Abstract

VELAZQUEZ-ALCARAZ, TJ; PARTIDA-RUVALCABA, L; ACOSTA-VILLEGAS, B  and  AYALA-TAFOYA, F. Production of tomato and pepper plant applying paclobutrazol on foliage. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2008, vol.24, n.1, pp.21-28. ISSN 0186-2979.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of PBZ on the height of pepper plants, to determine the most adequate dosage to retard growth and produce low plants that might better resist strong winds and rain after transplanting in the field, and to establish the ideal stage for tomato plants for retarding growth. Peppers were planted on October 8^th and tomatoes were planted on November 30^th 2003 in polystyrene trays with 200 receptacles. Experimental units consisted of 30 plants, except for the control that contained the other 20 on the tray. Treatments were 0 (control), 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 mg L^-1 of PBZ. Each dosage was applied through 12 shots with a spray, to pepper plants with two true leaves and tomato plants with two, four and six leaves. An experiment was set up for each variety where only the necessary irrigation was provided as well as one application of 1.15 g N L^-1 of water. The height of the plants was measured from the base of the stem to the terminal bud, 23 days after the application of PBZ. Growth was retarded in peppers and Anaheim with 200 mg L^-1, in jalapeño with 100 mg L^-1, in serrano with 100 or 200 mg L^-1, and in caribe with 200 or 250 mg L^-1. Growth was delayed in tomato with 100, 150 or 200 mg L^-1 of PBZ, but only in the stages of two and four true leaves.

Keywords : Delay; dosage; leaves; variety; height.