Percentage Of Flowers Research Articles

Changes in Growth and Physiological Parameters of ×Amarine Following an Exogenous Application of Gibberellic Acid and Methyl Jasmonate

×Amarine hybrids are attractive ornamental geophytes grown for cut flower production. Their cultivation is limited due to lesser flowering percentages and lesser bulb weight gain. To optimize the growth and propagation of geophytes, plant growth regulators (PGRs) are used, but so far none have been tested in ×Amarine. We investigated the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3; 50, 100, and 200 mg dm−3) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA; 100, 500, and 1000 µmol dm−3) on growth, flowering, bulb yield, and select physiological parameters of ×A. tubergenii “Zwanenburg”. PGRs were applied as foliar sprays on the 70th and 77th day after planting. GA3 treatment at 200 mg dm−3 exhibited the greatest leaf number, leaf length, bulb weight, daughter bulb number, CO2 assimilation intensity, greenness index, total sugars, and total protein content in bulbs. GA3 application at 100 and 200 mg dm−3 accelerated flowering and at 50 and 100 mg dm−3 significantly increased the bulb flowering percentage. MeJA at all tested concentrations prolonged anthesis time and reduced the bulb flowering percentage. GA3 at all concentrations and MeJA at 500 and 1000 µmol dm−3 stimulated daughter bulbs formation. GA3, especially at 200 mg dm−3 can improve anthesis and increase ×A. tubergenii “Zwanenburg” bulb yield.

Heterosis studies in green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) for earliness, grain yield and yield contributing character

In the present investigation, a study was consisting of six female parents and three male parents were effected in line × tester (6 x 3) program. The resulting 18 F1s were evaluated along with the nine parents and one check (PKV Green Gold) in Randomized Block Design with three replications during the Kharif-2014. The observations on five randomly selected plants in each replication were recorded for four characters viz; days to 50 percent flowering, days to maturity, grain yield per plant (g), and seeds per pods. A considerable amount of heterosis was observed for all characters. The highest heterotic effect was observed in BM-2002-1 x AKM-0603 (145.93percent) for grain yield per plant. The hybrids showed significant positive heterosis over check PKV green gold for all the characters under study. The cross combination BPMR-145 x AKM-10-07 for earliness and grain yield per plant is recommended for heterosis breeding for earliness and to boost low yield levels of green gram.

Evaluation of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) based on correlation and path analysis

In this study, four lines and six testers of sesame were subjected to crossing in a line × tester mating design, during summer, 2019 and 24 hybrids were developed. All 24 F1 hybrids along with ten parents were raised in a RBD and evaluated. Biometrical data was taken for ten traits viz., days to attain fifty percent flowering, height to formation of the first capsule, height of the plant, the number of primary branches, capsules per plant, the number of capsules on the main stem, length of the capsule, days to attain maturity, thousand seed weight and yield per plant. ANOVA revealed that there existed a quite good significant difference for all the biometrical characters, among the lines, testers and hybrids indicating sufficient variability, which can be further utilized for genetic enhancement of the genotypes. Correlation analysis was used to understand the association between yield attributing characters and with yield. Correlation studies revealed that yield/plant expressed positive and significant correlation with height to formation of first capsule, height of the plant, capsules/plant and weight of thousand seed weight. Capsules/plant registered highly positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlation with yield/plant. Days to attain maturity exhibited a negative association with yield/plant. Path analysis was determined to understand the true relationship of yield attributing components among themselves and with the yield. Maximum direct effect on yield was contributed by capsules/plant followed by weight of 1000 seeds and length of capsule. Hence, the selection of genotypes based on capsules/plant, length of the capsule, weight of 1000 seeds will be quite effective in aiding yield improvement in further generations.

Influence of Seed Size on Seedling Emergence, Growth and Yield of Potted Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)

Pot experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State in the Southern Guinea savannah ecological zone of Nigeria to evaluate the influence of seed size on plant performance with reference to seedling emergence, seedling growth, development and yield components and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogea). The treatment consisted of three different seed sizes: small, medium and large seeds apportioned to a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with ten replications. For seed size, the seeds were initially graded into small, medium and large seeds based on visual assessment for length and diameter and from each group 100-seed weight was determined thus 100-seed weight became the parameter for measuring seed size as used in this experiment. The analyzed data showed no significant effect of seed size on groundnut canopy height, leaf number, leaf area, stem girth, days to first flower, number of pods / plant, pod weight, and shelling percentage, but significantly influenced mean days to seedling emergence, days to 50 percent flowering, 100-seed weight and taproot length. The significant effect of seed size on days to seedling emergence, days to 50 percent flowering, 100-seed weight and taproot length could significantly influence farmers’ opinion in the choice of seeds used in planting a field; as this could determine crop maturity, grain yield/ha while length of tap root could affect depth of root forage for nutrients and water, thus crop survival. Despite the non-significant effect of the treatment (seed size) on most parameters investigated, generally crop performance increased with seed size and vice versa, thus sowing of larger seeds is recommended for better groundnut performance.

