Preliminary investigation into the effect of time of pruning on shoot growth and flowering time of Protea

摘要

Shoot growth, flower initiation and development cycles of Protea are not as predictable as those of Leucospermum and Leucadendron. Flower initiation apparently does not occur at the same time in different genotypes. This very often inhibits consistent predictable production of high-quality, long-stemmed Protea cut flowers. This study reports attempts to regulate these processes through pruning. Shoots of Protea cultivars Cardinal, Brenda, Sneyd and Susara were pruned during June, September, December and March. Mature shoots were cut back to the bud ring separating the first and second flush of the shoot to leave a stump of 10-15 cm on the plant. The growth of the strongest shoot, the increase in diameter of flowers on this shoot and its floweringtime were monitored monthly. The optimum time of pruning for flower production appeared to be that giving the shortest time from pruning to anthesis.