Increase of Spinach Growth Through the use of Larger Plug Cell Volume and an Exogenous BAP Spray

Aims: In spinach, transplanting has replaced direct seeding but small containers may cause root restriction effects that would be decreased post-transplant yield. Although a single hormonal regulator (BAP) spray is effective in overcoming root restriction, the mechanisms involved are unknown. The aim of this work was to analyze spinach growth changes by the use of different plug cell volumes and BAP as foliar spray. Study Design: A randomized complete block factorial design with three blocks was used. Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were conducted at the INTA Balcarce Experimental Station campus, Argentina (37 45 S, 58 18 W and altitude 130 m) from 5 th March to 24 th May 2008 and repeated once from 15 th March to 19 th May 2009. Methodology: We analyzed growth changes by the use of different plug cell volumes and BAP as foliar spray on dry weight accumulation and partitioning in Spinacea oleracea plants in two field experiments. Results: The use of large plug cell volumes and BAP sprays at the pre-transplant stage increased