Effects of Growth Retardants on Growth of Geranium Seedlings1 and Flowering

Abstract An inbred line of geranium seedlings was treated with CEPA and ABA sprays, CCC and CBBP drenches, and combinations of sprays and drenches. CEPA, CCC, and CBBP were physiologically active in altering the growth habits of geranium seedlings. ABA was relatively inactive. The earliest observable responses were dwarfing, stimulation of basal branching, and development of darker green leaves. CEPA alone or in combination with CCC or CBBP stimulated the greatest number of basal branches, but inhibited flower initiation for 70 days. Dwarfing effect was long-lasting in treatments with combinations of CEPA and CCC or CBBP. None of the growth retardant treatments had an effect on fruit development, seed germination, or seedling growth.