Induction of Lateral Branching in Chinese Hibiscus with Mefluidide

Abstract

Abstract Mefluidide was applied as a foliar spray to the point of runoff to plants of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. ‘Pink Versicolor’ at 0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 mg/liter. Mefluidide treatment increased lateral branching, but inhibited the length of lateral growth and plant height as compared to untreated controls. Tip necrosis of young, expanding leaves was seen at the lowest mefluidide concentration, and increased to the point of severe defoliation of plants at the highest concentration. Mefluidide delayed flowering, but increased the number of flower buds produced. In a 2nd experiment, single and double spray applications of 0, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/liter mefluidide were evaluated in comparison to hand-pinching the plants. Both pinching and mefluidide application increased the number of lateral shoots, compared to an untreated control. In contrast to pinched plants, mefluidide treatment inhibited the average length of the lateral shoots. Double applications of mefluidide inhibited plant height, lateral shoot number, and shoot length, as compared to single applications. Treatment with 10 mg/liter gibberellic acid following mefluidide applications was ineffective in reversing the effects of mefluidide on hibiscus growth. Chemical name used: N-[2,4-dimethyl-5-[[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amino]phenyl]acetamide (mefluidide).