January 
1976
Horticulture Series 
No. 23
Auburn University
Agricultural Experiment Station
R. Dennis Rouse, Director Auburn, Alabama

RESEARCH RESULTS FOR ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURISTS
Florist Crops
Horticulture Series No. 23
Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station
R. D. Rouse, Director January 1976 Auburn, Alabama
CONTENTS
Page
Effect of Several Growth Regulators on the Growth of Clerodendron
thomasoniae. Kenneth C. Sanderson and Willis C. Martin, Jr. ........ .
Effects of Three Growth Regulating Chemicals on Shoot Growth in
Garden Chrysanthemums. Kenneth C. Sanderson and Willis C. Martin, Jr. . . 2
A Survey of The Interior Plant Design Business in Alabama. Susan
Dean and Kenneth C. Sanderson 
4....... ...................... 4
Growth and Foliar Analysis of Standard Chrysanthemums Grown 
in Municipal
Compost-Amended Media. G. Jay Gogue and Kenneth C. Sanderson ... ...... 
5
Effects of Growth Regulators on Lilium longiflorum 
thumb. cv. 'Georgia'.
Kenneth C. Sanderson, Willis C. Martin, Jr., Karen 
A. Marcus and
William E. Goslin . ......... ........................... 
. 12
A Survey of the Advertising Practices of Alabama Retail 
Florists.
Hugh Deese and Kenneth C. Sanderson ....... .................. . 16
An Evaluation of Snapdragon Cultivars Grown in Central Alabama.
Kenneth C. Sanderson and Willis C. Martin, Jr. .... 
.............. . 17

Effect on Several Growth Regulators on the Growth
of Clerodendron thomasoniae Balf.
Kenneth C. Sanderson and Willis C. Martin, Jr.
Nature of Work: Previous work indicated that drenches containing ancymidol
were most effective in retarding the growth of Clerodendron thomasonfae. Ancy-
midol's effect on flowering was not recorded in this work and is subject to
question. Work was conducted in 1975 to consider flower stalk number along with
height reduction. Growth regulators tested were: chlormequat, ethephon, ancy-
midol, PBA, Bayer 102613 (a morphactin) and Armak's experimental chemical TD-6733
MO. Plants were propagated from eye-cuttings in 5 in. pots in January of 1975.
Soil, sphagnum peat moss, and perlite (1:1:1, v/v/v)was used as a propagation-
growing medium. Fertilization consisted of preplant incorporation of 41 g
superphosphate, 21 g CaN03, 1 g FeS0
4
, 8 :g FTE, and 227 g Osmocote
TM 
14-14-14
per bushel. Plants were pinched 5 times (monthly) starting in February. At
the time of treatment the plants were being grown in a lightly shaded (approxi-
mately 10%), evaporative cooled (70
0
F. when possible), glasshouse. A Halaby mist
blower was used to apply the treatments shown in Table 1 on June 2. Approxi-
mately 150 ml of spray material was applied to 12 plants. Drenches were applied
at the rate of 150 ml per 5- in. pot. Data on height and flower stalk number
were recorded on July 1.
Results and Conclusions: A 4,000 ppm ethephon spray caused the greatest
retardation in growth, however, it also inhibited flowering (Table 1). A 2 ppm
ancymidol drench alone or in combination with 3,000 ppm chlormequat drench or
200 ppm PBA spray and a 150 ppm ancymidol spray produced the shortest plants
with the most flowers. While all the growth regulators caused some height re-
duction, the number of flower stalks was only directly reduced by ethephon treat-
ments, Bayer 102613, TD-6773 MO spray, and a 4 ppm ancymidol drench plus 200 ppm
PBA spray. In some situations ancymidol treated plants had more flower stalks
than untreated plants.
Publications: Sanderson, K. C. and W. C. Martin, Jr. 1975. Cultural concepts
for :growing Clerodendron thomasoniae. Fla. Sta. Hort. Soc. Po. 86:439-441.
