Investigation of the Effects of Growth Inhibitors on the Vegetative and Reproductive Traits of Limequat in High Tunnels

Document Type : scientific research article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Graduate of Horticulture Engineering, Dept. of Horticultural Sciences, Crop Sciences College, Sari Agriculture and Natural Resources University (SANRU), Sari, Iran.

2 Corresponding Author, Assistant Prof., Dept. of Horticultural Sciences, Crop Sciences College, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (SANRU), Sari, Iran.

3 Associate Prof., Dept. of Horticultural Sciences, Crop Sciences College, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (SANRU), Sari, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objective: Limequat has become a popular product in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its unique flavor and high nutritional properties. Although limequat cultivation has seen significant growth in recent years, there are still fundamental challenges in optimizing its growth management that require serious attention. Effectively managing these challenges can lead to increased production and improved fruit quality. Therefore, the use of plant growth regulators is of particular importance as effective tools for enhancing growth management and plant development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the growth inhibitors paclobutrazol (PBZ) and uniconazole (UCZ) on the vegetative and reproductive traits of limequat.

Materials and Methods: This research was conducted in a high tunnel in the village of Khormakla, Qaem Shahr. 20-month-old limequat trees were selected, grown on citrange C35 rootstock. The high tunnel consisted of three rows of 20 limequat trees, maintained at a temperature of approximately 22 C and a relative humidity of around 70%. The experiment was carried out as a factorial design in a completely randomized layout with two growth inhibitors: PBZ at four levels (0, 300, 600, and 900 mg/L) and UCZ (0, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/L). The treatments were applied through foliar spraying in three replications (each replication consisting of one tree). The treatments were conducted in mid-April, coinciding with the onset of the first shoot growth following manual pruning in March, and were applied in three stages by 10 days.

Results: The results showed that the application of growth inhibitors significantly reduced leaf fresh and dry weight, leaf area, while increasing the horizontal branch length. The lowest values of these parameters were observed in the treatments with PBZ and UCZ, while the highest values were recorded in the control treatment. Concerning reproductive traits, the findings indicated that the application of PBZ alone and in combination with UCZ led to an increase in the number of flowers and fruits. The highest flower count was observed at a concentration of 900 mg/L of PBZ, and the maximum fruit volume was achieved with the simultaneous application of PBZ (900 mg/L) and UCZ (100 mg/L). Moreover, the number of fruits significantly increased with the use of these regulators; indeed, the results demonstrated the positive effect of these compounds on both the quality and quantity of the yield.

Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study suggest that the application of growth inhibitors can lead to a reduction in vegetative traits while improving reproductive traits in greenhouse limequat. The use concentration of 900 mg/L of PBZ and 100 mg/L UCZ not only aids in the expansion of the plant's canopy but also positively impacts flower and fruit production. These findings could serve as an effective strategy for optimizing limequat cultivation and enhancing the performance of this plant under various growing conditions.

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References

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Journal of Plant Production Research
Volume 33, Issue 2
September 2026
Pages 53-72

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