Effect of Cycocel and Paclobutrazol on the Dwarfing Characteristics of Chrysanthemum indicum L.

Abstract

Chrysanthemum indicum L. is one of the most important ornamental crops worldwide that can be produced as both potted plants and cut flowers. In this paper, a pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of different levels of cycocel (1500, 3000 and 6000 ppm) and paclobutrazol (25, 50 and 75 ppm) on the dwarfing characteristics of C. indicum plant as a potted plant. Spraying the dwarfing agents, cycocel (CCC) and paclobutrazol (PPP) was started 4 weeks after the cuttings were transplanted and repeated 2 weeks later. After applying CCC and PPP, the vegetative and flowering growth characteristics as well as leaf pigments showed significant differences between treatments. Application of the growth retardants had a positive influence on reducing plant height and increasing shoot number, flowering period and flowers number per plant. Moreover, chlorophyll and carotenoids contents were enhanced in plants sprayed with CCC and PPP at all concentrations. In sum, moderate and low levels of CCC (1500 and 3000 ppm) and PPP (25 and 50 ppm) had the desired effects in manipulating growth parameters of C. indicum, thus enhancing dwarfing and the commercial value of C. indicum for the industry of potted ornamental flowering plants.