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Quantifying the effects of uniconazole on growth and yield of pyrethrum in Australia

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 07:57 authored by Pethybridge, SJ, Gent, DH, Hingston, L, Frost, P
The efficacy of the plant growth regulator uniconazole (Sumagic®) for manipulating pyrethrum canopy architecture and enhancing yield was evaluated in each of 3 years across northern Tasmania, Australia. Trials examined the efficacy of, and factors influencing, reliability and magnitude of responses, including product rate, application timing, the benefits of adding a non-ionic organosilicone surfactant (Activator®) and combining application with urea. Results suggested that a rate of 100 g L−1 uniconazole (2 L ha−1 Sumagic®) was the most efficacious and that the addition of Activator® was unnecessary. However, at the highest rate, the cost of using the product became prohibitive and therefore trials in the latter 2 years of the study were conducted using the lower rate. Timing of application was not critical for efficacy and yield enhancements were observed when uniconazole was applied when stem length ranged from 16 to 36 cm, coinciding with a 30-day period in spring. Physiological effects of uniconazole were significant reductions in the height of stems (approximately 6 cm at flowering), increases in green leaf area and the number of flowers produced per unit area; the effects were independent of field age. This information has formed the basis for a cost-benefit analysis for the adoption of uniconazole into pyrethrum production in Australia.

History

Publication title

New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science

Volume

42

Pagination

50-59

ISSN

0114-0671

Department/School

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Publisher

Sir Publishing

Place of publication

Po Box 399, Wellington, New Zealand

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 The Royal Society of New Zealand

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Plant extract crops

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    University Of Tasmania

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