The effect of paclobutrazol treatment on root carbohydrate, macronutrient contents and fine root growth of rejuvenated coffee (Coffea arabica l.)

Abstract

Thirty year old non-productive coffee (Coffea arabica L.) trees were treated with three levels  of paclobutrazol (0 control, 0.5 g a.i and 1.0 g.a.i. PBZ /meter canopy span) using Cultar 1 and 2 months before rejuvenation pruning and the effects on root carbohydrate, macronutrient contents and fine root growth were assessed. Application of 1.0 g a.i. PBZ significantly increased root starch content but did not affect the root sugar content. Plants applied with PBZ 2 months prior to pruning had higher root P content compared to those applied 1 month prior to pruning.  Root N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents did not differ with time of PBZ treatment.  The timing of PBZ application had no significant effect on the root volume and dry weight but PBZ concentration significantly affected root volume with plants applied with 0.5 g a.i. PBZ per meter canopy span having  40% bigger fine roots volume relative to the non-PBZ treated control.

Keywords

• rejuvenation pruning,Paclobutrazol,fine roots,macro nutrients

References

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