Root-zone cooling by cold energy from LNG regasification process for quality improvement of flower and bulb of Hippeastrum

In an attempt to improve growth and flowering of Hippeastrum ‘Apple Blossom’ grown in areas of tropical climate, the effect of root-zone cooling on root growth and flowering was investigated. Hippeastrum bulbs were harvested and transplanted to grow in planting-beds using expanded clay as the growing medium. The root-zone cooling methods were conducted using three treatments, namely T1) no cooling (NC) as the control treatment, the average root-zone temperature was 23 ± 2 °C; T2) short-term root-zone cooling (SC) at 11 ± 2 °C by circulating cool water through pipes installed on the beds for 13 weeks; and T3) long-term root-zone cooling (LC) at 11 ± 2 °C throughout the experiment (66 weeks after planting [WAP]). At 29 WAP, plant growth in terms of plant height and root length in the control treatment (NC) was less than the plant growth in other treatments, while at 66 WAP, plant height was not different between treatments. The root length gradually increased when the plant was grown by soil cooling at 11 ± 2 °C throughout the experiment (LC). In the first round of flowering (29 WAP), the results showed that the flowering percentage was not different between treatments. However, at the second round of flowering (66 WAP), plants grown under long-term root-zone cooling at 11 ± 2 °C (LC) had a higher flowering percentage (94.6%) than SC (33.3%), while the NC treatment plants did not flower. The bulb quality, photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance were discussed in this study. It was concluded that decreasing the temperature of the rhizosphere increased plant growth, improved the quality of flowers and bulbs, and also stimulated the flowering cycle of Hippeastrum. This result is beneficial for improving the quality of Hippeastrum cut flower in Thailand using a root-zone cooling system.

Pollination techniques in zucchini production in the presence of boron fertilization

Zucchini (Curcubita pepo L.), known in Brazil as “abóbora de moita”, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is among the top ten vegetables produced and of highest economic value in Brazil. The present study aims to evaluate the efficiency of different forms of pollination in zucchini plantations subject to boron fertilization. The experimental design used was randomized blocks in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement, with four replications. The treatments consisted of a combination of four pollination methods (fruiting induced with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D); manual pollination; natural pollination by bees and control) and boron fertilization (absent and in the soil at a dose of 2 kg ha-1). The percentage of flowering was evaluated and, of the harvested squashes, the diameter, length and average weight of the commercial fruits (those uniform in terms of shape, size, and color) were recorded. The application of 2,4-D promoted the greatest fruit setting rate, diameter, length and mass in the squash. 2,4-D promoted the development of parthenocarpic fruits and can be used to promote yield gains in zucchini production.

Genetic Variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance and Trait Associations in Selected Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor L. Moench) Accessions in Ethiopia

Genetic variability can be defined as the genetic makeup of organisms within a population change. The objective of this study aims to analyze and determine the traits having greater interrelationship with grain yield utilizing the correlation and path analysis and to estimate the genetic variations, heritability and expected genetic advance in the selected sorghum accessions. The experiment was conducted in 2017 planting season in Jimma Agricultural research station during the main season and row column design was used with two replications. 84 introduced sorghum accessions were evaluated in this experiment and the analysis of variance exhibited there was a significant variation among the genotypes for the traits studied. Plant height, head weight, grain yield, rust, days to fifty percent flowering displayed high heritability. Moreover, these traits also have high genetic advance and high genotypic coefficient of variation. The correlation analysis revealed that grain yield displayed positive and significant genetic correlation with number of heads per plot, head weight per plot, days to fifty percent flowering, days to maturity. However, negative genetic correlation with plant aspect, bird damage, grain mold 1,2,3 (1-5 grain mold score) within ten days interval. Thus, number of heads per plot, head weight per plot, plant height, panicle length and panicle width are most important yield contributing traits. Therefore, selection based on these traits studied is important and effective for plant breeding. The path analysis revealed that plant height and panicle length displayed significant and positive direct effect on grain yield. However, head weight per plot, number of heads per plot and panicle width exhibited negative and significant indirect effect with grain yield. This revealed that there is wide range of genetic variability among the genotypes used for all of the traits tested. Therefore, it is important to know this high genetic variability for farther breeding program. In addition to this, high heritability (H 2 ) and high genetic advance (GA) are also important for the improvement of the traits through plant breeding (selection). Keywords: Heritability, genetic variance, phenotypic variance, genetic advance, path analysis, phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-12-01 Publication date: June 30 th 2020

