ISHS Acta Horticulturae 813: VI International Symposium on New Floricultural Crops
CONTROL OF GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF PASSIFLORA REFLEXIFLORA CAV. |
| Authors: | H. Grüneberg, J. Franke, L. Ehrich |
| Keywords: | new floricultural crops, vegetative propagation, cuttings, day length, auxin, pruning |
| Abstract:
The little known red flowering cultivars and species of Passiflora tend to be difficult to grow, especially to propagate, and their cultivation and consumer value is low. Consequently, there is a demand for a suitable variety for flowering pot plants. This could be achieved with the investigated Passiflora reflexiflora. Belonging to the subgenus Tasconioides, the species has bright magenta flowers and a decorative habit. It has been known since 1799, but is not commercially available. The investigations focused on the following research aims to determine whether vegetative propagation was dependent on the season and on the application of auxins (rooting hormones IBA and NAA) at different concentrations and to determine the influence of day length and varying temperature regimes on the vegetative and generative growth. Moreover, the effects of pruning to encourage branching were determined. Rooting percentage, floriferousness, leaf development as well as fresh and dry weights were analysed. The investigations showed that an application of IBA at 1% significantly increased the rooting percentages during spring, but a higher IBA concentration of 2% was required during the following light intensive months to improve the rooting success. Long days advanced flowering time and the intensity thereof. Overall, flowering was best at a growing temperature of 25°C. Dry weight proved to be highest from plants grown at 20°C. Pruning of plants to only four to five leaves slowed the start of flowering by three weeks, decreased the flowering intensity and did not succeed in improving the branching of the plants. | |
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