Mechanical stimulation techniques by brushing for Jerusalem artichoke potted plants production

Abstract

Mechanical stimulation (MS) is one of an effective method to control the plant height by suppress their growth, increase compactness index, consistence and strengthening. This technique was clearly avoiding the use of plant growth retardant which benefit for less chemical residue in plant. The experiment was conducted to study the responses of MS by brushing (BRS) on the Jerusalem artichoke: JA (Helianthus tuberosus L.). MS technique was applied to JA No. 3 or CN 52867 as an edible flowering potted plant. JA seedlings which receive from incubated slice tubers were grown in plastic bag, contain mixed media and comprise with sand: coir dust: rice husk charcoal (1:1:1 Ratio). When plant reach 20 days after sowing (DAS) or shoot plant height 15 cm (6 leaves), healthy plant were selected and continued to receive the MS technique treatment. The study was conducted in completely randomized design (CRD), with 3 treatments i.e. Control (Non-MS) (T1), BRS 15 min (T2) and BRS 30 min (T3). MS systems by brushing were set with an automatic unit 1.8 m/min speed motor. The result showed that all BRS treatments (T2 and T3) gave the reduction of plant height, canopy width, leaves dry weight and plant height relative growth rate, but increase compactness of JA, when compared with the control treatment. MS technique by BRS treatment had partially potential to be develop the JA as a potted plant.