a value-added product is preferred to disposing of it in ocean dumping or landfills. This study determined: (i) the effectiveness of FWC as a container-growth medium and N source for greenhouse production of marigolds (Tagetes patula L. ‘Queen Sophia’) and geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum L.H. Bailey ‘Sprinter Scarlet’) that were drip-irrigated to prevent leaching; and (ii) if leaching was necessary to sustain plant growth. In a 3 by 3 factorial experiment, plants were grown in 100% FWC, 50% FWC:50% Douglas-fir bark (B), and 100% B at 0, 160, and 320 mg (0, 0.0056, 0.0112 oz) N container−1 applied as NH4NO3 every 2 weeks. Under drip irrigation, FWC in the 100% FWC growing medium supplied a sufficient amount of available N up to 7 weeks after transplanting to produce plant quality, shoot growth index (SGI), and shoot and root dry weights comparable to those treated with 320 mg N container−1. In the 50% FWC: 50% B growing medium fertilization with 320 mg N improved plant growth and quality 7 weeks after transplanting. The concentration of inorganic N (NO3 plus NH4) in the 100% FWC declined to very low levels 7 weeks after transplanting. This indicated that FWC used as the sole component of the growing medium was an effective N source for marigolds and geraniums up to 7 weeks after transplant. Compared with no leach plants, irrigation of 100% FWC marigolds with a weekly leaching fraction of about 0.55 did not affect quality, SGI, and shoot dry weight at the time-of-sale, 7 weeks after transplant. The FWC did not have sufficiently high salt content to require minimum leaching to prevent salt injury to the plants.

scholarly journals Average Daily Temperature Effects on Paclobutrazol Efficacy of Four Floriculture Crops

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 742-746
Author(s):  
Kristin L. Getter
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Temperature Effects ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Growth Retardant ◽  
Daily Temperature ◽  
Tagetes Erecta ◽  
Average Daily Temperature

The effects of paclobutrazol (PBZ), a plant growth retardant, and average daily temperature (ADT) on geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum), petunia (Petunia ×hybrida), marigold (Tagetes erecta), and pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens) were quantified. Treatments consisted of four PBZ spray concentrations (0, 15, 30, or 45 ppm) and three ADTs (constant day and night greenhouse temperatures set to 16, 22, or 28 °C). The effectiveness of PBZ was dependent on species. Greenhouse ADT was significant for all species for both growth index (GI) and dry weight (DW). Whether the GI or DW was impacted by the interaction between ADT and PBZ levels were also species dependent. As ADT increased, the trialed levels of PBZ were less effective. Three species (all but petunia) had a significant ADT and PBZ interaction for DW. The 0 ppm PBZ treatment for geranium exhibited a larger DW at 28 °C compared with 16 °C, whereas the 30 and 45 ppm PBZ treatments each had smaller DWs at 28 °C than at 16 °C. However, marigold and pineapple mint generally had larger DWs at higher ADTs than lower ADTs within a PBZ treatment.

scholarly journals Reducing Substrate Moisture Content during Greenhouse Production of Poinsettia Improves Postproduction Quality and Economic Value

HortScience ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (11) ◽  
pp. 1618-1628
Author(s):  
Yanjun Guo ◽  
Terri Starman ◽  
Charles Hall
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Leaf Number ◽  
Stem Length ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Greenhouse Production ◽  
Ethylene Concentration ◽  
Substrate Moisture

The objective was to determine the effect of substrate moisture content (SMC) during poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) greenhouse production on plant quality, postproduction longevity, and economic value. Two experiments were conducted, one in 2016 with ‘Freedom Red’ and the other in 2017 with ‘Christmas Eve Red’. Treatments included two SMC levels (20% or 40%) applied in four timing of application combinations. Total production (TP) time was 14 (2016) or 12 (2017) weeks in which vegetative production (VP) occurred from week 33 (2016) or 35 (2017) to week 39 and reproductive production (RP) continued from week 40 to 47. The four timing of application treatments were 40/40 = TP at 40% SMC; 20/40 = VP at 20% + RP at 40%; 40/20 = VP at 40% + RP at 20%; 20/20 = TP at 20% SMC. After simulated shipping in the dark, plants were evaluated in a simulated retail environment with two packaging treatments: no sleeve covering or plastic perforated plant sleeves covering container and plant. At the end of greenhouse production, plants grown in 20% SMC during RP (20/20 and 40/20) had shorter bract internode length, stem length, and smaller growth index (GI), decreased shoot and root dry weight (DW), and bract and leaf surface area compared with those in 40% SMC during RP (40/40 and 20/40). Photosynthetic rate was higher when plants were watered at 40% SMC regardless of production stage compared with those in 20% SMC. Leaf thickness, petiole thickness, total bract and leaf number were unaffected by SMC treatments. Plants in 20% SMC during RP (20/20 or 40/20) had earlier bract coloring despite days to anthesis being the same for all SMC treatments. Compared with 40/40, 40/20, and 20/20 could save 44.2% or 43.6%, respectively, irrigation and fertilizer usage, and 39.1% and 47.8%, respectively, labor time. During postharvest, ethylene concentration was unaffected by packaging method. Sleeved plants, regardless of SMC treatment, received lower light intensity in the middle of the plant canopy, causing plants to have lower total leaf number due to abscission and SPAD reading at the end of postproduction. The 40/40 treatment abscised more bracts during five weeks (in 2016) of postproduction and with no sleeve had higher number of bracts with bract edge burn (BEB). In summary, reducing SMC to 20% during TP or RP reduced water usage during production and produced more compact plants with increased postproduction quality.

