GROWTH AND FLOWERING IN POT PLANTS SOAKED WITH PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR SOLUTIONS IN EBB AND FLOOD BENCHES

In one experiment 4 cultivars of Pelargonium x zonale were treated with paclobutrazol or chlormequat and compared with untreated control plants. The plant growth regulators (PGRs) were supplied either as a foliar spray or supplied to the benches with an average of 180 ml to each 11 cm pot. After the substrate had absorbed the solution with the PGRs the ebb and flood irrigation continued.

In two experiments each with 2 cultivars of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, the solutions with PGRs were supplied to the benches with ebb and flood irrigation. After 20 minutes of absorption into the substrate the residues were removed from the benches.

All the methods of application resulted in uniform retardation of the growth. Supply of ancymidol, paclobutrazol and uniconazole to the benches reduce the requirement of PGRs several times compared with spraying.

Analyses for ancymidol residues in the nutrient solution showed less residues after the supply to the benches than after a foliar spray.

The mentioned methods of application may be alternatives to multiple sprays with chlormequat and daminozide, or when foliar sprays have no effect.