Summary
This pot experiment evaluated pinching and paclobutrazol treatments on Mexican petunia to produce more compact ornamental plants. Single pinching applied one month after transplanting combined with four foliar applications of 100 ppm paclobutrazol at monthly intervals delivered optimal results, reducing plant height by approximately 50% whilst increasing branch number by ~96% and flower number by ~50% across two seasons. Physiological parameters (chlorophylls, carotenoids, and indoles) were also enhanced with this combined treatment.
Regional applicability
This research was conducted in Egypt under controlled pot-culture conditions and addresses ornamental horticulture production techniques. The findings may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom temperate conditions, though the methodology for plant growth regulation using paclobutrazol and pinching could be adapted for UK ornamental producers, particularly for greenhouse or protected cultivation.
Key measures
Plant height reduction, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, number of flowers per plant, flowering delay, chlorophyll a and b content, carotenoid content, total indoles
Outcomes reported
The study investigated the effects of pinching treatments and foliar paclobutrazol (PBZ) spraying on plant height, branching, flowering, and physiological parameters in Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex). Single pinching combined with 100 ppm PBZ produced the most compact plants with increased branching and flowering.
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