The effect of GA3 and BA on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica cv. Childsiana)

Flowering is a complex morphological happening that occurs in apical meristem of stem. This investigation was carried out to study the effects of two hormones including gibberellin (GA) and benzyl adenine (BA) on calla cut flower production. The rhizomes were dipped in GA solution with concentrations include (0, 100, 200 and 500 ppm). BA with concentrations (0, 100, 200 and 500 ppm) was sprayed on flowering stems until flowering time. The results showed that maximum flower yield was obtained in GA solution with concentrations of 500 ppm followed by BA solutions (200 and 500 ppm). However; flowering in control plants was occurred earlier than other plants. Maximum flower weight (54/97 gr) was observed in treatment 200 ppm GA followed by 0 ppm BA and application of 500 ppm GA and 500 ppm BA resulted to minimum flower weight (38/09 gr). Interaction effects of two hormones were significant on chlorophyll content. The maximum chlorophyll content was observed when 500 ppm gibberellins and 500 ppm benzyl adenine were applied in the same time.