Abstract
ABSTRACT Platycodon grandiflorus is an ornamental species that can be marketed as a potted flower; however, it has fragile and bending floral stems. Plant growth regulators, such as paclobutrazol, are compounds that reduce stem elongation, enabling the production of plants with a more compact formation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of paclobutrazol on platycodon growth, in a greenhouse. A completely randomized blocks experimental design was used in a 4 × 5 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of four varieties of ‘Astra Semi-Double’ platycodon (Blue, Lavender, Pink and White) and five paclobutrazol doses (0, 1.25, 2.5, 3.75 and 5.0 mg pot-1). The paclobutrazol application did not affect the stem diameter, number of leaves, days until anthesis, number of flowers or flower buds, and flower diameter. The shoot length, leaf area and shoot dry mass decreased with higher doses of the growth regulator. Lavender showed the highest values for shoot length, number of leaves, leaf area and shoot dry mass. Pink had the earliest anthesis, followed by Blue and White, whereas Lavender had the latest anthesis. The dose of 3.75 mg pot-1 of paclobutrazol efficiently controlled the growth and improved the visual quality of all the platycodon varieties.
Highlights
The floriculture sector is constantly searching for new and differentiated products to satisfy the demands of producers and consumers (Junqueira & Peetz 2018)
From Asia, this species is widely used as a garden and bedding plant, but it may be grown as a cut or potted flower (Halevy et al 2002, Kim et al 2017)
The commercial production of ‘Astra Semi-Double’ platycodon as a potted flower may become viable, since the producer will be able to adopt the same concentration of this regulator for the four varieties
Summary
The floriculture sector is constantly searching for new and differentiated products to satisfy the demands of producers and consumers (Junqueira & Peetz 2018). From Asia, this species is widely used as a garden and bedding plant, but it may be grown as a cut or potted flower (Halevy et al 2002, Kim et al 2017). It has several desirable ornamental characteristics, such as attractive flower buds, which resemble air balloons; stunning flowers, which keep.
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