ABSTRACT
The ornamental swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) has the potential to produce ornamental potted plants becaused of the highly decorative foliage, characterized by intens color of leaves with large, ribbed blades and wide, grooved stalks arranged in a rosette. Depending on the cultivar, swiss chard may grow up to 60 cm in height. However to obtain compacts and attractive plants it is necessary to use plant growth regulation (PGRs). The aim of the study was to identify the most effective regulator and the method of its application to reduce the size and improve the habit of ornamental swiss chard grown in pots. In two years experiments two growth retardants were used, i.e. daminozide at 4250 mg·dm-3 and flurprimidol at 15 mg·dm-3. The retardants were applied four times at an interval of 10 days by spraying the plants with 20-25 ml of the solution on plants or drenching them with 150 ml of the solution per pot. Control plants were not treated with the retardants. Both the habit and proportions of potted swiss chard may be effectively controlled by drenching it four times with flurpirimidol at a dose of 2.25 mg/pot. Daminozide was not effective in controlling swiss chard habit, irrespective of the application method. Non negative effects or phytotoxicities were found in any drench or spray treatments of daminozide and flurprimidol.
References
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