Table 1. Effect on Several Growth Regulator Treatments on
Growth of Clerodendron thomasoniae Balf. Number of
Treatment Rate (ppm) Height (cm) flower stalks
Chlormequat drench 3,000 39.7 7.7
Chlormequat-ancymidol drench 3,000-2 30.3 8.3
Ancymidol drench 2 25.5 8.3
Ancymidol drench 4 26.0 7.0
Ancymidol drench-PBA spray 2-200 27.8 8.3
Ancymidol drench-PBA spray 4-200 25.2 6.8
PBA spray 200 54.3 7.5
Ancymidol spray-PBA spray 150-200 26.0 7.7
A'icymidol spray 150 27.5 8.2
Ethephon drench 200 33.5 6.0
Ethephon drench 400 29.3 6.3
Ethephon spray 2,000 27.2 3.8
Ethephon spray 4,000 20.2
Bayer 102613 spray 2 61.2 6.2
Bayer 102613 spray 4 48.8 6.7
TD-6773MO spray 500 39.5 6.8
Check 64.2 7.2
Effects of Three Growth Regulating Chemicals on
Shoot Growth in Garden Chrysanthemums
Kenneth C. Sanderson and Willis C. Martin, Jr.
Nature of Work: Garden chrysanthemums are one of the most popular flowers used
in American landscapes. It is a standard commercial practice to pinch garden
chrysanthemums one or two times to induce branching. Branching is important
for adequate flower yield and display. Cultivar selection, pinching methods,
and culture influence the number of branches per plant. If these methods fail,
the grower's only recourse has been to increase the number of plants per con-
tainer, thus increasing production costs. Plant growth regulating chemicals such
as cytokinins,ethylene releasing substances, and auxin-antagonists have been
reported to increase lateral branching of plants. Foliar sprays of 6-benzyl-
amino-9- (2-tetrahydropyranyl-9H-purine 
(PBA) have been found to induce branch-
ing in poinsettias, geraniums and cut and potted chrysanthemum cultivars. This
study was initiated to evaluate the effects of three growth regulating chemicals
on shoot growth of garden chrysanthemums.
The plant growth regulating chemical 3,3 a Dihydro-2-(p-methoxy-phenyl-
8H pyrazolo-(5,1 a)isoindol-8-one (Dupont DPX 1840), 6(Benzylamino)-9- 2-
tetrahydropyranyl)-9H-purine (PBA or Shell Development Company's Accel 
M )
and N, N - bis (phosphonomethyl glycine) (glyphosine or Monsanto Company's
Polaris
TM
) were applied as sprays, one week prior to pinching, to garden chry-
santhemum cultivars 'Festive Cushion', 'Jackpot', 'Stardom', and 'White Grand-
child' in a replicated greenhouse experiment.
Results and Discussion: Sprays of PBA effectively induced increased
branching (Table 2). The 200 ppm PBA treatment produced more shoots per plant
than all other treatments except 100 ppm PBA. Glyphosine and DPX 1840 reduced
plant height. Cultivars differed from each other in the number of shoots per
plant and 'Festive Cushion' plants had more shoots than any of the other culti-
vars. 'White Grandchild' plants were taller than the other cultivars.
The results of this study indicate that a 200 ppm PBA spray could be a
beneficial method to supplement pinching for increasing shoot number in the
commercial production of garden chrysanthemums. Such a spray would be especially
useful on cultivars with poor branching habits and desirable flower characteristics
because the increase in shoot number might eliminate the expensive necessity of
using additional plants per container to increase flower yield.
Publications: Sanderson, K. C. and W. C. Martin, Jr. 1974. Effects of
DPX 1840, PBA and glyphosine on shoot growth in garden chrysanthemums. Fla. State
Hort. Soc. Proc. 87:558-560.
Table 2. Effect of growth regulator 
sprays on the number of
shoots per plant and height of garden 
chrysanthemums
Treatment Rate 
No. shoots Height
ppm 
per plant 
cm
Untreated 
3.6 bz 27.9 ab
DPX 1840 
1.0 3.6 b 
26.8 bc
DPX 1840 
2.0 3.6 
b 26.4 c
Glyphosine 
2.1 3.7 b 
26.7 c
Glyphosine 
4.3 3.5 b 
26.9 bc
PBA 
100.0 3.8 
ab 28.3 a
PBA 
200.0 4.0 
a 28.0 ab
Mean separation, in columns, 
by Duncan's multiple range 
test at 5% level.
A Survey of the Interior Plant Design
Business in Alabama
Susan Dean and Kenneth C. Sanderson
Nature of Work: To develop a better understanding of the size of the
interior plant design market in Alabama, 
a survey of 100 florists and garden
centers was conducted in 1975. Thirty-three florists were randomly picked
each from the December 1974 
membership list of Florafax 
International Inc.,
Tulsa, OK, and the membership list of Teleflora Inc., 
Redondo Beach, CA.
