Effect of plant growth regulators on growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.)

Transcription

1 Effect of plant growth regulators on growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) THESIS submitted to the Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE In HORTICULTURE (FLORICULTURE AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE) by Giteshwari Kurve Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior K.N.K. College of Horticulture Mandsaur (M.P.)

2 CERTIFICATE - I This is to certify that the thesis entitled Effect of plant growth regulators on growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in Floriculture and Landscape Architecture of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior is a record of the bona-side research work carried out by Miss. Giteshwari Kurve, under my guidance and supervision. The subject of the thesis has been approved by the student s Advisory Committee and the Director of Instruction. No part of the thesis has been submitted for any other degree or diploma or has been published. All the assistance and help received during the course of these investigations has been acknowledged by the scholar. (Dr. Vidhya Sankar. M.) Chairman of the Advisory Committee MEMBERS OF STUDENT S ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chairman (Dr. Vidhya Sankar. M.)..... Co-Chairman (Dr. Anuj Kumar).. Member (Dr. O.P. Singh).. Member (Dr. G.P.S. Rathore)

3 CERTIFICATE - II This is to certify that the thesis entitled Effect of plant growth regulators on growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) submitted by Miss. Giteshwari Kurve, to the Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in HORTICULTURE in the department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture has been accepted after evaluation by the External Examiner and approved by the Student s Advisory Committee after an oral examination on the same. Place: Mandsaur Date: (Dr. Vidhya Sankar. M) Chairman of the Advisory Committee MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chairman (Dr. Vidhya Sankar. M)... Co-Chairman (Dr. Anuj Kumar)... Member (Dr. O.P. Singh)... Member (Dr. G.P.S. Rathore) Head of the Department/Head of the Section:... Dean of the college: Director Instructions:

4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to begin my humble acknowledgments with the name of The Almighty God who is most gracious and merciful. My gratitude is much more than I am expressing here for my advisor. First and foremost, I would like to thank my most respected guide and chairman of my advisory committee, Dr.Vidhya Sankar. M., Asst. Prof. Dept. of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, for her noble inspiration, praiseworthy guidance, valuable suggestions, co-operation and patience. She has supported me not only by providing guidance over almost two years, also academically and emotionally through the rough road to finish this thesis. A special word of thanks goes to Co-Chairman Dr. Anuj Kumar Asst. Prof. Dept. of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture. for his constant support and providing me the judicious direction as well as inspiring suggestions. I will always remember him as one of the my best teachers who guided me towards the right path when I joined this research programme. I owe whole hearted gratitude to venerable members of my Advisory Committee, Dr. O.P. Singh, Scientist, Department of Plant Physiology and Dr. G.P.S. Rathore, Senior Scientist, Department of Statistics and Computer Science, K.N.K. College of Horticulture, Mandsaur. I am very much indebted to Hon ble Vice-Chancellor Dr.A.K. Singh, R.V.S.K.V.V., Gwalior, Dr. B.S. Baghel, Director of instruction and Dr. S.S. Tomar, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, R.V.S.KV.V, Gwalior. I record my deep sincere of gratitude to Dr. H. Patidar, Dean, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur. Words cannot express the heartfelt gratitude for my most revered, father Shri. Manohar Kurve, mother Smt. Kunda Kurve, grandfather late. Shri. Prema ji Kurve, grandmother Smt. Bani Kurve, uncle Shri. T.R. Soni, aunty Smt. Sharda Kurve, Elder brother Mr. Ashok Kurve and my beloved Family members, who gave me sincere affection, love, blessings, support and encouragement throughout my educational career which enabled me to achieve this seemingly invincible goal, made my education possible and brought me to the present level. The worlds at my command are adequate to express my deep sense to gratitude specially to batch mates and all of my friends Saniya, Sangeeta, Sowmya, Uma, Vidhya, Rajendra, Yogesh, Mukesh, Anil, Ashok, Gajendra Pandey and all my Dept. Juniors. Place: Mandsaur Date: / / Giteshwari Kurve