scholarly journals The Effects of Mixed Hardwood Biochar, Mycorrhizae, and Fertigation on Container Tomato and Pepper Plant Growth

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 7072
Author(s):  
Ping Yu ◽  
Qiansheng Li ◽  
Lan Huang ◽  
Kuan Qin ◽  
Genhua Niu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Chicken Manure ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Pepper Plant ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Total Dry Weight ◽  
Similar Soil ◽  
Container Plant

Biochar (BC) has the potential as a peat moss alternative for container plant growth. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of mixed hardwood BC, compost types, mycorrhizae, and fertigation on container-grown tomato and pepper growth. In experiment 1 (Exp1), BC at 50%, 70%, and 90% (vol.) were mixed with 5% vermicompost (VC) with the rest being a commercial peat moss-based substrate (CS) and fertigated at 200 or 300 mg L−1 N. In experiment 2 (Exp2), 80% BC was mixed with chicken manure compost (CM; 5% or 10%) and CS and fertigated at 100 or 200 mg L−1 N. In experiment 3 (Exp3), 90% BC was blended with CS and fertigated at 200 or 300 mg L−1 N. Mixes in all the three experiments were added with or without mycorrhizae. Results showed that, compared with CS, in Exp1 tomato and pepper plants grown in BC-VC mixes had similar soil-plant analyses development (SPAD), growth index (GI), and total dry weight (TDW); in Exp2 and Exp3, plants in BC mixes (80% or 90%) had lower GI and TDW. In conclusion, BC (≤70%) amended with VC mixes could be used for container tomato and pepper production without negatively affecting plant growth, while BC (80%, 90%) mixes could have some negative impacts on plant growth.

scholarly journals Plant Growth Regulator Impacts on Vegetative Cutting Production of Moroccan Pincushion (Pterocephalus depressus) Plants

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-67
Author(s):  
Sean J. Markovic ◽  
James E. Klett
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Gibberellic Acid ◽  
Plant Growth Regulators ◽  
Growth Regulators ◽  
Growth Regulator ◽  
Plant Growth Regulator ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Stock Plant ◽  
Cutting Production

Abstract Moroccan pincushion (Pterocephalus depressus) is a drought-tolerant perennial that is being used in landscapes throughout arid areas of the western United States. This paper describes two experiments researching vegetative cutting production from stock plants. Moroccan pincushion stock plants received foliar applications of gibberellic acid (GA3), benzyladenine, ethephon, or auxin [indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)] plant growth regulators (PGR). Plant growth regulators were applied singularly and in combination with GA3 to determine efficacy on stock plant growth. A propagation study was conducted simultaneously to determine effects of these different PGR treatments applied to stock plants on the rooting of moroccan pincushion cuttings. The stock plant study showed GA3 + benzyladenine application increased cutting production over other PGR treatments. Fresh weight of moroccan pincushion cuttings did not differ among treatments. While cuttings did not differ in dry weight in experiment 1, statistical differences were observed in experiment 2. However, these differences in dry weight did not affect the quality of the cuttings. Cuttings from stock plants treated with GA3 + IBA treatment had the highest numerical growth index [(height + width + width)/3]. Cuttings from stock plants treated with GA3 alone or in combination with another PGR were all greater in average growth index and statistically differed from those without GA3 being applied. PGR treatments did not affect rooting percentages of the cuttings with nontreated stock plant cuttings successfully rooting at an average rate of 95%. However, GA3 + IBA was the only treatment where cuttings had 100% rooting for both experiments, indicating potential rooting benefits. Index words: Plant growth regulator, propagation, Pterocephalus depressus, vegetative cuttings. Species used in this study: Moroccan pincushion [Pterocephalus depressus Archibald]. Chemicals used in this study: gibberellic acid (GA3), benzyladenine, ethephon, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).

