Effect of growth regulators on yield and fiber quality in ramie (Boemherianivea (L.) Gaud.), China grass

The effects of two mixtures of four plant growth regulators (choline chlori de, gibberellin (GA(3)), benzyladenine (6-BA)and NaHSO3) at 20:9.5:800 mg k g(-1) (H1) and 20:42:43:2350 mg kg(-1) tH3) (active ingredients), respectiv ely, were investigated on yield and fiber quality in ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud.). The mixtures were sprayed over the canopy at two growth stage s (10 and 20 days after the previous cut) of field-grown ramie. The treatme nts increased raw fiber yield by 13-18%, and improved fiber fineness by 57- 349 m g(-1), increased number of leaves per plant, and also improved all yi eld components. Treatment H1 resulted in a denser distribution, smaller dia meters and greater quantity of fiber cells in stem cross-section. Physiolog ical responses included improving leaf water status, increasing net photosy nthetic rate, and decreasing electrolyte exosmosis rate. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.