Abstract

Ornithogalum saundersiae is an ornamental bulb plant originating from South Africa that is mostly grown for cut flowers. The aim of the study was to assess the possibility of producing O. saundersiae as a pot plant using flurprimidol. A retardant in the form of the Topflor 015 preparation was used at concentrations of 15 and 30 mgË–dm^-3 as a pre-plant bulb soak, a soil drench or a foliar spray. Retardant applied as a foliar spray at a concentration of 30 mg·dm^-3 inhibited plant growth most effectively (by 52.5%), caused flowering delay and reduced the inflorescence and flower diameter. The plants obtained from the bulbs soaked in the retardant solution at a concentration of 30 mg·dm^-3 had the smallest plant diameter and the shortest leaves. The use of flurprimidol resulted plants with an increased relative chlorophyll content. Retardant used as a foliar spray increased the stomatal conductance, regardless of the solution concentration.

Key words: Geophytes, plant growth retardants, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), stomatal conductance (g_s), Topflor.