Floral production and trend in four sympodial orchids as influenced by 6-benzylaminopurine

H. Zaharah and C. S. Lee

Abstract

Four sympodial orchid hybrids were sprayed with three levels (200, 400, and 800 ppm) of 6- Benzylaminopurine (BA) in three cycles during 48 weeks. The results were compared with control
plants which were treated only with potassium hydroxide solution. With 200 ppm BA, Dendrobium Mary Mak produced 8.8 inflorescences per pot, compared with 4.3 for control. With the same level of BA, D. Madam Uraiwan produced 10.4 inflorescences per pot, compared with 6.8 for control. Both responses were significant. Dendrobium Jaquelyn Concert x Jester and Oncidium Gower Ramsey did not respond significantly. Dendrobium Mary Mak and D. Madam Uraiwan produced the most flower about 10 weeks after each apraying. The control plants (D. Mary Mak especially) produced flowers in a cyclic pattern. In each cycle, the flowers were spread over a few weeks, with peaks less distinct and smaller than the treated plants; the peaks also appeared a few weeks later than in the treated plants.

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