Effects of Plant Growth Regulators on Lateral Branching and Shoot Growth of Hypericum

Nature of Work: Commercial production and management of ornamental groundcovers is especially difficult due to the cyclic nature of market demand. During peak periods, production cannot keep pace with demand due to many species possessing strong apical dominance resulting in few cuttings per stock plant (3). Secondly, vining plants held during the slack market periods become entwined and require numerous man-hours to harvest, usually with damage to the plant (personal communication Georgia based growers). Greater management efficiency and consumer appeal may be possible if better control over branch induction and growth could be obtained (2, 5). Recent work has shown the potential of plant growth regulators (PGR’s) in the management of groundcovers and woody ornamentals production (1, 4, 5, 7).