Growth analysis of basil plants submitted to plant growth regulators

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators on the development of basil plants (Ocimum basilicum L.). The experiment was seeded in 12-liter pots and carried out in a greenhouse. The experimental design was a randomized block with four treatments, four replications, and five harvest times. Treatments consisted of the following plant growth regulators applied as foliar sprays: gibberellic acid (GA3), 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid (ethephon), and kinetin at 100 mg L-1, which were prepared in aqueous solution. Plant growth regulator applications were performed at 40, 60, and 80 days after planting (DAP) and plant development was evaluated during harvest time, at 14-day intervals, 50, 64, 78, and 106 DAP. Plants treated with kinetin showed the highest physiological index values, and exhibited greater development due to increases in leaf area and dry matter provided by this plant growth regulator.

basil; physiological indexes; gibberellic acid; ethephon; kinetin