The control of sucker growth in tobacco by growth substances and mineral oils.

Abstract

Indoleacetic acid ranging in concentration from 50 to 10,000 p.p.m. significantly reduced the growth of suckers on plants which had had the apical leaves and inflorescence excised. Five mineral oils significantly reduced the suckering in tobacco grown in the glass-house. Twelve mineral oils tested in north Queensland under conditions similar to commercial growing were all highly effective in reducing sucker growth. As the concentration of indoleacetic acid increased, the epinastic effect on the leaves became more pronounced. The mineral oils did not produce epinasty. No pathological reactions were observed with any of the treatments. Maleic hydrazide was the only growth regulator used in the field that significantly reduced sucker growth.