303 Effect of Growth Regulators on the Growth and Performance of Celosia plumosus
Seedlings of Celosia plumosus `New Look', a new variety, were evaluated for their response to the recommended rates of three different plant growth regulators commonly used by growers. The plant growth regulators were B-nine, paclobutrazol, and uniconizole. These plant growth regulators were applied at the rate recommended by the manufacturer for this species. Group I, the control, was not treated with a plant growth regulator, but was sprayed with water at the same time the other treatments were applied. Plants were grown in 5-inch plastic pots in the greenhouse. Plant height was recorded before treatment and once weekly thereafter for the duration of the experiment. Upon termination of the experiment, plant top fresh weight and top dry weight were measured. Results showed that at the recommended rate for all three plant growth regulators, there were no significant difference in height or weight between the plant growth regulator-treated groups of plants or the control group. The only observable difference noted was in leaf coloration of the plants treated with plant growth regulators.