The influence of fungicides as growth retardant on the growth and flowering of Ismelia carinata Schousb.

In consequence of the connection of European Union, traditional plant growth retardants will be withdrawn. Therefore, we tested the dwarfing effect of two fungicides, Bumper 25 EC and Mirage 45 EC comparing to Alar 85, a traditional growth retardant. Testplant was Ismelia carinata , a decorative ornamental annual plant. The 6 weeks old, once pinched back plugs were treated 3 times 3 weeks intervals with the given ch emicals with the concentration advanced by the producer. During the evaluation the height of plant s, the diameter of plant bush, number of branches, number and diameter of flowers were measured. In the aspect of plant size the most effective was Alar 85, we obtained compact, globular bushes with many lateral shoots. We did not find statistically proved difference between the tested chemicals, nor comparing to the control. In the aspect of flower bud number best results were obtained with Alar and Bumper, the results differed statistically from Mirage but statistically equal with the control. Th ere was not mentionable difference in the case of plant diameter and number of branches.