Flurprimidol Foliar Sprays and Substrate Drenches Control Growth of `Pacino' Pot Sunflowers

Abstract

Flurprimidol substrate drenches at 2 mg a.i. per 15.3 cm (6 inch) pot were more effective on `Pacino' pot sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) than flurprimidol foliar sprays of ≥30 mg.L–1 (ppm), but both treatments resulted in significantly smaller plant height and diameter than the control (28,350 mg = 1 oz). Flurprimidol drenches of 2 mg were comparable in controlling plant height and diameter to the commercial drench recommendations of 2 mg paclobutrazol. The commercial recommendation of daminozide foliar sprays at 4000 mg.L–1 had greater efficacy in controlling plant height than the most effective flurprimidol foliar sprays of ≥30 mg.L–1. Daminozide had no effect on plant diameter, while flurprimidol resulted in narrower plants. Flurprimidol and paclobutrazol drenches of 2 mg offer the economic advantage to producers of increased plant density on greenhouse benches, while plants treated with daminozide would require a greater amount of bench area. Producers should evaluate the trade-offs between the added costs of a drench vs. the higher cost-per-square-foot-week of production space required for a daminozide foliar spray. With these options, producers can select a plant growth regulator (PGR) that best fits their production and market requirements.