Benzyladenine and Cyclanilide Promote Shoot Development and Flowering of ‘Moonbeam’ Coreopsis

Abstract Effects of cyclanilide (CYC) and benzyladenine (BA) applied as foliar sprays or substrate drenches on the growth and flowering of ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata L. ‘Moonbeam’) during greenhouse production were determined. A foliar spray or substrate drench of 250 to 2000 ppm BA promoted increased numbers of vegetative shoots, reproductive shoots, and flower buds that increased with concentration. With BA concentrations of 250 or 500 ppm, flowering was delayed by 7 days or less and any foliar chlorosis was transient. Flowering delays of up to 19 days and persistent foliar chlorosis occurred in plants treated with 1000 or 2000 ppm BA. CYC applied at 25 to 100 ppm promoted fewer vegetative and reproductive shoots and flower buds than did BA; however, compared to control plants, plants developed more flower buds with no flowering delay, except when applied as a 100 ppm drench. Plants treated with CYC foliar sprays or substrate drenches developed twisted and horizontal growing shoots that persisted until full flower and detracted from the plants' appearance.