The nutrition and growth retardant response of two climbers grown as pot plants: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Horticultural Science (Hons.) in the University of Canterbury

Abstract

In a series of experiments designed to investigate the potential of Hardenbergia comptoniana and Jasminum polyanthum as flowering pot plants the response to nutrients and growth retardants was studied. The height of H. comptoniana was reduced in order of effectiveness at a given concentration from Alar foliar spray to Cycocel foliarspray to Cycocel soil drench with the latter least effective. Increased concentrations of each led to a linear reduction in height and internode length at any one time. The pinching agent Atrinal reduced plant height and led to an increase in lateral number at 0.5% a.i. compared with untreated plants. Atrinal delayed lateral development for a period dependent upon the concentration - high concentrations 1.5, 2.0% a.i.) developed slowly. Increased N and lime rates up to 600g N m⁻³ and 12 kg m⁻³ respectively led to increased foliar yields while foliage was darkened by additions of N. Foliar sprays of Cycocel and Alar were found to be ineffective in slowing the lateral growth of Jasminum polyanthum. Increased N up to 600g m⁻³ increased foliar yield with a maximum at 450g N m⁻³. Liming and Alar did not influence yield however increased N and lime caused a darkening of foliage. Both Alar and N delayed flowering with the delay becoming more marked at high rates. Additions of dolomite from 0 to 6 kg m⁻³ led to a slight reduction in the time to flower but further additions up to 12 kg m⁻³ produced delays.