The influence of benzyladenine on the flowering of Liatris spicata L. 'Alba' cultivated for cut flowers in an unheated plastic tunnel and in the field

Abstract

The study focused on the influence of benzyladenine (BA) on the flowering of Liatris spicata L.'Alba' cultivated for two years in an unheated plastic tunnel and in the field. Benzyladenine at a concentration of 0, 100, 200, 400 mg×dm^-3 was applied on the leaf twice during both years of the experiment. It was noted that cultivation of Liatris spicata L.'Alba' in an unheated plastic tunnel leads to the growth of longer inflorescence stems with a bigger fresh weight and a larger number of primary shoots. However, in comparison with control plants, it decreases the yield of inflorescence stems in the first and second year of the plants' flowering. It is beneficial to apply benzyladenine at a concentration of 400 mg×dm^-3 on the leaves of Liatris spicata L. 'Alba' cultivated in an unheated plastic tunnel, because this treatment increases the number and fresh weight of inflorescence stems as well as the number of primary shoots in the first and second year of the plants' flowering. It is also justified to apply benzyladenine at a concentration of 400 mg×dm^-3 on Liatris spicata L. 'Alba' cultivated in the field, as it leads to a greater number and fresh weight of inflorescence stems in the first and second year of flowering.