Thirty-four nurserymen with greenhouses were randomly selected from the list
of Alabama Nurseries Certified Jan. 9, 1974. One questionnaire was sent to
Everett Conklin, Inc., so that an interior landscape firm's answers would be
available for comparison. A questionnaire, letter of introduction and self-
addressed, stamped envelope were mailed to each participant. The questionnaire
consisted of 23 check-off-type answer questions.
Results and Discussion: A survey of 42 Alabama florists and greenhouse
nurserymen revealed that 46% of these businesses did not engage in the sale,
rental or use of foliage plants for interior designs. Of the 19 firms involved
in the interior foliage plant business, 68% reported that foliage 
plant business
accounted for only 10% to 25% of their total income. This percentage 
of their
total income is below the 30% figure reported by Bachman's, 
Inc., of Minneapolis,
one of our nation's largest florists
Only 37% of the businesses rented foliage plants with the rental being con-
centrated on weddings. Mrs. Debbie Semprott, an interior designer for Everett
Conklin, Inc., Montvale, N. J. noted that most of their renting was "commercial
work" of all types. When asked what type building received their plants the 
most,
Mrs. Semprott indicated office use was the greatest. However, Alabama's
largest category, homes (57%), was not marked on the Conklin 
survey. This may
indicate that foliage plant sales to banks, malls, and offices could be expanded
in Alabama.
Only 44% of the businesses in Alabama had planted an interior 
according to
a planned design. Nineteen 
percent of the florists 
and nurserymen had their
own designer and only 15% had ever consulted a designer. 
Only 5% of the firms
had engaged in planting shopping malls. Two-thirds 
of the firms engaged in mall
plantings were in large cities, and all were in income 
brackets of $70,000 or
over. The most commonly used plants in mall designs were 
scheffleras, dieffen-
bachias, dracaenas, Boston ferns, Norfolk Island 
Pines and philodendrons. Large
plants were not listed indicating that the malls 
or plantings were small in
scale. Seventy one percent of the businesses 
had not bid on an interior land-
scape in the last year.
Eighty-one percent of the businesses did 
not contract for the maintenance
of foliage plants.
Most plant guarantees were found to be 
based on a certain number of days
and a 30-day guarantee was offered by 
53% of the businesses. Most of the firms
(37%) said that they usually experienced 
75 to 100 percent survival of their
foliage plants.
Approximately half (45%) of them believe that there is a market for
pl4nning, planting and the caring of interior 
plants, however 62% of the
firms did not encourage this market in their advertising.
This survey indicates that the interior plant 
design market in Alabama
remains to be developed.
Publications: Dean, S. and K. C. Sanderson. 1976. A 
Survey of the interior
plant design business in Alabama. Florist's 
Rev. i58:31-32, 73-78.
Growth and Foliar Analysis of Standard Chrysanthemums
Grown in Municipal Compost-Amended Media
G. Jay Gogue and Kenneth C. Sanderson
Nature of Work: Peat moss, the most widely used soil amendment, has become
less available, more expensive and more variable. Many substitutes for
peat moss including residues of the lumber, rice, peanut, oil cake, and sugar
industries have been tried with some success. Unfortunately, many of the
successful substitutes are not universally available and are often limited
in supply. Present concern for our environment quality has precipitated
a solid waste excess crisis and offered a universally available material,
municipal refuse. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine
the feasibility of using municipal compost, produced by the windrow method
(piling outside in mounded rows which are turned over frequently) as a soil
amendment in media for growing standard chrysanthemums.
Rooted cuttings of 'Improved Albatross' and 'CF No. 2 Good News' chrysanthe-
mums were used in 2 greenhouse experiments. Forty-two cuttings of each culti-
var were planted in 6 media treatments using 18 X 18-cm spacing per cutting.
Two ground beds were divided into 4 replications containing the following
media treatments mixed on a volume basis: 1) 1:1 soil:peat, 2) 1:1:1 soil:per-
lite:peat, 3) 1:1 soil:municipal compost, 4) 1:1:1 soil:peat:municipal compost,
5) 1:1:1 soil:perlite:municipal compost, and 6) 2:2:1:1 soil:perlite:peat:
municipal compost. Fibrous, acid sphagnum peat moss, horticultural grade per-
lite, and a fine textured sandy loam were used to formulate media. Municipal
compost was produced by the City of Mobile, Alabama from refuse after most of
the metals, rags, and large items were removed. The remaining materials were
ground in a hammermill and composted in windrows for at least 16 weeks. The
resulting product was fibrous in texture with much visible plastic and was
ground so that glass, metal, and other rigid materials did not present a
problem in handling. Analyses of municipal compost were as follows (ppm):N,12,
600; P, 5,500; K, 6,600; Ca, 26,400; Mg,l,200; Na,4,900; Zn,l,000; Mn,510; Fe, 5,080;
Cu, 490; and B, 51. Spurway analysis of extracts revealed (ppm):N0
3
,2-5;P,0-1;
K,20-40; and Ca,150-300. Municipal compost had a pH of 8.6, and a solubridge
reading (1:5) of 70-195. Media were adjusted to pH 6.0 using either CaCO
3
, or
3
sulfur. Gypsum was added to sulfur-adjusted media at the rate of 0.8 kg per m .
