Growth inhibition of Syzygium campanulatum korth by the application of paclobutrazol

Ahmad Nazarudin, M. R. and Mohd Fauzi, R. and Tsan, F. Y. (2006) Growth inhibition of Syzygium campanulatum korth by the application of paclobutrazol. Journal of Tropical Plant Physiology, 1 (1). pp. 66-72.

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Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of plant growth regulator namely paclobutrazol on the growth of this specie is a highly demanded ornamental plant for urban areas. It has always been selected to beautify the urban sites such as parks, highways, pocket spaces, golf courses and residential areas. In landscape, this species has been planted as hedge plant, topiary, single planting and a good candidate for screening purpose. Nevertheless, Syzygium campanulatum requires frequent trimming in order to maintain their forms and landscape functions. Unfortunately, landscape maintenance activities such as trimming are time consuming, labor intensive and costly. It can be scheduled as frequently as fortnightly to maintain the landscape areas. However, paclobutrazol which inhibits gibberellin biosynthesis in plants was found to be able to control the plant growth of S. campanulatum. This compound controls the vegetative growth and hence, reduces the trimming work. S. campanulatum treated with paclobutrazol has smaller leaves size and thus increases its aesthetic value. A significant difference at 5% between untreated control and treated plants was observed in tenns of height increment and leaf area. There was, however, no significant difference for relative chlorophyII content among the treated and untreated plants. Even though it has the potential in maintaining the growth of vigorous landscape plants, application of paclobutrazol is yet to be introduced as a maintenance tool especially in managing the urban landscapes.

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