Articles
Shifting flowering time of Protea cynaroides by using plant growth regulators
Article number
1463_3
Pages
15 – 22
Language
English
Abstract
Protea cynaroides is South Africa’s most exported Protea species.
However, peak production occurs in October, leading to a significant decline in the price per stem.
This study investigated the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) to manipulate the flowering period of P. cynaroides, thereby extending its market availability.
Two growth regulators, 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) and Uniconazole, were applied to two-flush shoots, three-flush shoots, or both.
Stem diameter was measured monthly, and phenological stages were recorded.
The double application of 6-BA resulted in a greater increase in stem diameter compared to other treatments.
Additionally, 6-BA treatments accelerated the formation of three-flush shoots, enhancing plant growth rates, whereas Uniconazole delayed their development.
Flower initiation occurred earlier in plants receiving the double 6-BA treatment and in three-flush shoots treated with 6-BA. Notably, all flowers were initiated on three-flush shoots in the P. cynaroides selection used in this study.
These findings highlight the potential of 6-BA to advance flowering time and improve the economic viability of P. cynaroides production.
However, peak production occurs in October, leading to a significant decline in the price per stem.
This study investigated the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) to manipulate the flowering period of P. cynaroides, thereby extending its market availability.
Two growth regulators, 6-benzyladenine (6-BA) and Uniconazole, were applied to two-flush shoots, three-flush shoots, or both.
Stem diameter was measured monthly, and phenological stages were recorded.
The double application of 6-BA resulted in a greater increase in stem diameter compared to other treatments.
Additionally, 6-BA treatments accelerated the formation of three-flush shoots, enhancing plant growth rates, whereas Uniconazole delayed their development.
Flower initiation occurred earlier in plants receiving the double 6-BA treatment and in three-flush shoots treated with 6-BA. Notably, all flowers were initiated on three-flush shoots in the P. cynaroides selection used in this study.
These findings highlight the potential of 6-BA to advance flowering time and improve the economic viability of P. cynaroides production.
Publication
Authors
C.W. Hurter, E.-L. Louw, K. Martin
Keywords
inflorescence initiation, benzyladenine, MaxCel, Proteaceae, growth regulators
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