Superphosphate was added to all media at the rate of 1.6 kg per m
3
. Media
were steam pasteurized prio: to planting. The same media were reused for Exp. 2
Standard commercial cultural procedures were as follows: Photoperiods
controlled according to schedules for cut flowers, high fertility (200 ppm
N, 88 ppm P, and 166 ppm K applied at each watering); and proper pinching,
pruning (to 2 breaks), and disbudding. Minimum night temperature of 160 C.
was maintained from planting until flowering, while day temperatures were
approximately 220 C.
6
During the vegetative stage, leaf samples were taken at the fifth or
sixth node (counting from the base of the plant) from 
randomly selected
lateral shoots. Sampled leaves were dipped twice for 10 sec. in distilled
water to remove pesticide residue and possible fertilizer contamination, dried
at 670 C. for 24 hr., and ground in a Wiley Mill (20-mesh). Total N was
determined from a 0.50-g sample using a direct reading 
emission spectrograph.
Growth data was taken when half the flowers in a treatment were mature.
Twenty stems of each cultivar were selected for stem fresh weight and length,
and flower head weight was determined on 5 flowers from each cultivar in each
medium after drying at 670 C. for 24 hours.
Exp. 1 cuttings were benched on July 29 and subjected to photo-control so
that flowering occurred Oct. 24-28. Vegetative foliar samples were taken on
Sept. 9. Exp. 2 cuttings were benched on Dec. 15 in the same beds as 
Exp. 1
with the media being remixed, pH readjusted, amendment added 
when required.
On Jan. 9 and 21, single applications of 1.2 g MgS04/1 and 1 application 
of
2.4 g/l Ca(H
2
P0
4
)
2
. Foliar samples were taken on Feb. 5, and growth data
at flowering (March 22-24).
Experiments were designed as randomized complete blocks. Separate (when
treatments did not rank the same) and combined analysis of variance were con-
ducted on the experiments along with separation of means by Duncan's multiple
range test. Correlation coefficients between growth and foliar content were
also determined.
Results and Discussion: Foliar analysis data (N,P,K,Ca,Mg,Na,Zn,Mn,Cu,
and B) and growth parameters (flower diameter and dry weight and flowering
stem weight and length) indicated that municipal compost could be used as a
soil amendment for chrysanthemum culture (Tables 3,4,5). Compost amendment
produced plants high in foliar K, Cu, B, and Zn., a marginal leaf 
injury was
observed in compost-grown plants. While K, Cu, and Zn toxicities were dis-
proven, B toxicity still remained a possible explanation for 
the symptoms.
Plants grown in perlite media were high in K, Ca, Cu, Al, B, and Zn, 
and per-
lite amendment may have accented the leaf injury observed in 
compost media.
Negative correlations of growth parameters occurred with foliar K,Cu,Al,Na,
and Zn concentrations (Table 6).
Publications: Gogue, G. J. and K. C. Sanderson. 1975. Municipal compost 
as
a medium amendment for chrysanthemum culture. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. 
Sci. 100:
213-216.
Table 3. Foliar element concentration of chrysanthe
mum grown in various media
Percent dry we
Media N p K Ca Mg
Exp. Exp. Exp. Exp. Exp. Exp. Exp. Exp. Exp. Exp.
1 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 2
5.45
4.80b
4. 7Gb
5 .29a
4. 79b
4. 68b
5.74a
5.56a
5.63a
5.67a
5.58a
5.64a
0.72a
0.52c
0.56a
0,74a
0.55cb
0,58b
0.76 a
0.4 8d
0.60c
0.7 lb
0.50d
0.60 c
5.71b
7.96a
8.00a
6.26b
7.82a
8. 10a
5.16de
5.39cd
6.30a
4.58e
5.95ab
5. 64bc
1.31a
1.39a
1. 19b
1.33a
1.3.5a
l.lOc
1.44a
1.30b
1.16c
1.44a
l.36ab
0.42a
0.2 2b
0. 24b.
