Abstract

New offset formation in hosta in response to benzyladenine (BA) drenches applied at division and establishment was examined. Hosta Tratt. ‘Frances Williams’ and H. ‘Francee’ were separated into uniform single-bud divisions and drenched with 50 ml of 0, 100, 500, 1000, 2000 or 3000 ppm (mg/liter) BA just prior to potting (division) or two weeks later when substrate-container interface root development was evident (establishment). A 3000 ppm (mg/liter) foliar spray applied to established plants served as a standard. Offsets were counted in plants treated at division 14 days later at which time BA was applied to established plants. Offsets were counted on all plants 30 and 60 days after BA was applied to established plants and in spring of the following year. Offset counts increased rapidly in both cultivars following drench applications of increasing BA concentrations, whether applied at division or establishment. This positive response to increasing BA drench concentrations was evident 60 days after treatment (DAT) and the following spring, except in H. ‘Frances Williams’ drenched at division. However, benefits of either BA method or time of application were less pronounced in spring, following a period of dormancy.