MATEUS, Caroline M. D’Andrea; SELEGUINI, Alexsander; CASTILHO, Regina M. Monteiro de; FARIA JUNIOR, Max José A.
Abstract:
The objective of the research was to evaluate the use of photoselective plastic shadenet
and effect of plant growth regulator paclobutrazol drench concentrations (0; 0,25; 0,50; 0,75 e 1,0
mg.L-1 of substrate) on pot plants of sunflower grown under protected environment, as well as the
microclimatic changes resulting from the use of the referred plastic net. Two greenhouses were
covered with transparent polyethylene film, 100 μm thick, and at one of them, the plastic film was
applied over a blue photoselective plastic shadenet (30% of shading). Microclimatic and agronomic
parameters were evaluated. The results showed that radiant density flux was reduced by 27,5 %, in
average, when the shadenet was used, what had influenced poorly the air temperature and humidity in the
shelter. Further, the use of the shadenet did not reduced plant height and did not influenced inflorescence
diameter, the number of leaves per plant and the interval from transplant to flowering. Nevertheless,
paclobutrazol substrate drench decreased plant height, leading to more compact plants that can be grown
and commercialized in pots, without any loss to plant quality, since the inflorescence diameter and the number of leaves per plant were not commercially affected by the use of the growth retardant, and the
flowering was delayed according to the paclobutrazol concentration, but not exceeding one week.