Potted rose cultivars with paclobutrazol drench applications

ABSTRACT: Growth retardants, such as paclobutrazol, reduce plant height, and thus enable commercialization of larger ornamental plants in pots. The aim of this research was to evaluate the size, yield and flower quality of two rose cultivars as a function of various paclobutrazol applications to growing substrate. Treatments consisted of two cultivars (Yellow Terrazza® and Shiny Terrazza®) planted in plastic pots and five paclobutrazol doses (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0mg pot-1). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse. Experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. The following traits were evaluated: plant height; stem diameter, number of flowers and leaves of floral stem; length of flower bud; floral cycle, leaf area; flower diameter and floral longevity; chlorophyll content in leaves; and yield. Paclobutrazol improved the quality and esthetics of flowers of both cultivars. It also reduced leaf dry matter production, plant height, flower height and diameter and increased chlorophyll content and flower longevity. Paclobutrazol effectively reduced plant height, producing a harmonious relationship between the plant and the pot, without phytotoxicity. Therefore, we suggested applying 2.0mgpot-1 of paclobutrazol to the substrate of Yellow Terrazza® and Shiny Terrazza® rose cultivars.