Application of NPK Fertilizer and Paclobutrazol on Growth

Abstract

The low quality of sunflower cultivation as cut flowers is currently unable to meet local market demands. It is necessary to improve cultivation through fertilization and the provision of plant growth regulator. Sustainable agriculture in floriculture refers to the practice of cultivating flowers and ornamental plants in manner that promotes environmental, social, and economic sustainability The research aims to determine the growth response, yield, and quality of sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus L.) on the application of NPK fertilizer doses and paclobutrazol concentrations. The research was carried out from September 2022 - December 2022 in the experimental garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Yogyakarta "Veteran"National Development University. The research method is a field experiment arranged in a factorial Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) consisting of 2 factors replicated 3 times. The first factor was the doses of NPK fertilizer (9 grams/plant, 10 grams/plant, 11 grams/plant) and the second factor was the concentration of paclobutrazol (10 ppm, 50 ppm, 90 ppm). The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test with a level of 5%. The study results showed that there was an interaction between NPK fertilizer and the concentration paclobutrazol on number of flower and size of flower diameter. The best outcomes were observed with NPK fertilizer dose of 9 grams/plant concerning the plant height at 42 DAP. The paclobutrazol concentration of 90 ppm resulted in most favourable outcomes on the parameters of plant height 42 DAP, stem diameter, and vase life.