Effect of paclobutrazol on patumma cv. Chiang Mai Pink under water stress

Abstract

The effects of paclobutrazol on physiological and biochemical changes in Patumma cv. Chiang Mai Pink during waterstress were investigated by using 0 (control) and 1,500 ppm (treatment) of paclobutrazol. Paclobutrazol was applied once assoil drench. Two weeks later, water withholding was started for 40 days. Soil water content, relative water content (RWC) inthe leaves, plant height, dry weight/plant, chlorophyll a and b contents, and proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents inleaves were evaluated every 10 days for 40 days after the start of water withholding. The results showed that the dry weightand RWC in the plants treated with paclobutrazol were higher, while the reduction of plant height, proline, and MDA contentswere lower than the control during water deficit. This study indicates that paclobutrazol increased the tolerance of Patummaplants to water stress.