Peningkatan Pembungaan dan Hasil Biji Bawang Merah Varietas Bima melalui Vernalisasi dan Aplikasi GA3

The low production of true seed of shallot (TSS) is mostly caused by a low flowering rate. The research was aimed to increase the flowering rate and seed yield in lowland (240 masl) and highlands (1250 masl) by vernalization and submersion of the seed bulbs in GA3 before planting. The research was arranged in a completely randomized block design with 2 factors and replicated four times. The first factor was vernalization, i.e. without and with vernalization at 10±2°C for 30 days, and the second factor was the submersion of the seed bulbs following vernalization in GA3 at the concentrations of 0, 100, and 200 ppm for 1 h. Parameters measured were time of 50% flowering (days after planting), percentage of flowering plants, number of umbel per plant, number of floret per umbel, fruitset, seed weight per umbel and per plant, as well as the percentage of seed germination. The result suggested that when production of TSS of var. Bima is to be carried out in the lowland then the seed bulbs had to be vernalized at 10±2°C for 30 days which will increase the flowering percentage and seed yield. If the production of TSS is to be carried out in the highland then vernalization at 10±2°C for 30 days will increase the flowering percentage and seed yield. However, if for any reason vernalization is impossible to proceed then the submersion of the seed bulbs in 100 ppm GA3 for 1 h was sufficient to increase the flowering percentage and seed yield. The produced seeds (TSS) either in the low as well as in the highlands had high germination percentages. Keywords: germination, highland, lowland, umbel, true seed of shallot

Production of seed-propagated compact potted Corylopsis plant in one year

The feasibility to produce compact Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens and C. coreana plant in a 10 cm pot in one year from transplanting seedlings with maximized number of short shoots and inflorescences was investigated. Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens was selected as a suitable species to produce compact plant with inflorescences. Slow release fertilizer (SRF) at a rate of 0, 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 g per pot was applied to the surface of the growing medium (Expt. 1). Shoots were pinched 2 (Feb. 28), 4, 6, and 8 weeks (May 16) (Expt. 2) after transplanting, and ancymidol, paclobutrazol, chlormequat, and daminozide plant growth retardants were treated (Expt. 3). Application of a SRF at 0.5 g per pot and pinching four times at 2-week intervals before May 16 effectively increased the flowering percentages and the number of stems with inflorescences, to accelerate flowering, and also produced a compact plants. Paclobutrazol at 10-20 mg/L applied as soil drench was effective in inhibiting stem elongation in the first year; however, higher concentrations should be avoided to prevent excessive reduction in the growth of shoots and production of malformed inflorescences.

Correlation, path analysis and stress indices studies of Saltol introgressed lines of rice for salinity tolerance

The correlation, path analysis and stress indices for yield and its component traits were studied in Saltol introgressed backcross inbred lines (BILs) developed in the background of ADT 37 and CR 1009 Sub 1 under normal and saline conditions. The score of seedling stage salinity tolerance indicated that the line BIL 1102 was tolerant to salinity. Correlation studies indicated positive association of number of total grains per panicle and number of filled grains per panicle with grain yield in both saline and normal conditions. The direct positive effects of traits like number of productive tillers and panicle length would be effective for selection on grain yield improvement under both environments. The characters viz., days to fifty percent flowering, number of filled grains per panicle and thousand grain weightalso had direct effects on grain yield under salinity condition. The lines viz., BIL 1102, BIL 752 and BIL 1094 were selected as saline tolerant lines based on stress susceptibility index (SSI) and stress tolerance index (STI).

