The Effect of Sodium 2,3:4,6-di-O-isopropylidene-2-keto-L-gulonate (Atrinal) on the Growth and Flowering of Six Varieties of Kalanchoe sp.

Abstract

Four concentrations of sodium 2,3:4,6-di-0-isopropylidene- 2-keto-L-gulonate (Atrinal), a chemical growth regulator (0.0, .075, .150, and .225%), were tested on six varieties of Kalanchoe sp. The varieties chosen were Goddess and Montezuma of the Aztec series and Rotkappchen, Feuerball, Feuerzauber, and Korall of the Swiss hybrids series. Final data was taken at full bloom on plant height, diameter, number of inflorescences, time of bloom, and phytotoxicity. Concentrations up to .150% were effective in significantly decreasing plant height and increasing number of inflorescences overall. There was no overall effect on plant diameter. Except in Goddess, blooming was more uniform in the treated plants. Phytotoxic effects of the higher concentrations were noticed in Goddess, resulting in severe stunting and delay of bloom of up to one month. Concentrations of .075% to .150% proved to be the most effective overall.