STIMULATION OF BRANCHING IN YOUNG TEA PLANTS

Growth regulators are being tested for their effects on the growth rates of shoots of young tea plants. Results from some screening trials are reported.

Gibberellic acid, 'Off-Shoot-O' and 'Maintain CF 125' all stimulated axillary bud activity, although the effect of gibberellic acid was transient. CF 125 also inhibited extension growth of the apical meristems. Optimum growth regulator concentration varied from clone to clone, and in all clones the effects were less than those obtained by removing the shoot apices by pruning.

Responses to 'Ethrel' were variable, whilst CCC produced no observable effects.