scholarly journals Plant Growth Retardants Affect Growth and Flowering of Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-233
Author(s):  
J.R. Kessler ◽  
G.J. Keever
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Maleic Hydrazide ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Growth Retardant ◽  
Shoot Length ◽  
Lateral Shoot ◽  
Shoot Height ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Quality Rating

Abstract This investigation was conducted to determine the plant growth retardant type, application method, and rate required to produce a marketable greenhouse pot plant of Coreopsis verticillata L. ‘Moonbeam’. Pruned plants in 10 cm (4 in) pots received growth retardant treatments in two experiments consisting of one application of ancymidol or paclobutrazol medium drenches at 0, 2, 4, or 6 ppm; daminozide spray at 0, 2550, 5100, or 7650 ppm; paclobutrazol spray at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 ppm; flurprimidol spray at 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, or 200 ppm; or maleic hydrazide at 0, 360, 720, 1080, 1440, or 1800 ppm in the first experiment and sprays of daminozide at 0, 2550, 5100, or 7650 ppm; paclobutrazol at 0, 60, or 120 ppm; daminozide/paclobutrazol combinations at 0, 2550/16, 2550/32, 2550/48, or 2550/64 ppm, chloromequat at 0, 767, 1534, or 2301 ppm; or daminozide/chloromequat combinations at 0, 1275/1534, 2550/1534, 3825/1534, or 5100/1534 ppm in the second experiment. In the first experiment, there was a linear decrease in shoot height, growth index, and lateral shoot length with increasing rates of ancymidol and paclobutrazol drenches and flurprimidol sprays while daminozide decreased growth quadratically. There was a linear increase in shoot height and lateral shoot length with increasing rates of maleic hydrazide but no effect on growth index. Only daminozide and maleic hydrazide increased the number of days from treatment to flower with increasing rates. Quality ratings increased with increasing rates of ancymidol, daminozide, and flurprimidol with the highest ratings found at the two highest rates of daminozide and flurprimidol. Paclobutrazol spray did not affect the parameters measured. In the second experiment, chloromequat spray did not affect the parameters measured but when combined with increasing rates of daminozide, linearly decreased shoot height, growth index, and lateral shoot length while increasing the number of days to flower. Daminozide alone resulted in a quadratic change in growth index and lateral shoot length while linearly increasing the number of days to flower but with no effect on quality rating. The higher rates of paclobutrazol than were used in the first experiment decreased shoot height and lateral shoot length with no effect on growth index, the number of days to flower, or quality rating. Overall, the best quality ratings and the most compact plants resulted from spray applications of daminozide at 5100 ppm or 7650 ppm and flurprimidol at 150 ppm or 200 ppm, however flurprimidol is not currently registered for application to greenhouse crops but a newer product, Topflor, has the same active ingredient and greenhouse crop labeling.

scholarly journals Light Intensity Influences Leaf Physiology and Plant Growth Characteristics of Photinia × fraseri

1991 ◽  
Vol 116 (6) ◽  
pp. 1046-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.G. Norcini ◽  
P.C. Andersen ◽  
G.W. Knox
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Leaf Water ◽  
Light Transmittance ◽  
Leaf Water Content ◽  
Leaf Physiology ◽  
Total Growth ◽  
Lower Light ◽  
Number Of Leaves

Leaf physiology and plant growth of Photinia x fraseri Dress were assessed when grown under full sunlight or (100% sun) or polypropylene shadecloth with a light transmittance of 69%, 47%, or 29% sun. Plants in 69% or 47% sun usually had the highest midday net CO2 assimilation rates (A). Net CO, assimilation rate was most dependent on photosynthetic photon flex (PPF R2 = 0.60), whereas stomata] conductance to water vapor was primarily influenced by vapor pressure deficit (R2 = 0.69). Stomatal conductance was often inversely related to sun level, and intercellular CO2 concentration was often elevated under 29% sun. Midday relative leaf water content and leaf water potential were unaffected by light regime. Light-saturated A was achieved at ≈ 1550 and 1150 μmol·m-2·s-1 for 100% and 29% sun-grown plants, respectively. Under 29% sun, plants had a lower light compensation point and a higher A at PPF < 1100 μmol·m-2·s-1. Total growth was best under 100% sun in terms of growth index (GI) increase, total leaf area, number of leaves, and dry weight (total, stem, leaf, and root), although plants from all treatments had the same GI increase by the end of the experiment. Plants in all treatments had acceptable growth habit (upright and well branched); however, plants grown in 29% sun were too sparsley foliated to be considered marketable. There were no differences in growth among the four treatments 7 months after the Photinia were transplanted to the field.

scholarly journals Plant Growth Retardants Affect Growth and Flowering of Achillea × ‘Coronation Gold’

