Effects of Growth-Regulating Substances on Shoot Development of Roses During Common Storage

• Published in: Botanical gazette (Chicago, Ill.) Ill.), 1942-09, Vol.104 (1), p.26-49
• Main Author: Marth, Paul C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Canes; Cold storage; Emulsions; Flowers; Growth substances; Plant growth; Plant roots; Plants; Starches; Vapors
• ISSN: 0006-8071
• DOI: 10.1086/335104

1. Experiments conducted with rose bushes during common storage in two seasons, 1939-1940 and 1940-1941, indicate that growth-regulating substances will inhibit the vegetative buds so that the plants remain dormant throughout the normal storage season. Approximately 4400 rose bushes were utilized in experiments with seventeen chemical compounds. 2. Three compounds (naphthalenemethylacetate, naphthalenethylacetate, and naphthaleneacetonitrile) effectively inhibited growth of buds for 40-60 days in common storage. Application of these compounds was effective when applied at concentration of 0.01 per cent in 0.25 per cent wax-emulsion sprays applied to plant tops, or as vapors to dormant plants at rate of 0.3 and 0.4 gm. per 1000 cubic feet. 3. The vapor of naphthalenemethylacetate at the rate of 0.3 gm. per 1000 cubic feet was equally effective on bud inhibition when applied at 32⚬F. for 16 hours, 40⚬F. for 4 hours, and 70⚬F. for 1 hour. 4. Concentrations of a naphthalenemethylacetate vapor stronger than 0.5 gm. per 1000 cubic feet caused moderate to severe cane injury, while a lower concentration of 0.1 gm. per 1000 cubic feet increased the number of shoots developing in storage. 5. Applications in general appeared to be most effective when a continuous supply was present at or near the inhibited buds. 6. Growth-regulating substances may have an inhibiting action on mold growth, either through mild direct fungicidal action or by reducing the number of etiolated shoots which establish ready access for mold infection. 7. The food reserves (starch) of treated bushes were conserved while in storage, either by direct inhibition of the treatment on starch hydrolysis or by prevention of shoot growth which utilizes the available reserves. As a result, treated plants after storage produced much greater root and top growth and more flowers of better quality per plant when field planted than the untreated controls.