Effect of chlormequat and GA3 on growth and flowering of calla (zantedeschia rehmannil)

Abstract

Abstract. Growth and flowering of calax (Zantedeschia Rehmannii) were studied. Gibberellic acid (GA3) was applied at 0, 250 or 500 ppm either as a preplanting treatment forrhizomes (15- min soak) or as a foliar spray and chlormequat (CCC) was applied at 0, 1000 or 3000 ppm either as a preplanting treatment for rhizomes (1O-min soak) or as a soil drench when shoots were 2 to 3 cm long. GA3 rhizome soaking significantly increased the number of flower produced. Chlomequat rhisome soaking or applied as a soil drench significantly limited plant height if not treated with GA3' GA3 and CCC sequentially treated interacted significantly reduced height and increased flowering. Treatment with GA3 overcame the dwarfing effect of CCC, while CCC alone treatment limited flower production. Production of malformed flowers was noticed on rhizomes treated with GA3 with no malformed flowers on control plants. The preplant soaking of rhizomes in either GA3 or CCC was more effective than the foliar spray or soil drench. Commercial producers of Z. rehmannii may wish to consider the use of GA3 in combination with chlormequat to produce plants with an aesthetically pleasing shape and adequate flower production.