Plants, which move directly from the wild into commercial propagation, without the benefit of extensive breeding and selection, often pose production-oriented problems for growers. Vigorous plant growth, especially during the propagation phase of production is a common problem. The purpose of this work was to determine the degree of efficacy offered by chemical control of stem elongation in propagation of Porter Weed [Stachytarpheta mutabilis, S. mutabilis var. violacea, and S. urticifolia]. Tip cuttings of three Stachytarpheta species were given a 10-s dip in the following treatment solutions: daminozide (2500 and 5000 mg·L-1), daminozide and chlormequat chloride tank mix (2000 mg·L-1 ea.), paclobutrazol (2 and 4 mg·L-1), uniconazole (2 and 4 mg·L-1), distilled water, and undipped controls. Cuttings were then treated with a 0.1% IBA rooting powder and placed under intermittent mist on the propagation bench. After 2 weeks in propagation, cuttings were harvested and shoot elongation, root development, and dry weights were evaluated. The interaction of chemical and species was significant for stem elongation and dry weight; chemical effect on root development was also significant. Paclobutrazol and uniconazole offered greater control of stem elongation than daminozide, daminozide-chlormequat chloride, water, or control treatments.
Effects of Different Application Approaches with Diniconazole on the Inhibition of Stem Elongation and the Stimulation of Root Development of Cylindrical Paper Pot Seedling
