Effect of growth regulators and mineral fertilizers on seed productivity and decorative qual-ities of zinnia

Abstract

Growth regulators had a significant effect on seed productivity of zinnia elegans, among which the most effective was epin-extra. With a two-fold treatment of zinnia plants with epibrassinolide, the increase in the collection of seeds compared to the control was 36%. The preparation from the group of hydroxycinnamic acids zircon was less productive. The increase in the collection of zinnia seeds from double spraying with zircon was 15%. The application of mineral fertilizers in a dose of N24P24K24, on average, over three years provided an additional collection of zinnia seeds by 20–35%. Analysis of variance of the data on the seed productivity of zinnia showed that a significant interaction was noted between the factors of the use of mineral fertilizers and growth regulators, i.e. the influence of one factor intensified the effect of the other. Among the varieties of zinnia, the graceful variety Mechta turned out to be more resistant to unfavorable weather conditions and, in comparison with the Orange King variety, tolerated recurrent cold and droughts more easily during the growing season. In addition, the Mechta cultivar turned out to be more even in height and in the formation of lateral flowering shoots, which is important when used in ornamental flower compositions.