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.R. Kessler ◽  
G.J. Keever
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Growth Retardant ◽  
Growth Retardants ◽  
Shoot Height ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Quality Ratings ◽  
Plant Growth Retardants

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of several widely used plant growth retardants on plant size and flowering of Achillea × ‘Coronation Gold’. Plants in 10 cm (4 in) pots were grown in a greenhouse and treated with B-Nine at 0, 2550, 5100, or 7650 ppm; Cycocel at 0, 767, 1534, or 2301 ppm; B-Nine/Cycocel at 0, 1275/1534, 2550/1534, or 3825/1534 ppm; Sumagic at 0, 11, 22, 33, 44, or 55 ppm; Bonzi at 0, 32, 64, 96, 128, or 160 ppm; or Cutless at 0, 40, 80, or 120 ppm as a spray 1 week after vernalization. B-Nine, Cycocel, B-Nine/Cycocel, Sumagic, Bonzi, and Cutless reduced shoot height and growth index by 36 and 26%, 39 and 27%, 61 and 41%, 75 and 52%, 52 and 36%, and 75 and 51%, respectively, with the highest rate of each. B-Nine, Cycocel, B-Nine/Cycocel, and Sumagic, but not Bonzi or Cutless, increased the number of days to open inflorescence by 3-5 days with increasing rate. Sumagic, Bonzi, and Cutless reduced inflorescence diameter by up to 15, 18, and 14%, respectively but not B-Nine, Cycocel, or B-Nine/Cycocel. The highest quality ratings of 2.8 to 3.0 were found with B-Nine/Cycocel at 3825/1534 ppm, Sumagic at 22 and 33 ppm, and Bonzi at 64 ppm. Differences between the results in this study and earlier studies implicate the possible impact of differences in experimental environments, container size, or stage of development when the plant growth retardant treatments were applied.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Growth-promoting Effects of Microbial Biostimulants on Greenhouse Floriculture Crops

HortScience ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-109
Author(s):  
Yiyun Lin ◽  
Michelle L. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Leaf Size ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Shoot Biomass ◽  
Greenhouse Production ◽  
Agricultural Applications ◽  
Growth Promoting ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

Microbial biostimulants can promote ornamental plant growth during production and improve crop performance under abiotic stresses. Even though biostimulants have shown potential in many agricultural applications, the effectiveness and specificity of many products are not well understood. The objective of this study was to analyze the growth-promoting effects of microbial biostimulants during the greenhouse production of floriculture crops. We evaluated 13 biostimulant products in greenhouse-grown zinnia (Zinnia elegans ‘Magellan Ivory’) and petunia (Petunia ×hybrida ‘Carpet White’) at low fertility (one-third of the optimal fertilizer concentration). Biostimulant products 1 and 2 containing multiple species of beneficial bacteria and fungi, and product 10 containing Bacillus subtilis QST 713, were found to increase various aspects of plant growth, including the growth index, leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD index), and shoot biomass. Both flower biomass and numbers were greater in petunia treated with product 1, and leaf size increased in zinnia treated with products 1, 2, and 10. Plants treated with these effective biostimulants at low fertility had similar or better growth and quality than untreated plants grown under optimal fertility. The concentration of various nutrient elements in leaves was higher in zinnia plants treated with biostimulant products 1, 2, or 10 compared with the negative control. Some putative mechanisms for biostimulant effectiveness, the possible reasons for biostimulant ineffectiveness, and the potential for using biostimulants as a sustainable cultural strategy are discussed. This study provides useful information about microbial biostimulant effectiveness, which is important for the development and utilization of biostimulants in the greenhouse production of floriculture plants.

scholarly journals Paclobutrazol Application Method Influences Growth and Flowering of `New Gold' Lantana

1996 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Ruter
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Control Plant ◽  
Growth Control ◽  
Foliar Spray ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Pine Bark ◽  
Root Dry Weight ◽  
Spray Applications

Paclobutrazol was applied as a foliar spray, root-medium drench, and impregnated spike to `New Gold' lantana grown in 2.8-liter pots. Plants were treated 14 June 1993 at rates of 0, 0.5, and 1.0 mg a.i. paclobutrazol/pot and were harvested 27 July 1993 when control plants required further pruning. Impregnated spikes reduced plant size and flowering to a greater degree than spray applications. Drenches reduced root dry weight and biomass compared to spray applications. Plants treated with 0.5 and 1.0 mg a.i. paclobutrazol/pot were not different in regards to plant growth and flowering. Compared to nontreated controls, plants treated with paclobutrazol had a reduced growth index, decreased shoot and root dry weight, and fewer flowers with open florets. All plants in the study were marketable, even though growth control was considered excessive. Lower rates than used in this study should be considered for controlling growth. These results suggest that impregnated spike formulations of paclobutrazol may control plant growth in pine bark-based media.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document