Four weeks after the main shoots were
severed, the effect of uniconazole on lateral
stem elongation was strong (Table 4); however,
differences among the various doses
were not drastic. This result suggests that
adequate amounts of the growth retardant in
the growing media were being absorbed by
the roots. Therefore, it became apparent that
translocation of uniconazole to the region of
stem elongation in the original shoot declined
as stems grew longer. The higher leaf
count in plants treated with higher doses
probably was due to the earlier lateral shoot
growth. Uniconazole also resulted in a larger
total leaf area and in larger individual leaves
on lateral shoots as compared with untreated
plants (Table 4). Since producers often cut shoots for cuttings and allow plants to grow
for several weeks before selling them, uniconazole
may be used to increase the aesthetic
value of plants by promoting earlier
lateral shoot growth and the production of
larger leaves and compact plants.