EFFECTS OF CULTIVATION PRACTICES ON SUNFLOWER PRODUCTION AS CUT FLOWER

The production of sunflower as cut flower has been adopted in the last years but the cultivation protocol for this purpose is not well established.
The genetic screening and the use of plant growth retardant (PGR) are performed to produce sunflowers at the required market specifications for cut flower.
Many investigations have found a significant effect on sunflower characteristics when plants were treated with PGR. The results were also affected by application volume and technique.
The effects of the interaction between PGR, cultivars and climatic conditions on quality parameters of cut sunflowers could be considered.
The aim of our investigation was to study the plant response in relation to: six concentrations of daminozide (0, 1300, 1700, 2100, 2500, mg L^-1), number of applications (1 or 2 with the same total amount), two application time (extension of 10^th or 12^th leaf) and two planting methods (sowing and transplant). Two cultivation cycles were also carried out to observe the interaction between studied factors and climatic conditions.
The application of daminozide influenced significantly height and stem diameter as well as the flowering time; the effect on stem height was more evident when the early treatment was conducted.
The application of growth retardant in two subsequent stages did not differ from a single application.
No differences on cut sunflower characteristics were observed in relation to the planting method; the advantage of transplant is related to the possibility of reducing cycle cultivation time.
The climatic conditions influenced deeply the cut sunflower characteristics.

International Symposium on Strategies Towards Sustainability of Protected Cultivation in Mild Winter Climate

F. Giuffrida, C. Cassaniti, C. Leonardi

plant growth retardants, daminozide, sowing, transplant, Helianthus annuus

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.807.105