The Influence of synthetic strigolactones and plant extracts on the morphological parameters of onion (Allium cepa)

Abstract

In recent years there has been frequent reference to the significance of strigolactones as a new group of hormones which might have a significant effect on horticultural production. The aim of this work was to find an ideal combination of stable synthetic strigolactones and plant extracts with potential effects on onion plants. The synthetic strigolactone Fenyl 7 (dihydro-3-[[2,5- dihydro-4-methyl-5-oxo-2-furanyl)oxy]-methylene]-5-phenyl-2(3H)-furanone) was tested in a carrot macerate, with citric acid and with salicylic acid. From the results it was confirmed that increasing the pH of the preparation leads to improving the stability of Fenyl 7. Evaluation has repeatedly confirmed the effect of the preparation, combining synthetic strigolactone and a macerate of carrot in a mixture of surfactants with added citric acid. In all the experiments this combination showed a statistically demonstrable influence on leaf weight (increased by 12-31%) and length (increased by 6-13%) in comparison with the controls.