GA3 Sprays Research Articles

Exogenously applied gibberellic acid improves the growth and yield performance of inferior rice tillers grown under different nitrogen levels

Inferior tillers typically provide a minimal contribution to the grain yields of rice; however, with the proper regulation of light and nutrients, their yields may be significantly enhanced. The exogenous introduction of gibberellic acid (GA3) may assist with extending the culm lengths of inferior tillers, the sequestration of additional sunlight, and the accumulation of further nutrients. In an attempt to verify our assumption while enhancing the grain yield of inferior tillers, GA3 was applied to inferior tillers under different nitrogen (N) levels. Morphological alterations, photosynthetic parameters, endogenous GA content, N accumulation, and soluble sugars within the leaves of inferior tillers were assessed, as was the activity of sucrose synthase (SuSase) in the cleavage direction. Our results revealed that the belated emergence and low concentration of endogenous GA1+3 translated to the stunted growth of inferior tillers, which ultimately had a reduced capacity to harvest sunlight. Furthermore, insufficient sunlight due to asymmetric competition might be the source of the reduction of inferior tiller source and sink activities. Foliar GA3 spray enhanced the intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) and SuSase activity in inferior tillers considerably; however, dry matter and N accumulation provided adequate resources to grains only when the tillers obtained sufficient N. The alterations in soluble sugars indicated that inferior tillers did not respond well to the application of GA3 under an insufficient N supply. In contrast, when sufficient N was made available, GA3-treated inferior tillers received high-intensity light, and additional energy was allocated to the photochemical reactions of photosystem II (PSII). The high quantum efficiency of PSII contributed to the transportation of C- and N-assimilates from the source organ to the sink under adequate N conditions, and eventually increased the grain yields of the inferior tillers.

Growth and yield difference due to application of various levels of gibberelic acid in local and BARI falon-1

An experiment was carried out at the research farm of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) during the period from November 2010 to April 2011 to study on growth and yield performance of cowpea (BARI Falon-1 and local Falon) with different concentration of GA3 (control, 25.00, 33.33, 50.00 and 100.00 ppm) to find out the suitable variety and optimum level of gibberelic acid (GA3) application which would be also suitable to cultivate under coastal region of Patuakhali. Among the treatments, GA3 at 33.33 ppm treated plant of BARI Falon–1 showed the better performance on growth and yield contributing characters. As a result, the tallest plant (62.53 cm), number of leaves and branches plant–1 (28.67 and 20.07, respectively), TDM (83.99 g), CGR (1.68 cm2 day-1), RGR (0.729 cm2 day-1) and NAR (1.275 cm2 day-1) were exhibited from the variety BARI Falon-1 with the spraying of GA3 at 33.33 ppm at harvest. Yield contributing characters had also higher such as pods plant–1 (11.67), length of pod (17.20 cm), seeds pod–1 (16.80), 100-seed weight (12.49 g), seed yield (20.16 g plant-1 and 3139.93 kg ha-1) and harvest index (24.04%) with the variety BARI Falon–1 whily it was treated by 33.33 ppm GA3. Hence, it can be concluded that the application of GA3 up to 33.33 ppm than other GA3 levels and BARI Falon-1 than Local Falon would be the most suitable for obtaining the greater yield of cowpea under the coastal area of Patuakhali region. So, considering the above observation, BARI Falon-1 therefore is suggested to cultivate in Patuakhali region while 33.33 ppm GA3 would be also optimum level for the better prodcution of cowpea.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 94-100, 2016

Effect of foliar application of growth activator, promoterand antioxidant on seed quality of soybean

Loss of seed quality in soybean is a serious problem in tropical and subtropical region. Foliar application of salicylic acid (SA), GA3 and acetyl salicylic acid (50 ppm) at seedling and pod filling stage, K2HPO4 (2%), a-tocopherol (100 ppm) at flowering and pod filling stage was done on soybean varieties – NRC 7 and JS 335. Foliar application of SA showed positive effect on seed yield, seed health, germination and seed vigour during storage. Plant height was significantly improved by the GA3 spray in both the varieties. Significantly higher seed yield was obtained with foliar spray of a-tocopherol. Application of SA was found effective to protect plants from various diseases to get quality seed. a-Tocopherol and K2HPO4 treatment significantly reduced MDA production in seeds. a-Tocopherol application increased super oxide dismutase activity as a result the lipid peroxidation of seed during storage was significantly reduced. Application of a-tocopherol, K2HPO4 and salicylic acid improved the storage or keeping quality of soybean seed.

