Plant growth retardants effect on growth and flowering of potted Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.

Ahmad Nazarudin, M. R. (2012) Plant growth retardants effect on growth and flowering of potted Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. Journal of Tropical Plant Physiology, 4. pp. 29-40.

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Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of plant growth retardants;paclobutrazol, uniconazole and flurprimidol on the growth and flowering response of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. This species is introduced into the Malaysian landscape due to its large and distinctive colour of blooms.However, under local climate conditions, its flowering habits are unpredictable and the leaves always look unhealthy and yellowish. A more practical technique, using plant growth retardants (PGRs) was explored to induce flower and hence increase the aesthetic value of the species. Plant growth retardants such as paclobutrazol (0.25 gL-1), uniconazole (2 mgL-1) and flurprimidol (0.02 mgL-1) were used in this study. Paclobutrazol significantly reduced the plant height and leaf area, increased the chlorophyll content and number of flower buds but delayed the blooming. Uniconazole was found to be more effective in promoting flowers and increased the root length as compared to the controls. This approach of using PGRs could be an alternative method in improving the flowering of H. rosa-sinensis in the urban landscape.

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