Abstract

Annual carnation, Dianthus caryophyllus L., and garden pink, Dianthus chinensis L., were treated with foliar sprays of Bonzi (paclobutrazol), Cycocel (chlormequat chloride), or Pro-Shear (BA), and/or pruned to suppress shoot elongation or promote axillary shoot development. Bonzi (paclobutrazol) at 100 or 200 ppm was effective in suppressing shoot elongation of annual carnation over a 14-week period and garden pink over an 8-week period without increasing days to flower of either species. The combination of pruning and Bonzi (paclobutrazol) inhibited shoot elongation of both species compared to pruning alone. Flowering of both species was delayed 11 to 14 days compared to the control when pruning was combined with Bonzi (paclobutrazol). Cycocel (chlormequat chloride) suppressed shoot elongation of annual carnation but was not as effective as Bonzi (paclobutrazol); shoot elongation of garden pink was only suppressed for 2 weeks after Cycocel (chlormequat chloride) application. Application of ProShear (BA) at 100 or 200 ppm did not promote axillary shoot development of either species nor did Pro-Shear (BA) combined with pruning. Pruning of annual carnation and garden pink suppressed shoot elongation through week 7 and week 4, respectively, compared to the control. Pruning of annual carnation increased axillary shoot development compared to all other treatments, while pruning of garden pink decreased flower and primary axillary shoot numbers. Pruning delayed flowering in both species about 12 days compared to the control.