The Effect of ProGibb Sprays on Leaf and Flower Growth in Culantro (Eryngium foetidumL.)

摘要

Culantro,Eryngium foetidumL. (Apiaceae), is a popular Tropical American and West Indian herb prized for the green, serrate, spatulate-shaped leaves that are used in many culinary dishes. Under long day conditions, the plant tends to bolt and flower profusely, resulting in reduced leaf growth and market value and increased production costs for flower pruning. To determine if flowering could be controlled by plant hormones, ProGibb 4, a gibberellin-based vegetative growth promoter, was applied to one month old culantro plants as a foliar spray containing 0, 50 100,150 and 200 μl/liter ProGibb 4. Leaf length and dry weight of leaves increased with ProGibb 4 application as compared with control plants sprayed with water, although dry weight of leaf tissue decreased at ProGibb 4 treatment at the 200 μl/liter. Flowers produced on treated plants were leaf-like in appearance and less woody and spiny than normal flowers, making flower pruning easier. ProGibb 4 at a concentration of 100 μl/liter was optimum for maximizing leaf production and minimizing flower growth in Culantro.