Abstract:
The objective of this study was to control seedling height by treating
seedlings with paclobutrazol on some plant seedlings at plug growth period
under in vitro and greenhouse conditions during first seedling cycle.
Paclobutrazol was applied as foliar sprays to in vitro and greenhouse-grown
seedlings [banana (Musa acuminata, cv. Dwarf Cavendish), tomato
(Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv. T83-48F1) and potato (Solanum tuberosum,
cv. Granola)]. Foliar spraying was done one week after transplanting at doses
of 0, 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm of Paclobutrazol solutions. To examine
the effect of Paclobutrazol application on growth of seedlings in “in vitro” and
greenhouse conditions, plant growth, leaf area, thickness of leave, leaf
chlorophyll content, plant height, root length and internodes length were
measured. Paclobutrazol had effect at all doses and plug growth was reduced.
Plant height was shortened; leaf area and internodes distance and thickness of
leaves were reduced. Paclobutrazol slightly decreased the internodes length.
The leaf area was reduced with increasing dose of paclobutrazol and total leaf
chlorophyll content increased. Results showed that paclobutrazol application
positively affected seedling growth and increased the adaptation of the
seedlings in the field conditions.
