Paclobutrazol Results Paclobutrazol treatments resulted in relatively minor differences in overall plant growth vs. controls:
• The higher application rate generally produced a slightly more compact and dense plant habit, with reduced internode elongation compared with the lower rate and control treatments – though not as pronounced as with the cut back results. • PGR-treated plants exhibited some differences in foliage and flower coloration. One of the primary questions addressed in this trial was whether mechanical cut back or paclobutrazol application provided a more effective method of controlling plant growth while maintaining flowering. The results suggest that the two approaches provide different advantages:
Gomphrena Spitfire Pink
• Hard cut back generally produced a more substantial improvement in long-term plant density and habit, but this response was accompanied by a temporary delay in flowering. • Paclobutrazol, in comparison, produced a more subtle growth-regulating effect but may allow flowering to continue with less interruption. Gomphrena provided a clear example of this response. The PGR-treated plants maintained flowering comparable to the untreated control while developing a more compact and controlled habit vs. both control and cutback treatments. This indicates that for varieties with a favorable response to PGR applications it may provide an alternative to mechanical cutback while maintaining flowering.
control
cut back
Paclo @ 3ppm Paclo @ 5ppm
32 mast young plants 1.800.541.3910
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