The growth retardant paclobutrazol (PBZ) and stem girdling were applied to satsuma 'Owari' mandarin plants cultivated in pots in a growth chamber under two different environmental conditions: one with temperature at day time set in 15(0)C and night time in 8(0)C, and another with temperature at day time set in 26(0)C and night time in 20 0C. The low temperature (15/8ºC) significantly increased flowering, but PBZ was not effective. The flowering increased when the plants were girdled, mainly in the conditions of low temperatures (15/8ºC). Paclobutrazol and the girdling induced variations in carbohydrates concentrations of leaf and root, however it was not possible to establish a relationship between flowering and carbohydrates level in the plant.
growth retardant; carbohydrates; floral induction
