Abstract

Axillary and rhizomic budbreak and offset formation in Hosta sieboldiana were promoted by a single foliar application of BA at 125–4000 ppm or drench application at 5–120 mg a.i./0.8 1 (5 in) pot, compared to an untreated control. Based on offset counts following various periods of dormancy, optimal foliar rates ranged from 2000–3000 ppm and drench rates from 20–40 mg a.i./0.8 1 (5 in) pot. Foliar application of 3000 or 4000 ppm BA or drench application at 80, 100, or 120 mg a.i./pot induced marginal necrosis within 2 weeks after treatment; however, growth following dormancy appeared normal. Generally, growth indices were not affected by foliar application of BA, but decreased with increasing rates of drench-applied BA.