Managing the Growth and Flower Production of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) through Benzyle Amino Purine (BAP) Application and Pinching

Abstract

Benzyl amino purine (BAP-C12H11N5) generally act as a plant metabolite and growth retardant. It encourages the growth and cell division of dormant buds and bushiness of plant by reducing its height. Similarly, pinching of terminal branches increase the cytokinins and decrease auxin concentrations flourishing the axillary buds. A research study on the growth and production of zinnia flowers through application of BAP (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg L-1) and pinching (2, 4 and 6 leaf stages), was carried out at The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. Research analysis showed that zinnia plants treated with 100mg.L-1and pinched at 6 leaves stage recorded maximum days to flowering, flower persistency, branches, leaves and flowers plant-1and stem thickness. While in case of untreated and un-pinched plants maximum flower diameter, fresh and dry flower weight, and height of plant were reported. Hence, it is concluded form the research study that BAP application (@100 mg.L-1) reduced height of plant, enhanced number of flowers per plant and also lateral branching in zinnia plants. Moreover, the plants pinched at the stage of 6 leaves performed well in height reduction and flower quality enhancement.