Effect of Paclobutrazol and Benzyl Adenine on Oriental Lily Hybrids

Studies on the effect of growth regulators viz., Paclobutrazol and Benzyl Adenine (PBZ and BA, respectively) on Oriental Lily Hybrids, 'Star Gazer Pink' and 'Star Gazer White' in the second year were carried out at Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P). The effect of growth regulators applied in the first year, was studied on growth and flowering of Oriental lily hybrids in the second year. Plant height and number of leaves plant^-1 were recorded maximum when PBZ 25 ppm was applied in the first year. Maximum plant height and number of leaves plant^-1 were found in 'Star Gazer White' (84.46 cm; 35.04 cm). Bulbs of 'Star Gazer White' when dipped in PBZ 25 ppm for 12 h in the first year resulted in maximum plant height (102.50 cm) in the second year. Leaf area in the second year was recorded maximum in 'Star Gazer White' (34.40 cm²) when PBZ 50 ppm was applied as bulb dip in the first year. Flower buds were initiated earlier in 'Star Gazer White' (84.48 days) as compared to 'Star Gazer Pink' (85.90 days). Days to bud initiation were also recorded minimum (75.81 days) when PBZ 25 ppm was applied as pre-plant bulb dip. More number of flowers plant^-1 was recorded in 'Star Gazer White' (5.42) which lasted longer on stems (16.77 days). Bulbs dipped in growth regulators in the first season produced maximum number of flowers plant^-1 (5.72) and duration of flowering was also maximum (18.28 days).