Genetic variability and association analysis in barnyard millet mutants

The present study was carried out using 40 mutants along with two check varieties CO(Kv)2 and MDU1 during Kharif 2019. Sixteen characters were studied and out of which only 11 traits showed significant variation. Correlation and path analysis were done for 11 traits viz., number of basal tillers, days to fifty percent flowering, flag leaf length, panicle length, plant height, number of raceme, number of productive tillers, number of leaves in main tiller, average leaves in side tiller, single ear head weight and single plant yield. Among the eleven biometrical traits, high heritability was recorded by traits such as number of basal tillers, days to fifty percent flowering, flag leaf length, plant height, number of racemes, number of productive tillers, number of leaves in main tiller, single ear head weight and single plant yield. Correlation studies showed that number of productive tillers, single ear head weight and plant height possess significant positive correlation with yield at both genotypic and phenotypic level. Path analysis showed that traits like number of basal tillers, single ear head weight and panicle length had high direct effect on yield. Thus, selection of these traits would be rewarding for yield improvement in barnyard millet.

Estimates of variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield components in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) yield can be increased with knowledge of the relationship among yield components is essential for the formulation of breeding programmes. Sixteen genotypes of linseed were evaluated for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and yield components. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) were highest (41.57 and 40.28) for seed yield/acre followed by that for number of capsules/plant (33.75 and 23.11). On the other hand parameters such as plant stand/plot and oil content showed minimal phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation. Estimates of heritability was highest for days to 50% flowering (97.44), days to maturity (98.54) and yield/ acre (93.86) and minimum for plant stand/acre and oil content. Similarly, genetic advance was highest for yield per acre and lowest for oil content percentage. The highest heritability for the traits like days to maturity, days to 50% percent flowering and yield/ acre will give a positive response to the selection. Traits having high h2 and high GA are supposed to be under the control of additive genes; hence, these can be improved by selection based on phenotypic performance. Invariably higher PCV as compared to GCV indicated the role of environment in the expression of the traits.

FLOWERING PERCENTAGE IN ARABICA COFFEE CROPS DEPENDS ON THE WATER DEFICIT LEVEL APPLIED DURING THE PRE-FLOWERING STAGE1

ABSTRACT Nonuniform flowering leads to uneven ripening of fruits, which impairs harvesting efficiency and the quality of the coffee. The aim of this study was to determine the water deficit level required to break flower bud dormancy of Coffea arabica and to evaluate its effects on gas exchange, photosynthetic pigment levels, coffee yield, and fruit maturation. After a growth period of 18 months in 200 L pots maintained under greenhouse conditions, water deficit treatments were imposed by withholding watering from plants exhibiting at least a 60% rate of "E4 stage" flower buds. When five groups of six coffee plants reached the pre-dawn leaf water potential (Ψwpd) of -0.04, -0.65, -1.43, -1.96, and -2.82 MPa, the leaf gas exchange was measured and leaf disks were collected to quantify the photosynthetic pigment levels, after which, watering was resumed. The rate of opened flowers increased with the reduction of Ypd based on the mathematical model, Y = 67.064 + 20.660 x ln(-Ψwpd). The leaf gas exchange was strongly affected by water deficit levels, without any alterations in the photosynthetic pigment levels. Coffee yield was not affected by the treatments but the ripe stages of cherries increased slightly with the reduction in Ψwpd. The water deficit level applied at the pre-flowering stage determined the percentage of flowering in C. arabica.

Intraspecific hybridization in greengram genotypes

The hybridization was made between the primary gene pool which has diverse parent of greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) wilczek) genotypes. Four well known genotypes used for hybridization to yield improvement. Four cross combination were obtained. Out of four crosses the cross L2 x T1 recorded more number characters improvement through these parents combination, number of branches per plant, days to fifty percent flowering, number of cluster per plant, number of pods per plant, single plant yield, dry matter production and days to full maturity while L2 xT2 showed none of the improvement.

Ploidy Level Influences Pollen Tube Growth and Seed Viability in Interploidy Crosses of Hydrangea macrophylla.

All Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars tested to date are diploid or triploid and triploid H. macrophylla have thicker stems, larger flowers, and larger stoma compared to related diploids. It is unknown whether interploidy crosses between diploid and triploid hydrangeas can be used to develop triploid varieties. The objective of this study was to compare pollen tube development, fruit formation, and seed viability among intra- and interploidy pollinations of H. macrophylla and evaluate the genome size and pollen viability of resultant progeny. By 24 h post-pollination, pollen tubes had reached the ovaries of diploid flowers in 48.7% of samples while pollen tubes reached the ovaries in only 8.7% of triploid flowers (χ 2 = 30.6, p < 0.001). By 48 h post-pollination pollen tubes reached the ovaries of diploid and triploid flowers in 72.5% and 53.8% of samples, respectively (χ 2 = 26.5, p = 0.001). There was no difference in percentage of flowers with pollen tubes reaching the ovaries in diploid and triploid flowers at 72 h after pollination (χ 2 = 7.5, p = 0.60). Analysis of covariance showed that pollen tube length at 24 and 48 h post-pollination was significantly influenced by ploidy and flower length of the female parent. Progeny of interploidy crosses was diploid and aneuploid; no triploid progeny were recovered from crosses using triploid parents. Mean genome sizes of offspring from each cross type ranged from 4.56 pg for 2x × 2x offspring to 5.17 pg for 3x × 3x offspring. Estimated ploidy of offspring ranged from 2x for 2x × 2x crosses to 2.4x for 3x × 3x crosses. Pollen stainability rates of flowering offspring using a modified Alexander's stain ranged from 69.6% to 76.4%.

Effect of Nutrient Levels on Growth, Yield and Economics of Dolichos Bean (Dolichos lablab L.) in Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

The field experiment was conducted at Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi, during 2016-17 and 2017-18 to investigate the effect of different levels of nitrogen (0 and 25 kg/ha), phosphorus (0, 50 and 75 kg/ha) and potassium (0, 25 and 50 kg/ha) on growth, flowering, yield and economics of dolichos bean. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design comprising of eighteen treatments replicated thrice. Among indivisual NPK levels, the higher level of nitrogen (25 kg N/ha), phosphorus (75 kg P2O5/ha) and potassium (50 kg K2O/ha) recorded significantly maximum growth (plant height, number of primary and secondary branches, leaf area and dry matter content per plant at harvest), early flowering (except N2 level) and pod yield (162.32, 184.14 and 164.75 q/ha) as compared to lower levels in 2016-17 and 2017-18 growing seasons and pooled data. Similarly, amongst all NPK interaction levels, higher fertilizer dose of 25-75-50 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha recorded significantly maximum growth parameters however, it was at par with 25-75-25 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha except dry matter content per plant during both the experimental years. Pooled data followed similar trend. On pooled basis, recommended fertilizer dose (25-50-25 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha) showed early days to 50 percent flowering whereas pod yield (198.44 q/ha) was recorded maximum at higher fertilizer dose (25-75-50 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha). Similarly, in case of economics, higher fertilizer dose of 25-75-50 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha recorded highest benefit: cost ratio (5.27) during both the experimental years as well as in pooled data but it was at par with 25-75-25 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha. Hence, for profitable cultivation of vegetable type dolichos bean in northern transition zone of Karnataka, NPK fertilizer must be applied at the rate of 25-75-25 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha.

The effects of fertilizer composition and gibberellin on flowering and true shallot seed formation of three shallot varieties at the highlands

The flowering of shallot is influenced by low temperature and difference temperature between day and night. In Indonesia, to flowering shallot in low temperature are possible by planting in highlands. Because of climate change, the temperature difference in the highlands is very pronounced. This study aimed to determine the percentage of flowering and True Shallot Seed (TSS) production of three shallot varieties grown in the highlands. The research was conducted at Pancot Village, Tawangmangu, Karanganyar, Indonesia. The elevation of research site was 1, 300 m asl. The research design used was Split Plot with three replications. The main plot was variety: Bali Karet, Bali Lancur, and Bima Brebes. The subplot was fertilizers composition (Manure, ZA, SP36, KCl) and gibberellins: farmer’s dose (100% Inorganic and Organic) (P1G0), 100% Inorganic and Organic + Gibberellin 50ppm (P2G1), 50% Inorganic and 150% Organic (P3G0), 50% Inorganic and 150% Organic + Gibberellin 50ppm (P4G1), 200% Organic (P5G0), 200% Organic + Gibberellin 50ppm (P6G1). The results showed that fertilizer composition + gibberellins and varieties did not have significant effect on percentage of flowering, number of flowers and percentage of TSS formation. Fertilizer composition + gibberellins just influenced the number of TSS per stalks. Bima Brebes variety with P6G1 was able to flowering at 65 DAP with the flowering percentage reaching 88.87%.

