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Title: EFFECT OF GROWTH REGULATORS ON YIELD AND FIBER QUALITY AND QUANTITY IN FLAX

Author
item Ayala-Silva, Tomas
item Akin, Danny
item Foulk, Jonn
item DODD, ROY - CLEMSON UNIV.

Submitted to: Plant Growth Regulator Society of America Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/3/2003
Publication Date: 4/13/2004
Citation: Ayala Silva, T., Akin, D.E., Foulk, J.A., Dodd, R. 2004. Effect of growth regulators on yield and fiber quality and quantity in flax. Plant Growth Regulator Society of America Meeting. PGRSA Quarterly, 32(2)48. ABSTRACT ONLY.

Interpretive Summary: Fiber flax yield and fiber properties indicate the application of growth regulators may produce increased yields with improved fiber properties. Results indicate that growth regulators can be beneficial for flax production under Southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain growing conditions but additional research is needed to better understand this management practice.

Technical Abstract: Gibberellic acid (GA3) at 125 and 250 ppm and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at 1.0 and 3.0 ppm were applied as sprays over the canopy to determine their influence on fine-fiber yield, stem length, stem diameter, and fiber elongation. GA3 treatment increased fine fiber yield by 13-14% and improved fiber fineness by 12-16%. GA3 decreased chlorophyll content, stem diameter, flowering and boll production. IAA increased fine fiber yield, chlorophyll content, and stem diameter, but decreased fiber strength, and fineness. This research showed that the application of PGRs such as GA3 and IAA to flax could increase the yield and achieve finer, stronger fiber.