Response of Five Woody Landscape Plants to Primo and Pruning
The use of Primo (trinexapac-ethyl) was investigated as an alternative to pruning of container-grown woody ornamental species. A foliar spray of 469, 938, or 1407 ppm (0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 oz/gal) was applied to pruned plants. A nontreated control (water) and an industry control [Atrimmec (dikegulac-sodium)] were also included for comparison. Monthly mechanical pruning or no pruning treatments were imposed during the production period. Monthly pruning alone reduced the height of euonymus, forsythia, Chinese privet, waxleaf privet, and azalea. Efficacy of plant growth regulator treatments differed among the five species. Primo was not effective in suppressing the height or trimming dry weight of forsythia, Chinese privet, or waxleaf privet and provided only a transient suppression of euonymus and azalea.Abstract
Contributor Notes
Mention of products, services or companies does not imply an endorsement by the University of Florida. Published as the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. R-07252. This research supported, in part, through industry grants and donations. The senior author wishes to thank Flowerwood Nursery, Inc. for donation of materials and assistance in support of this research.
2Assistant Professor of Environmental Horticulture.
3Production Coordinator, Flowerwood Nursery, Inc., P.O. Box 7, Loxely, AL 36551.