Mepiquat chloride and shading effects on specific leaf area and K, P, Ca, Fe and Mn content of Lantana camara L.

The effects of mepiquat chloride (MC) (0, 500 and 1000 mg l-1) on specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) content of Lantana camara L. plants were examined under 0% and 66% shading levels. All examined parameters and Fe were affected significantly by MC at 66% and 0% shading, respectively. MC decreased SLA of lantana compared to the control (0 mg l-1) irrespective of shading level with no significant differences in general. Increased SLA values were estimated with increased shading. K was increased significantly after spraying with MC at 1000 mg l-1, to a maximum, at 66% shading, compared to 0 mg l-1. P and Fe contents, in general, augmented as MC concentration increased. Mn remained stable with the increasing MC concentrations at 0% shading. On the other hand, Ca and Mn exhibited a significant peak after spray with MC concentration at 500 mg l-1, followed by a slight reduction, at the highest concentration, at 66% shading. K, P and Fe, in most cases, increased significantly, while Ca and Mn, in general, decreased, as shading increased. Our results could aid towards a fertilization program for lantana plants.