Response of Seewy Date Palm to GA3 and CPPU Spraying

Response of Seewy Date Palm to GA3 and CPPU Spraying

Effect of exogenous GA3 and its inhibitor paclobutrazol on floral formation, endogenous hormones, and flowering-associated genes in ‘Fuji’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.)

Gibberellins (GAs) reduce apple (Malus domestica) flowering rates; however, the mechanism of their action is not fully understood. To gain a better insight into gibberellin-regulated flowering, here, 5 year-old ‘Fuji’ apple trees were used to explore the responses of hormones [GA1+3, GA4+7, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), zeatin-riboside (ZR), and abscisic acid (ABA)], and gibberellin- and flowering-associated genes, to applications of gibberellin acid (GA3) and paclobutrazol (PAC). Results showed that GA3 relatively stimulated vegetative growth and delayed floral induction. Moreover, GA3 spraying significantly affected contents of all endogenous hormones and all the genes tested in at least one time points: the content of endogenous GAs was increased instantly and that of ZR was reduced at 44 days after fullbloom (DAF), which might constitute an unfavorable factor for flower formation; MdKO (ent-kaurene oxidase gene) and MdGA20ox (GA20 oxidase gene) were significantly repressed by a high level of GAs through the negative feedback regulation of GA; additionally, the MdSPLs (SQUAMOSA-PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE) in this study were all significantly repressed by GA3 but promoted by PAC; the expression of MdFT1/2 (FLOWERING LOCUS T), MdSOC1 (SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1) and MdAP1 (APETALA1) in GA3-treated buds changed in the same way, and they were repressed at 44 DAF. We suppose that GA3 spraying disrupts the balance between ZR and GAs, and inhibits floral induction, probably by suppressing MdSPLs and the floral integrators in flower induction, which ultimately contributed to inhibiting flower formation.

Effect of Mineral Fertilization with Some Growth Regulators on Growth of Magnolia grandiflora L. Seedling. I. Effect on Vegetative Growth

This study was carried out at the Experimental Station and Laboratory of Vegetable& Floriculture department, Fac. of Agriculture, Mansoura University during the two successive seasons of 2011/ 2012 and 2012/ 2013.It aimed to study the effect of monthly treatments of NPK rates (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 g /plant) and foliar spray with GA3 at 100 ppm and yeast at 5 g /l either alone or in combination from the 1st of April to the 1st of September on growth of containerized magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora L.) tree transplants. The results showed that GA3 spray was the most effective compound to improving all growth parameters of magnolia transplants, followed by yeast spray, while mineral fertilization was the third in order. Among fertilizer treatments, the medium fertilizer level 3g/pot was optimum for growth of magnolia transplants. Monthly fertilization with Hyper feed NPK (19:19:19) fertilizer at 3 g/pot combined with foliar spray of both GA3 at 100 ppm and yeast at 5 g/l resulted in the highest significant values for plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves per plant, leaf area and fresh and dry weights of plant, fresh and dry weights of magnolia transplants. Data also showed that the previously mentioned combination resulted in the highest contents of N, P, K, carbohydrates, and chlorophyll in magnolia leaves.

Variation in the Response of Thompson Seedless Grapes and its Clones to Chemical Thinning