0.42a
0.2 4b
0.24b
0.53a
0.28c
0.29c
0.52a
0.29c
0. 33b
Mean 4.95b 5.63a 0.61a 0.61a 7.30a 5.71b 1.26a 1.30a 0.3Gb 0.37a
x/ Media were. (v:v): 1) 1:1 (soil:peat), 2) 1:1:1 (soil: perlite:peat), 3) 1:1
(soil:municipal compost), 4) 1:1.:1 (soil:peat:municipal compost), 5) 1:1:1 (soil:
perlite:muni'cipal compost), and 6) 2:2:1:1 (soil:perlite:peat:munilcipal compost).
y/Nean separation in a column by Duncan's multiple range test, 5% level,
8
Table 3.(Con't.) Foliar element conzentration of
chrysanthemum grown in varLous media
Media Mn Fe Cu Al B Na 
Zn
Exp. Exp. Exp. Exp. Exp. Exp. .,xp. Exp. Exp. Exp.
l&11l& 1l1&2 1 2 1 2 1& 2 1 2
1 287a l~lab 25c 168c 65a 103d 49b 301a 
67c 99b
2 306a 95bc 41a 240a 51a 191a *77a 522a 124a 
117a
3 289a 92cd 36b 2l0ab 49a 162bc 64ab 
298a 98b ll4ab
4 279a 103a' 23c 209ab 63a 117d 48b 277a 62c 81c
5 308a 88d 32b 205b 47a 169b 74a 300a 107b lO4ab
6 299a 92cd 31b .216b 48a 150c 6lab 285a 98b 
1O0b
Mean 294 95 31 208A 54b 148a 62b 330 92a 
102a
Table 4. Effect of media on mean flower diameter, dry 
weight and fresh
weight,.-and length of flowering stems of Chrysanthemum 
morifolium
Flower
Diam. (cm)
Ex.1 & 2
12. 7a
11 8b
12.4a
12,.7a
12.3a
12.6a
Flower
Dry wt (g)
Exp. 1 & 2
4. Oa
3. 4c
3.6bc
3. 9ab
3.6bc
3.7ab c
Flowering
S tem. w t(g).
Flowering
Stem-length(cm)
Exp.__Exp.2 Exp.1 Exp.2
66. la
41.9c
54. 3b
6 7.Oa
4 7.3c
55 .5b
66.3a
52. 3c
59,.5b
60:..9ab
56...8b c
58. 3b c
84."4a
61. 8b
70,.9b:
83.4a
65, 9b
75. 5b
74.8a
63.9c
69.Ob
73.Oa
66. 8b c
67. 9b
55.3 59.0 73.3 69.2
xMedia.were(v) 1 :1 () 2:perlite:peat), 3) 1:1
(soil:muni-cipal compost), 4).-1:1l:1 (soil: peat :muni cipal compost),, 5)1:1:1l
soil: perli**te municipal1 compo-st),. and 6) 2:2:1:1 (so il :perli*1te,:peat :munic ipal
compost).
yj Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different
in- the 5% level by Duncan's multiple range test.,
Med ia
1
2
3
4
5
6
Mean 12.4 3.7
10
Table 5. Element concentration and growth of two
chrysanthemum cultivars
Improved Albatross CF 2 Good News
Element concentration
N%
P
K
Ca
mg
Mn ppm
Fe
Cu
Al
B
Na
Zn
Growth measurements,
Flower diam. (cm)
Flower dry wt. (g)
Flowering stem wt. (g)
Stem length (cm)
significantly different
5,34a
0.5 6b
6 .43a
1, 02b
0. 24b
252b
99a
32a
129a
109a
410a
I96a
5.,25b
0. 65a
8.59a
1. 54a
337a
91lb
31a
133a
102a
251b
99a
11. 2b
16.9b
51.7b
65. 2b
13.6a
20.Oa
62.6a
77.7a
x/ Means in a row followed by the same letter are not
at the 5% level by Duncan's multiple range test.
.
