Physalis size reduction for potted ornamental plant use

Abstract

ABSTRACT The consumer's constant search for novelties in the area of ornamental plants has inspired the use of species that are normally used for other purposes, such as fruit-bearing plants, to be introduced into floriculture. The physalis, a fruit-bearing plant, with a beautiful accrescent fruiting calyx that envelops the berry, can be used for these purposes. However, this plant can reach 70 cm high, which makes it unviable to be used as an indoor plant. The objective of this research was to decrease the size of the physalis (Physalis angulata) for ornamental use, pot it and apply the plant growth regulator Paclobutrazol (PBZ). The PBZ growth regulator was applied only once, via foliar spray at the concentrations of 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 mg a.i L- 1, as well as via irrigation in the substrate at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 mg a.i L- 1. Along with the quantitative variables, a plant acceptability test was carried out when it was considered ideal for commercialization. The obtained results clearly show that it is possible to reduce the size of the physalis for use as a potted plant by using PBZ with foliar applications at the concentration of 90 mg a.i L-1 or by using irrigation applications directly in the substrate at a concentration of 5 mg a.i L-1.