Vol. 11, Special Issue 8 (2022)

Author(s):
Anusha Velangini B, T Padmalatha, T Suseela and DR Salomi Suneetha

Abstract:
The present investigation entitled “Effect of growth retardants on dwarfing of syngonium for ornamental gardening” was carried out during December 2021 to May 2022 at college of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari with two replications in Completely Randomized Design. In the experiment, there were thirteen treatments consisting of three growth retardants viz., PBZ B-Nine and cycocel each at four concentrations and a control (water spray). The treatments were imposed as foliar sprays at 30 and 60 DAT. Plant height (28.58 cm) and growth index (24.30) were reduced to the maximum extent by T₄ (paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm) followed by T₃ (paclobutrazol @ 150 ppm) at 150 DAT. Least percent increase of plant height (9.39%), plant spread (40.69 cm), leaf length (13.96 cm), leaf width (8.09 cm), leaf area (110.56 cm²), petiole length (12.06 cm), fresh weight of shoot (64.36 g) and dry weight of shoot (22.03 g) were observed in T₄ (paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm) which was found to be at par with T₃ (paclobutrazol @ 150 ppm) (32.10 cm). In contrast, maximum petiole girth (3.87 cm) and SPAD chlorophyll value (57.97 SPAD) was recorded in T₄ (paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm). From the above results obtained it could be concluded that, among the 13 treatment combinations, foliar sprays of paclobutrazol @ 150 ppm was found very effective in reducing vegetative growth parameters of syngonium.