Chemical Mowing: Effect of Plant Growth Retardants on Plant Roots.

摘要

The effects of the plant growth regulators mefluidide and uniconazole on the root growth of Bermudagrass were assessed for 3 years using a traditional rhizotron. Two rhizotron designs were evaluated. The single rhizotron with the viewing glass side inserted at a 45-deg angle proved to be the most efficient and desirable design. The effects of mefluidide and uniconazole were satisfactorily monitored with this technique, and the efficacy of each chemical was determined. The method of application (field--or rhizotron-treated plots) influenced the response of the chemicals; field-treated plugs showed a greater response to mefluidide. The retardation effects of uniconazole were consistent regardless of application method, with the exception of root length, root number, and number of runners in 1990 when treated in the rhizotron. The design of each rhizotron is described and illustrated, and the advantages of such a system are enumerated.