Effect of time of pruning on flowering and fruiting of guava

A field experiment was conducted with the objective to advance the time of maturity and improve the quality of winter season crop of guava cv. Shweta. On the entire tree, the 50 per cent portion from apex of one-year-old shoot was headed back on 15th and 30th of March, April, May and June months. This was being compared with trees left un-pruned (control). Amongst various time of pruning, March-April pruning treatments showed maximum flowering percentage during the months of April and May, while, May-June pruned trees shows maximum flowering percentage in the months of July and August. This shifting of flowering percentage helps in the early fruit maturity and more yield during the winter season of guava. Earliest harvesting and maximum fruit yield in winter season was recorded in trees pruned on 30th May. Harvesting time was significantly decreased with the delay in pruning time. Duration of fruit harvesting span in late pruned trees was also observed and found significantly lower than control trees.

VERNALIZATION AND GIBBERELLIC ACID RESPONSE IN SUMMER ONION’S (ALLIUM CEPA L.) REPRODUCTIVE PHASES

The present study was aimed at determining the effect of vernalization and Gibberellic Acid (GA3) on seed yield and quality of summer onion. There were three vernalization treatments viz., no vernalization (control), vernalization at 5°C for 14 days and vernalization at 10°C for 14 days and four GA3 treatment viz., 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm. The two-factor experiment was laid out in the Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results of the experiment showed that the vernalization and GA3 had significant influence on all the parameters studied. Solitary Effect of vernalization and GA3 was significant on the parameters such as plant height, number of leaves plant-1, the highest number of flowering stalk, number of umbels plant-1, number of bud umbel-1, percent flowering at 45 and 60 DAP, number of seeds umbel-1, weight of seeds umbel- 1, weight of seeds plant-1, weight of seeds plot-1, 1000 seed weight, seed yield, number of fruits umbel-1, percent of fruit set umbel-1and percent germination. The highest seed yield (248.16 kg ha-1) was obtained from vernalization at 5°C for 14 days. The lowest values of all the parameters were recorded at control treatment. The highest seed yield (191.77 kgha-1) was obtained from 100 ppm GA3. The lowest values of all the parameters were recorded in the 0 ppm GA3 treatment. Use of suitable vernalization of mother bulb and proper concentration of gibberellic acid can be a possible way to expand onion production at the time of summer.

Studies on flowering induction, sex ratio and fruit set improvement in pomegranate

The present study was conducted to induce flowering at the desired period with higher percentage of bisexual flowers and fruit set to improve yield and minimize fruit cracking through withholding of irrigation, pruning and ethrel application. Pooled data analysis revealed that horticultural interventions, chemical treatments and their interactions significantly affected sex ratio and fruit set. Among horticultural interventions, earliest defoliation (10.47 days), highest defoliation (81.25%), shortest flowering period (64.46 days), minimum male flowers (58.59%), maximum bisexual flowers (27.43%), maximum fruit set (25.84%) and fruit retention (82.23%) were recorded in withholding of irrigation during June + pruning and thinning as compared to control natural flowering. Among chemical treatments, earliest defoliation (7.59 days), highest defoliation (93.35%) and shortest flowering period (61.07 days) were recorded in ethrel 3 ml/l + DAP 5 g/l application while minimum male flowers (59.21%), maximum bisexual flowers (25.51%), maximum fruit set (25.16%) and fruit retention (80.74%) were recorded in ethrel 2 ml/l + DAP 5 g/l treatment as compared to control. Among interactions, earlier defoliation (6.78 days), highest defoliation (95.72%) and shortest flowering period (55.42 days) were observed in withholding of irrigation during June + pruning and thinning + ethrel 3 ml/l + DAP 5 g/l treatment. The minimum male flowers (57.78%), maximum bisexual flowers (28.22%), maximum fruit set (26.39%) and fruit retention (83.34%) were recorded in withholding of irrigation during June + pruning and thinning + ethrel 2 ml/l + DAP 5 g/l treatment as compared to maximum male flowers (66.36%), minimum bisexual flowers (22.03%), fruit set (22.19%) and fruit retention (75.28%) recorded in natural flowering without chemical treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that withholding of irrigation during June + pruning and thinning + ethrel 2 ml/l + DAP 5 g/l treatment induced flowering during optimal climatic conditions and significantly improved sex ratio and fruit set of pomegranate.