Effect of paclobutrazol on vegetative, floral and root parameters of a winter season annual: Gazania

Abstract

The morphological and floral characteristics of Gazania were assessed in this study in relation to several irrigation regimes (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% Field Capacity) and foliar paclobutrazol (PBZ) sprays (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 ppm). The 100% Field Capacity (FC) without PBZ produced the highest vegetative vigor (19.75 cm height; 22.45 cm spread), but it did not maximize floral productivity, according to statistical analysis. The most successful procedure was the combination of 5.0 ppm PBZ and 75% Field Capacity. Plants under this regime outperformed the absolute control (12 flowers) by achieving a desired, semi-compact architecture (10.23 cm height) and a robust floral production (14 flowers per plant). Furthermore, this combination improved the subterranean system, resulting in a root length of 27.40 cm and a dry weight of 1.07 g as opposed to the control's 22.70 cm and 0.67 g. Despite greatly enhancing root-to-shoot biomass partitioning, severe moisture stress (25% FC) and higher PBZ dosages (10 ppm) severely reduced blooming (4.00). According to the study's findings, 75% FC with 5.0 ppm PBZ provides a sustainable method of growing in Gazania that maximizes ornamental value while using 25% less watering.