effects of calcium chloride, gibberellin and benzyladenine on qualitative and quantitative characteristics and flower longevity of zinnia (zinnia elegans j.)

the zinnia (zinnia elegans j.) flower has many applications in landscape design, whereas lack of adequate conditions and nutritions in some cases can reduce the quality and number of flowers. therefore, control of growth conditions is very important related to nutrition and application of growth regulators to improve the quality and quantity of flowers. flower's morphology and longevity are two main factors that are used to evaluate the quality of flowers. application methods that could increase the vase life, is important. a research conducted to investigate the effects of calcium chloride, gibberellin and benzyladenin on zinnia quantitative and qualitative characteristics in 2010. experiment carried out in a factorial in randomized complete block design with four replications at the sharekord university's research farm. treatments consisted calcium chloride (0, 0.5 and 1 gram per liter), gibberellin (0, 75 and 150 mg per liter) and benzyladenine (0, 75 and 150 mg per liter) to be sprayed on plant two times in 10 days interval. the result showed that calcium chloride increased stem diameter, number of lateral shoots and flowers and storage vase life. gibberellin reduced flower and stem diameter, number of axillary shoots and flower. gibberellins also reduced the beginning of flowering time from transplanting and increased the vase life of the flower on plant and storage. furthermore, benzyladenine significantly increased the quality and quantity of plant except the flowering period.