Controlling seedling height by treating seedlings with Paclobutrazol on some plant seedlings

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.