Field trial was conducted during 2013-14 and 2014-15 fruiting seasons in growers’ vineyards around Nashik, Maharashtra, India with an aim to study the variation in response to i) removal of un-uniform canes in bringing out uniformity in flowering, and ii) GA 3 sprays to reduce cluster compactness in Thompson Seedless and its clones, namely Tas-A-Ganesh and 2A Clone, and evolve a suitable package of producing loose to well-filled clusters without affecting yield and quality for each variety. Cane removal resulted in less uniform flowering. Flowering was more uniform in Thompson Seedless and 2A Clone in 2014-15 than in 2013-14. Uniformity in flowering was independent of uniform bud break. Cluster compactness was reduced by either removal or retention of canes in combination with three sprays of GA 3 @ 20 g a.i./ha or two sprays @ 30 g a.i./ha given just prior to the initiation of bloom, compared to growers’ practice of retaining all canes coupled with a single spray of 80 g a.i./ha at 50 per cent bloom in Thompson seedless and Tas-A-Ganesh, but not in 2A Clone. Cluster compactness obtained with growers’ practice in this variety was at par with that obtained by any treatment in other varieties. While increased rachis length contributed to less compactness in Thompson Seedless, it was the less berry diameter in 2A Clone. Yield/vine was comparatively less in Tas-A-Ganesh. Cane removal coupled with three sprays of GA 3 @ 20 g a.i./ha reduced the yield. Berry quality, in terms of more TSS and less acidity, was better in 2A Clone. For uniform flowering, components of cluster compactness and yield and quality of berries were more favourable in 2014-15 season than 2013-14. Treatment effects were accentuated by their interaction with season and variety. Considering together the yield and quality with cluster compactness, it can be concluded that, retention of all canes coupled with spraying GA 3 twice @ 30 g a.i./ha is ideal for the varieties studied under the conditions of experimentation.

Effect of pinching of apical buds and chemical sprays on yield and quality of fenugreek seed

Among the various means of regulating the source-sink relationship of a plant, pinching of the apical bud and exogenous application of growth regulators and micronutrients has also been reported to be beneficial in enhancing plant productivity. Therefore, with a view to improve the yield and quality of fenugreek seed, anexperiment was conducted atthe Horticultural Research Farm of Amar Singh PG College, Lakhaoti, Bulandshahr, UP, during the rabi season of 2013–14. The plants were pinched at threestagesviz., P1-30 days after sowing (DAS), P2-40 DAS and P3-50 DAS, and three chemicalswere applied viz., C1-Paclobutrazol (50 ppm), C2-GA3 (100 ppm) and C3-Boron (0.1%), along with control. Nine parameters of plant growth, seed yield and quality were studied to assess the effects of the above treatments and their interactions. Results indicated that plants pinched at 30 DAS recorded significantly higher values for number of primary branches per plant (7.2), number of pods per plant (38.8), number of seeds per pod (18.6), test weight (4.3g), germination percentage (89.8%) and seed yield (9.8q/ha), compared to plants pinched at 35 DAS, 40 DAS and without pinching. Among the chemical sprays, application of GA3 (100 ppm) resulted in the production of tallest plants at harvest (57.4 cm), most number of primary branches per plant (7.1), number of pods per plant (39.0), number of seeds per pod (18.0), highest test weight (4.3g), germination percentage (90.3%) and seed yield (9.4q/ha), compared to other chemicals and control. While studying the interaction effects, pinching at 30 DAS along withapplication of GA3 (100 ppm) came out to be the best combination, which resulted in the production of maximum number of productive branches per plant (7.3), number of pods per plant (41.1), number of seeds per pod (18.8), highest test weight (4.4g), germination percentage (91.7%) and seed yield (10.3q/ha). Thus, it is evident from the present study that the yield and quality of fenugreek seed could be increased by pinching at early stage (30 DAS), followed by foliar spray of GA3 (100 ppm) at 50% flowering stage.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Corm Production and Vase Life in Gladiolus

Influence of plant growth regulator sprays on corm production and post-harvest life of two gladiolus cultivars, Darshan and Dhiraj, was investigated for two consecutive years, 2008-09 and 2009-10. Growth regulators, viz., gibberellic acid (100 and 150ppm), tri-iodo benzoic acid (TIBA) (50 and 100ppm), 2-chloro, 4-pyridyl phenyl urea (CPPU) (2.5 and 5ppm) and brassinosteroid (BR) (5 and 10ppm) were sprayed at the 3rd and 6thleaf stage. Cv. Darshan recorded maximum number of large cormels per plant and cormel weight, while, cv. Dhiraj recorded maximum number of small cormels per plant in treatments of pre-harvest foliar sprays with plant growth regulators. Foliar sprays of BR (10ppm) and GA3 (150ppm) significantly increased number of corms produced per plant, corm size, corm weight, and propagation coefficient. Number of large cormels and total number of cormels per plant were significantly higher in BR (10ppm), followed by TIBA (100ppm). BR (10ppm) and TIBA (100ppm) produced maximum number of small cormels per plant. Weight of cormels per plant was maximum in BR (10ppm) and GA3 (150ppm). Post-harvest studies revealed that cv. Darshan recorded maximum diameter of second fully-opened floret and higher vase-life than cv. Dhiraj with pre-harvest foliar spray of plant growth regulators. Pre-harvest foliar spray of GA3 (150ppm), BR (10ppm) and CPPU (5ppm) induced earliest first-floret opening and recorded maximum value for number-of-floretsopen- at-a-time per spike, diameter of second fully-opened floret, and vase-life. Foliar spray of BR (10ppm) and GA3 (150ppm) at 3rd and 6th leaf stage can be recommended for large-scale multiplication of quality planting material and longer vase-life of flower spikes, respectively, in gladiolus.

