Vol. 71 No: 5

Title:
Effects of Paclobutrazol Application to Soil at the Beginning of Maturation on Sprouting, Shoot Growth, Flowering and Carbohydrate Contents in Roots and Leaves of Satsuma Mandarin

Authors:
H. OKUDA, T. KIHARA and I. IWAGAKI

pp: 785-790

Abstract:
The objectives of this study were to verify the effect of a soil application of paclobutrazol on the flowering of satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc. cv. Okitsu), to clarify whether the carbohydrate contents in the roots and leaves are related to flowering. Paclobutrazol was applied to the soil on 6 October at 0, 500, or 1,000 mg per potted five year old satsuma mandarin tree. The carbohydrate contents in the leaves and roots (<2 mm) were measure in early December of the current season. Sprouting, shoot growth, and flowering were measured during the next season. Soil application of paclobutrazol enhanced subsequent flowering, but decreased new shoot sprouting and growth. At 1,000 mg, it increased the total number of inflorescences by 66%, but reduced new shoot sprouting by 48% and shoot growth by 37%. Paclobutrazol increased the total carbohydrates in the roots but decreased them in the leaves. Roots of treated plants had high dry-matter percentages but the percentages for the leaves were unchanged. The use of paclobutrazol and its effect on the carbohydrate contents in roots and leaves are discussed in relation to the enhancement of flowering.

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