Table 6. Correlations between growth and foliar element 
content of chrysanthemum,
Exp. 1 and 2 and cvs. Improved Albatross and CF 2 Good News combined
Growth Element
N P K Ca Mg Mn Fe Cu Al B Na
xx xx xx xx xx
Flower diameter -.12 .41 .41 .65 .60 .49 -. 20 .00 .10 -. 04 -. 16
xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx
Flower dry wt. .58 .27 -.59 .31 .59 .02 -.20 -.63 -.64 -.64 -.33
Flowering stem xx x xx x xx x xx x xx xx
fresh wt. .29 .57 -.45 .22 .67 .20 -.05 -.36 -.23 -.44 -.32 -
xx x xx xx xx x
Stem length .02 .63 -.20 .30 .66 .35 -. 02 -.07 .10 -. 14 -. 24 -
x Significant at 5% level.
,x Significant at 1% level.
Zn
-.13
.03
xx
-.35
xx
-.
47
-
12
Effects of Growth Regulators on Lilium
longiflorum Thumb.cv. Georgial
Kenneth C. Sanderson, Willis C. Martin, Jr.,
Karen A. Marcus, and William E. Goslin
2
Nature of Work: 'Georgia' Easter lilies produce taller potted plants than desired.
Height reduction chemicals such as ammonium (5-hydroxycarvacryl) trimethylchlo-
ride piperidine carboxylate or Amo-618 (2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid (CEPA)
(2 chloroethyl) trimethyl-ammonium chloride (chlormequat) 2, 4-dichlorobenzyl-
tributylphosphonium chloride (CBBP) and succinic acid-2, 2-dimethyl-hydrazide
(SADH) have been tested on various lily cultivars for height reduction. CBBP
has been found to be the most effective chemical and has been accepted commer-
cially, however, CBBP treated plants often have weak stems that bend and break
easily. This stem weakness has been attributed to a reduction in cell wall
thickness in portions of the stem. Recently, a-cyclopropyl-a(p-methoxyphenyl)-
5 pyrimidinemethanol or ancymidol has been found to be effective in reducing
lily height. Ancymidol's effect on stem anatomy has not been reported.
The objective of this research was to compare the activity of several
growth regulators on 'Georgia' lily growth and flowering, and stem anatomy.
Precooled Japanese Georgia Easter lily bulbs 15.0-17.5 cm size were potted
in 15 cm clay pots, using steam pasteurized, 1:1:1 (v/v/v) soil, sphagnum peat
moss and horticultural perlite as a potting medium on December 20, 1971.
Dolomitic limestone (4.3 kg per m
3
) and superphosphate (0.8 kg 8.8% P per m
3
)
were incorporated into the medium prior to pasteurization. Plants were ferti-
lized every 2 weeks alternating 2.4 g per liter of 25.0 N-0.0 P -7.7 K with
3.0 g per liter of 15.0 N - 0.OP - 5.8K. Plants were grown at a minimum night
temperature of 170 C.
A randomized block design with 2 replications, 20 treatments and 10 plants
per treatment was used in applying the growth regulator drenches and sprays
shown in Table 7). Drenches were applied directly to the media surface. Spray
treatments were applied with a high pressure, low volume sprayer until the
leaves glistened. Upon commencement of anthesis of the first flower bud on
a plant, data were recorded on days to flowering from potting, number of
flowers per plant and plant height. An AOV and appropriate mean separation
were conducted on the data. Stem samples for cross-sectioning were also taken
at flowering with the base and middle (as determined by leaf number) of the
stem being sampled on 1 randomly selected plant per replication and treatment.
The stem segments were killed and fixed in formalin-acetic acid-alcohol (5:
5:90 v/v/v), dehydrated through a tert-butylalcohol series, and infiltrated
with paraplast. Cross sections at 12 were made, using an A0820 microtome
and stained with azure blue B.
Results and Discussion:
Concentration drenches and sprays of a-cyclopropyl-a (p-methox-
phenyl)-5 primidinemethanol (ancymidol) were comparable to 2,4-dichloro-benzyl-
tributylphosphonium chloride in inhibiting stem growth in 'Georgia' Easter
lily (Table 7). Both materials produced plant stems with enlarged, thin-walled
cells. Cross sections of stems from plants receiving split applications of
13
CBBP drenches or ancymidol drenches and sprays exhibited slightly thicker
cell walls in some instances. Some of the higher rates of ancymidol de-
layed flowering and reduced the number of flowers per plant. Drenches of
(2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid and sprays of ethyl hydrogen 1- propyl-
phosphonate, aborted flower buds and showed some promise as deflowering
agents in commercial lily bulb production.
Publications:
W. E. Goslin.
florum Thumb.
