Paclobutrazol : effects on canopy growth and chlorophyll content of Adenium obesum cv. Holland

Abstract

Canopy growth of Adenium obesum cv. Holland desert rose was experimented from January to May 2011 at Surindra Rajabhat University, Surin, Thailand. Four-month-old seeds of propagated Adenium plants were grown in 8-inch plastic pots. The treatment combinations were experimented according to a factorial arranged in a completely randomized design, consisting of 5 different concentrations of PBZ: 0 (distilled water), 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/l; and 3 different times of drenching: immediate cutting, 15-day pre-cutting, and 15-day post-cutting. These were applied to the experimental plants. The results showed increased concentration levels at all times of drenching, resulting in significantly decreased growth of leaf and internode, but increased leaf chlorophyll content. Additionally, the suitable leaf and canopy sizes for potted size were affected by the drenching of 200 mg/l PBZ both 15-day pre-cutting and 15-day post-cutting.