Effects of growth regulators and plant stimulants on development of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

An experiment under greenhouse conditions was carried out to investigate the effects of growth substances and plant stimulants on growth of Zea mays cv. Cargill-525. Maize plants were sprayed days after sowing with gibberellic acid (GA) 100 ppm, ethephon (CEPA) 600 ppm, Agrostemmin 0.8 g.1-1, triacontanol 0.5 mg.1-1, and check treatment. GA 100 ppm increased plant height and reduced this effect latter. CEPA 600 ppm reduced maize plant height. Leaf number was reduced with GA application and presented a tendency of increased with CEPA treatment. GA reduced dry matter weight and ethephon increased dry matter weight of roots, stem and leaves of 'Cargill- 525' maize. Triacontanol promoted reduction on net assimilation rate and relative growth rate of maize plants. GA and CEPA presented a tendency of reduced leaf area ratio of Zea mays plants.