Sanderson, K. C., W. C. Martin, Jr., Karen A. Marcus and
1975. Effects of plant growth regulators on Lilium longi-
cv. Georgia. HortScience 10:611-613.
14
Table 7. Effect of application method, chemical and rate of growth regulators
on days from planting to flowering number of flowers per plant
and height of 'Georgia' Easter lily.
Application and chemical
Code RateZ
name (ppm)
Check
Drenches 240 mi/iS cm pot applied
(2-chioroethyl) phosphonic acid d CEPA
2 3,4-dichlorobenzyl tributyl-
phosphonium chloride . . CBBP
2 ,4-dichlorobenzyl tributyl-
phosphonium chloride . . CBBP
a-cyclopropyl -a-(p-methoxy- . 0 .
phenyl) -5-pyrimidinemethanol
a-cyclopropyl-a- ( -methoxy-
phenyl) -5-pyrimidinemethanol
2.8abc
100 ll0.8bcd
2,400 109.8cd
800 (3x)ll0.6bcd
Ancy-
midol
Ancy-
midol
a-cyclopropyl-a-(p-methoxy-........Ancy-
phenyl) -5-pyrimidinemethanol mi*dol
. a-cyclopropyl-a-('p-methoxy-
phenyl) -5-pyrimidinemethano 1
Ancy-
midol
a-cy clop ropyl1-a- (.p-me thoxy- a .0.G.Ancy-
phenyl) -5-pyrimidinemethanol midol
Sprajys applied until leaf glistened
a-cyclopropyl-a-(p-methoxy-. . Ancy-
phenyl) -5-pyrimidinemethanol midol
a-cyclopropyl -a- (-methoxy-..
phenyl) -5-pyrimidinemethanol
a-cyclopropyl-a-(p-methoxy-
phenyl) -5-pyrimidinemethanol
Ancy-
midol
Ancy-
mi do l
109.8cd
111. 5bc
112, lb
114 .2a
1.6d
3.2ab
3.lab
3.Oab
2.9ab
2.8abc
2. 5cd
2(3x) l0.4bcd 3. lab
100
125
150
109.4de 2.9ab
108.8def 3.5a
109.8cd 3. 3a
Continued
Days
from
planting
to
flowering
Number
of
f lowers
per
plant
Plant
height
(cm)
54.2a
36.6f
42.9e
49.3cd
37.5f
29.2g,
27.Ogh
23. 9h
29.7g
46.9cde
46. 6cde
44.9de
15
Table 7. Continued
Days Number
Code Ratez from of Plant
Application and chemical name (ppm) planting flowers height
to per. (Cm)
flowering pl1ant
a-cy clopropyl-:a- (p-methoxy- . . Ancy-
phenyl)-5-pyrimidinemethanol 
midol 200 110.2cd 
2.9ab 43.7e
a-cyclopropyl-a- (p-me thoxy- . Ancy-
phenyl) -5 -pyr i dinemethanol midol 50!(.2x) 108.8def 2. 7abc 48.3bcd
Ethyl hydrogen 1-propylphosphonate EHPP 250 lQ0.lcd 
2.8ab 51.lab
Ethyl hydrogen l-propylphosphonalte EHPP 500 l1.2blc 2..8ab 50.9abc
Et hyl 'hydrogen l -p ropy lpho sphonate EHPP 1000 107.7ef l.9ced 49.3cd
3, 3a-di.'hydro-2 (p-methoxyphenyl1-8.H-
pyrazolo[5:,l-allisoindol"8-o1ne -DP X1840 50 107,.3f 3.Oab 54..5g
z Rates marked 2-3x indicate a split application with rate being applied 2-3 times,
Mean separation for growth parameter "In columns, by Dunca'smutiaple range
test., 5% level.
16
A Survey of the Advertising Practices of
Alabama Retail Florists
Hlugl I)eesc and Kenneth C. Sanderson
Nature of Work: Many florists fail to realize the true value of good
advertising. Some consider money 
and time spent on advertising a waste 
and
do very little advertising. With the increasing availability of flowers
from outlets other than retail flower shops, it has become of great importance
to the retail florist to develop a solid, appealing advertising campaign to
successfully compete for a fair share of the flower business. Therefore, a
study was made involving a survey of 100 Alabama retail florists to obtain
information about their advertising practices. This survey sought to determine
1) how many florists advertised; 2) how many of the advertising florists em-
ployed a long range, carefully planned advertising campaign; 3) the most widely
used methods of advertising; 4) the most successful methods of advertising.
