The Effects of Benzyladenine on Ornamental Crops

Abstract

A synthetic cytokinin, benzyladenine (BA), has recently been released in the U.S. as Configure® (2% liquid solution) for use on ornamental plants. Experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of BA on various ornamental crops and to determine the optimal concentrations. BA was trialed on petunias, succulents, Paeonia, Salvia ’Caradonna’, and Helleborus ×hybridus and resulted in an increase in shoot number. Succulents (Sempervivum, Echeveria, Jovibarba, Agave, and Aloe) were the most reactive. The ideal foliar spray concentrations of 200 to 400 mg•L-1 applied one time increased offset formation by two times in five Sempervivum cultivars and in Echeveria. The ideal foliar spray concentration of 1600 mg•L-1 applied one time increased offset formation by two times in one cultivar of Jovibarba. BA foliar sprays applied two times were ineffective on three Agave cultivars and three Aloe cultivars. Foliar sprays, drenches, fertigations, bulb soaks and plug dips in a range of concentrations, application numbers and timings were evaluated on an additional 48 annual and perennial species. Applications of BA had minor positive effects, no effects, or negative affects and the most promising commercial applications will be presented.