CULTIVAR, PHOTOPERIOD, AND GIBBERELLIN INFLUENCE SHOOT ELONGATION AND PHOTOSYNTHETIC CAPACITY OF HARDY AZALEAS

In a greenhouse experiment involving 13 hardy azalea (Rhododendron spp,) cultivars, 'Noordthiana' and 'Treasure' had the highest rate of shoot elongation and the highest photosynthetic capacity (Pcap) during the summer, In winter,'Treasure' had a high rate of shoot elongation and Pcap, but 'Noordthiana' had a high rate of shoot elongation and low Pcap, Long days or GA(3) sprays stimulated shoot elongation but not Pcap of certain cultivars, GA(3) was effective in stimulating shoot elongation of 'Vuyk's Scarlet' if plants were given supplemental photoperiods under natural winter (short) photoperiods, Cultivars with a high rate of shoot elongation and Pcap likely will produce salable plants in a shorter time period than slower growing cultivars because less time elapses between prunings, Production time can be decreased further with GA(3) sprays, especially with GA(3) applications in combination with supplemental photoperiods during the short days of winter, Chemical name used: gibberellic acid (GA(3)).