The 100 florists surveyed were selected at random from all Teleflora
affiliates (193) and all Florafax
1 
affiliates (173) in Alabama as listed in
the October 1974 issue of the Teleflora Spirit and theOctober 1974 issue
of Florafacts, respectively. The sampling was divided equally among affiliates
of the two organizations. A questionnaire was devised containing 22 objective
questions which could be easily and quickly answered. A short letter of expla-
nation and a self-addressed stamped envelope accompanied the questionnaire to
the 100 selected florists during the fall of 1974. The replies were totaled,
and percentages were calculated for the various questions.
Results and Discussion: Of the 100 florists receiving the questionnaire
57 completed and returned it. The following concluded from the results:
Eighty-six per cent of the florists advertised to some extent. Sixty-
six percent directed their advertising campaign toward selling services. Of
these, eighty-five percent were also concerned with selling products.
Sixty-five percent of the florists who advertised did not have a budget
for advertising. Most of the shops were old established shops who advertised
only when they felt the need.
The 35 percent that did have a special budget for advertising determined
it by: percentages of sales (41%); past experience (53%); or guess work 
(6%).
Approximately 8 percent of the advertising florists employed yellow pages,
word-of-mouth, high school yearbooks and charitable donations as their 
primary
advertising forms. Sixty-five percent used newspaper and radio advertising.
Most florists consider word-of-mouth the most effective form of advertis-
ing. Effective window display is considered to be second and charitable gifts,
etc., third.
Teleflora, Inc., a division of Reuben H. Donnelly Corp., 2400 Compton Blvd.
Redondo Beach, Calif. Florafax Delivery Inc., P.O. Box 9, Leachville, Ark.
"Wire organizations" offering many services to the public and retail florists,
in addition tO delivering flowers over long distances.
17
Florists are concerned about good will for their shops as indicated by the
nluImber who donate to charities (79%) while only 18 percent found it to be a
ver effectLve advertising technique.
Most florists have been in business long enough to have come up with the best
suited advertising campaign for their shop. Ninety-one percent of the florists
are satisfied with their advertising campaign.
Publications: Deese H., and K. C. Sanderson. 1976. Advertising practices of
Alabama retail florists. Florists' Rev. 
April 15, 1976. p. 56-57.
An Evaluation of Snapdragon Cultivars
Grown in Central Alabama
Kenneth C. Sanderson and Willis C. Martin, Jr.
Nature of Work: Growth and quality parameters (fresh 
plant height and weight,
flower spike length, and stem strength) were measured on snapdragon, Anthirrium
majus L. cultivars grown under Central Alabama conditions. Plants were grown
in a glasshouse at a minimum temperature of 620 F. Tests were conducted in full
sun from October to May and under very light shade (10%) from May to October. A
fan and pad cooling system was also used from May to October. Appropriate culti-
vars were selected for testing according to their response to light,temperature
and photoperiod. Seedlings were transplanted into a steam pastuerized 1:1:1
(v/v/v) soil, peat moss, perlite medium. All plants were spaced 16 sq. in. per
plant and grown single stem. Fertilization consisted of 2 lbs. of either 25-10-10
or 20-20-20 per 100 gal. every 2 weeks. Growth data were taken on 20 plants at
harvest, i.e., when 1/3 to 1/2 of the florets were open.
Results and Discussion: Group II cultivars (Dec. 1- Apr. 30 flowering)
equalling or exceeding the growth parameters measured were 'McKinley', 'Phoenix'
and 'Rocky Mountain'. The Group II cultivars 'Potomac Ivory', 'Potomac Pink',
'San Francisco', and 'Winchester' performed best for May 1 to June 30 flowering.
'Miami' was the only outstanding Group IV (June 10-Sept. 30 flowering) cultivar.
For Oct. 1 - Nov. 1 flowering, 'Potomac Ivory', 'Tampico', 'Roanoke', 'Idaho',
'Kentucky', 'Virginia' were the best vultivars. 'Kansas' was the only Group III
cultivar to equal or exceed Group growth parameters when flowered out-of-season
(Dec.- March).
Publications: Sanderson, K. C. 1975. Snapdragons- A crop to meet the energy
crisis. Florists' Rev. 156.
Sanderson, K. C. and W. C. Martin, Jr. 1975. Evaluation 
and scheduling of
snapdragon cultivars. Agric. Expt. Sta. Auburn University Bul. 
468. 21p.