English

Rice is one of the important cereal crops drastically affected by water scarcity in rice ecosystems. In a pot study, the impact of externally applied gibberellic acid (GA3), indole acetic acid (IAA) and kinetin was investigated on assimilates mobilization and yield parameters of rice under water stress. Twenty five days seedlings of two rice genotypes KS-133 and Basmati-2000 were transplanted in soil filled pots and sprayed with GA3, IAA and kinetin each of 10 M concentration at panicle initiation stage. Water stress was imposed to plants 80 days after transplanting for 10 days. Water stress (p≤ 0.05) reduced leaf chlorophyll content and yield of rice but increased the concentration of proline, leaf soluble protein and enhanced mobility of assimilates from leaves to grains. Application of GA3 and kinetin significantly (p≤ 0.05) increased chlorophyll content, growth and yield attributes in both genotypes under water stress conditions. However, IAA application did not improve the grain yield in rice genotypes under water stress. The positive impact of GA3 and kinetin spray was imitated in the form of enhanced solute accumulation; enhanced growth and greater grain assimilate deposition. This may be concluded that GA3 and kinetin can be applied exogenously prior to flower initiation in rice to reduce panicle sterility by increasing assimilates mobility under water deficit for optimal economic yield. © 2016 Friends Science Publishers

Effect of GA3, Urea and Yeast Spraying on Fruiting of Flame Seedless Grapevines under Sandy Soil Conditions

Effect of GA3, Urea and Yeast Spraying on Fruiting of Flame Seedless Grapevines under Sandy Soil Conditions

Fruit Set and Yield Enhancement in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Using Gibberellic Acid and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy Acetic Acid Spray

High temperature stress in summer season at plastic house is a limiting factor for tomato fruit set and yield. This study was performed to assess the effects of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and 2,4-Dichlophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) spray on fruit set, yield, and quality of tomato cv. ‘Adoration’(Enza Zaden Co., Ltd.) under the plastic house in Hwacheon, 2011. Four concentrations (0-, 5-, 10- and 15mg·L -1 ) of GA₃, and three concentrations (0-, 5- and 10mg·L -1 ) 2,4-D were sprayed in early flowering of tomato in the plastic house, and fruit set, yield and quality characters were observed. The results showed that spray of 10mg·L -1 GA₃ significantly increased the fruit set by 14.2% than unsprayed. The spray of GA₃ significantly increased the marketable fruit number, fruit weight, and yield. The spray of 2,4-D on blossoms significantly affected the fruit set percentage, fruit weight, marketable fruit weight and yield, and the highest fruit set observed as 62.5% in combined spray of GA₃ and 2,4-D at each 5mg·L -1 . Fruit size and total soluble solids significantly varied with the concentrations of GA₃ sprayed. The result indicates that the spray of 10mg·L -1 GA₃and 5mg·L -1 2,4-D can be more economic and effective to increase the fruit set, and yield in tomato under high temperature condition in plastic house.

Enhancing Grain Yield and Nitrogen-Use Efficiency in Rice through Foliarly Applied Gibberellic Acid in Dry-Direct-Seeded Rice

