Cyclanilide Differentially Affects Branching in Red Maple Cultivars and Hybrids
Abstract Development of the canopy is an important aspect of ornamental shade tree production. Branching can be induced by pruning the apical meristem, but this process is time consuming and costly to growers. Cyclanilide is an auxin transport inhibitor that has been successfully used to eliminate apical dominance and increase branching in a number of tree species. In this study, we tested the effects of cyclanilide application in two years on branching, canopy form, and trunk diameter. Cyclanilide did not cause phytotoxicity symptoms in any cultivar at any rate. Two cultivars, Celebration® (Acer × freemanii A.E. Murray ‘Celzam’) and Sienna Glen® (Acer × freemanii ‘Sienna’) Freeman maples responded to cyclanilide treatments with increased primary and secondary shoots, whereas Red Sunset® red maple (Acer rubrum L. ‘Franksred’) and Autumn Blaze® Freeman maple (Acer × freemanii A.E. Murray ‘Jeffersred’) did not respond to any treatments. Responsive cultivars had approximately double the number of growing points and larger total branch length after second year applications, but this did not result in an increase in trunk caliper. Despite the increased number of shoots produced, overall canopy ratings did not differ among treatments. Cyclanilide had a limited affect on branching in red and Freeman maple whips. Furthermore, if growers choose to utilize this product, they should be aware that cultivar response is likely to vary, and initial testing should be done before making large-scale applications.