Dry-direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) (DSR) is an emerging production system in northwest India. We hypothesized that gibberellic acid (GA3) affects nitrogen (N) metabolism and N redistribution in plants and improves N-use efficiency (NUE) through better utilization of soil-derived N in DSR. The objective of the study was to determine if foliarly applied GA3 could enhance the performance of DSR. Sixteen treatments arranged in a split-plot design, i.e., four doses of N (0, 120, 150, and 180 kg ha−1) assigned to main plots and four foliar sprays (unsprayed, water spray, and GA3 20 and 40 mg kg−1) assigned to subplots, were tested. Foliar spray of GA3 was applied at panicle initiation and flowering stages of the crop. In the unfertilized (0 N) plots, foliar spray of 20 (5.45 t ha−1) and 40 mg kg−1 GA3 (5.48 t ha−1) resulted in higher grain yield as compared with unsprayed plots (4.83 t ha−1). A similar response was observed at 120 kg N ha−1, where foliarly applied GA3 at 20 and 40 mg kg−1 resulted in 22% and 26% higher grain yield, respectively, as compared with the unsprayed treatment. Foliar spray of GA3 (20 and 40 mg kg−1) in the unfertilized plots (0 N) provided similar grain yield as with 120 kg ha−1 of N application. The GA3-treated plants showed enhanced physiological NUE, milling, and head-rice recovery. However, results could be variety-specific, and physiological basis of this effect remains unknown.

Effect of plant growth regulators on fruit drop and quality ofBaelunderTaraiconditions of Uttarakhand

Present investigation was carried to study the role of plant growth regulators on fruit drop in bael (Aegle marmelos Correa). Treatments consists of sprays of NAA (10, 20 and 30 ppm), 2,4-D (5, 10 and 20 ppm), GA3 (25, 50 and 50 ppm) and ethrel (50,100 and 150 ppm) in bael cv. Pant Shivani. All the growth substances sprayed, proved beneficial in minimizing drop and enhancing quality characters of bael fruits. Maximum fruit set (78.48%) was recorded with NAA 30 ppm, while minimum fruit drop (90.64%) and maximum fruit retention (9.36%) were recorded with NAA 20 ppm. Highest fruit length and breadth was recorded with NAA 30 ppm. Fruits sprayed with NAA 20 ppm estimated highest fruit weight, volume, pulp content and ascorbic acid but least acidity. Maximum TSS was recorded with GA3 50 ppm.

Effect of Foliar Application of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth and Flower Quality of Gladiolus Cv. 'H.B.Pitt'

An investigation was undertaken to analyze the effect of plant growth regulators on growth and flower quality of gladiolus cv.'H.B.Pitt’. In the present study it was found that the maximum height of the plant (59.43 cm), number of leaves (13.9), leaf area (64.8 cm2) were recorded by treatment GA3 200 ppm foliar spray. Lowest plant height was observed in treatment CCC 750 ppm spray. Minimum number of leaves/ plant (10.8) and leaf area (64.8 cm2) were recorded in CCC 250 ppm/plant as foliar spray. In flower quality parameters, maximum number of florets/ spike (13.4), floret length (8.4 cm), length of spike (80.28 cm) and length of rachis (41.50 cm) were recorded with foliar spray of GA3 200 ppm. Maximum weight of floret (10.1 g), diameter of floret (9.5 cm) and girth of spike (2.60 cm) were produced by CCC 750 ppm foliar spray. Minimum number of florets/spike (8.2) and floret length (7.1 cm) were recorded in CCC 250 ppm foliar spray. Lowest weight of florets (8.3 g), diameter of florets (8.2 cm) and girth of spike (1.90 cm) were recorded in GA3 100 ppm spray. Lowest length of spike (74.20 cm) and length of rachis (35.09 cm) were recorded in CCC 750 ppm foliar spray.

English

A study to prevent or brake bud dormancy in 3 to 4 years old Myrica rubra cv. ‘Biji’ plants under controlled green house and field conditions, was conducted using GA3 and WPM nutrient media as fertigation and drainage. Two batches of the plant were shifted in different growth stages “dormant” and “non-dormant”. Plants shifted in the month of October were in the late autumn growth stage (non-dormant), while plants shifted in the month of December were in a complete bud dormancy stage. Plants of the first batch were prevented to enter bud dormancy while in the second batch bud dormancy was broken by providing warm temperature ranging 25±3°C in the green house. Green house plants took 2-4 weeks to initiate the growth flushes as compared to 17 to 18 weeks taken for the field plants. Buds break and leafs shed in the green house were observed earlier in the plants drained with nutrients media followed by fertigation, while spraying of GA3 delayed leaf shed and increased shoot length both in the green house and in the field. GA3 treated plants sprouted few days earlier than that of control.  Significant differences were observed in initial sprouts among the treatments of GA3, nutrient fertigation and nutrient drainage as compared to the control plants. Similarity in days to initial sprout was observed in both the nutrient fertigation and drainage methods with a slight variation of one or two day’s differences. Nutrients used as drainage showed outstanding results than fertigation.   Key words: Bud dormancy, gibberellic acid, GA3, Myrica  rubra, warm temperature.

Effect of growth regulators on growth and flowering of China aster [Callistephus chinensis(L.) Nees.]-A review

China aster is a half hardy annual grown for loose as well as cutflowers which are used for flower arrangement, interior decoration, garlanding, worshipping etc. It can be grown in herbaceous borders, flower beds, garden decoration and also as potted plant. Growth regulators play an important role in morphology and physiology of the plants and their effect varies with plant, species, variety, concentration used, method of application, frequency of applications etc. In china aster different growth regulators viz., GA3, NAA, CCC, MH and Paclobutrazol are used either for inducing or retarding growth parameters which ultimately results in better quality and increased flower yield also enhancing the vase life of cut flowers. Spraying of GA3 at 200 ppm enhanced the duration of flowering (90.33), number of flowers per plant (68.54), diameter (4.86 cm), flower weight (3.26 g), flower yield per plant (111.2 g) and vase life (22.88 days). Among growth regulators foliar application of CCC at 1500 ppm recorded the highest flower yield and also flower quality parameters. Soil drench of paclobutrazol at 200 ppm delayed flowering, while early flowering was observed with 25 ppm. Application of MH at 1000 ppm resulted in minimum plant height, inter nodal length, number of leaves per plant and leaf area in china aster.

Changes in growth, yield, photosynthetic characteristics, enzyme activities and essential oil production of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) under growth regulator treatments

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is a high value medicinal and essential oil bearing crop used in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. Keeping the medicinal as well as economic importance of this herb in mind, a pot experiment was carried out under the net house conditions of the Botanical Garden, Fort, AMU, Aligarh. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with four replications. This study was conducted to assess the effects of triacontanol (TRIA) alone and in combination with gibberellic acid (GA3) on growth characteristics, photosynthetic parameters, some other physiological and biochemical attributes, composition and yield of essential oil of fennel. At 30 days after sowing, the plants were sprayed with either TRIA or with different combination of TRIA and GA3. Among the treatments, foliar spray of 10−6 TRIA + 10−6 GA3 significantly promoted the values for most of the growth, physiological and biochemical attributes as well as for essential oil composition and yield attributes. It was concluded that a combined spray of TRIA and GA3 (10−6 TRIA + 10−6 GA3) might be highly effective for increased productivity and essential oil composition of fennel.

Efficacy of different chemicals on shelf life extension of parsley stored at two temperatures

SummaryFour different chemical treatments, GA3, 1‐MCP, essential oils and nano‐Cu, were applied immediately after harvest to Petroselinum crispum (Mill) plants. The efficacy of the above chemicals on shelf life extension of parsley stored at 5 °C and 20 °C was determined by analysing physiological and biochemical factors that determine quality standards of storage fresh parsley. Nonsprayed parsley revealed the highest loss of weight, ascorbic acid, pigments and an enhancement of CO2 production and lipid peroxidation at 5 °C and 20 °C of storage. Nano‐Cu was more effective for delaying weight loss and revealed a better storage capacity. GA3, 1‐MCP and essential oils sprays were more effective in ascorbic acid retention at 20 °C than at 5 °C, whereas all substances protect samples from lipid peroxidation. Essential oils were more clearly inhibitory towards both total viable counts and yeast infection. Our results suggest that GA3, 1‐MCP, essential oils and Nano‐Cu exert their function through different mechanisms during ripening and could provide an effective and complementary means for maintaining high‐quality parsley leaves after harvest.

Improving Lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.] Quality Using Growth Regulators

Lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.] is a leading acidic citrus fruit. However, poor fruit quality causes considerable reduction in marketable yield leading to heavy financial loss to the grower. To combat poor fruit quality, an experiment was laid out during the fruiting year 2009 with a view to obtain excellent quality lemon at harvest. Plant material for this investigation was selected from Punjab Government Progeny Orchard&Nursery, Attari, Amritsar. Foliar spray of NAA (10, 20 and 40ppm)and GA3 (5, 10 and 20ppm) was applied twice at an interval of 15 days during the month of May. Substantial improvement in fruit quality could be achieved with growth regulator treatment. NAA at 40ppm proved to be the best treatment for managing fruit cracking and improving fruit quality.