5 List of contents Chapter Title Page Number I Introduction 1-3 II Review of Literature 4-16 III Materials and Methods IV Results V Discussion VI Summary, Conclusions and Suggestions For Further Work Summary Conclusions Suggestions for Further Work 68 Bibliography Appendices Vita

6 List of Tables Table Number Title Page Number 3.1 Weekly meteorological observations during the study period (March to July 2016) Skeleton of ANOVA Effect of PGR on the number of days taken to sprouting Effect of PGR on plant height (cm) Effect of PGR on the number of leaves per plant Effect of PGR on Leaf area per plant (cm 2 ) Effect of PGR on the number of days taken to first spike emergence, days to 50% flowering, number of spikes per plant, length of spike Effect of PGR on the number of florets per spike, length of florets, diameter of florets, flower duration Effect of PGR on vase life of cut spike (days) Effect of PGR on fresh weight (g) of cut spikes at harvest 54 Fresh weight (g) of cut spikes on 3 rd day in vase, on 6 th day and at senescence 57

7 List of Figures Figure Number 3.1 Title Weekly meteorological observations during the study period (March to July, 2016) Page Number Experimental design and layout Effect of PGR on the number of days taken to sprouting 4.2 Effect of PGR on plant height (cm) Effect of PGR on the number of leaves per plant Effect of PGR on Leaf area per plant (cm 2 ) Effect of PGR on the number of days taken to first spike emergence Effect of PGR on days to 50% flowering Effect of PGR on number of spikes per plant Effect of PGR on length of spike (cm) Effect of PGR on the number of florets per spike Effect of PGR on length of florets (cm) Effect of PGR on diameter of florets (cm) Effect of PGR on flower duration (days) Effect of PGR on vase life of cut spike (days) Effect of PGR on fresh weight (g) of cut spikes at harvest 55 Fresh weight (g) of cut spikes on 3 rd day in vase, on 6 th day and at senescence 58

8 List of Appendices Appendix Particulars Page No. I II III IV V Analysis of variance for the number of days taken to sprouting Analysis of variance for Plant height (cm) Analysis of variance for the Number of leaves per plant Analysis of variance for leaf area per plant (cm 2 ) Analysis of variance for days taken to first spike emergence, days to 50% flowering, number of spikes per plant and length of spike (cm) VI Analysis of variance for number of florets per spike, length of florets (cm), diameter of floret (cm) and flower duration (days) 75 Analysis of variance for Vase life of cut spike (days) and VII Fresh weight (g) of cut spike at harvest 76 VIII Analysis of variance for fresh weight (g) of cut Spikes on 3 rd day in vase, on 6 th day and at senescence 76 Plate Number List of Plates Title Between Page number 1 Bulb dipping in PGR solution A view of the experimental field Vase life study in the laboratory 53-54

9 List of Symbols/Abbreviations Symbol Abbreviation Stands for / - - At the rate of % - percentage 0 C - Degree Celsius - ANOVA Analysis of variance - CD Critical difference - Cm Centimetre - cm 2 Centimetre square - RBD Randomized Block Design - CV Coefficient of Variance - cv. Cultivar - DAP Days After Planting - Df Degrees of freedom - EMS Error Mean Sum of Squares - et al. et-alii (And others) - Fig. Figure - G Gram - H Hour - Ha Hectare - i.e. That is - K Potassium - Kg Kilogram - L Litre - Max. Maximum - Mg Milligram - Min. Minimum - Ml Millilitre - Mm Millimetre - MSS Mean Sum of Squares - N Nitrogen - NS Non significant - P Phosphorus - PGR Plant Growth Regulator - ppm Parts Per Million - RVSKVV Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya - S.Ed. Standard error of difference - S.Em ± Standard error of mean - SS Sum of Squares - Viz. (videlicet) Namely

10 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) commonly known as Rajnigandha is a bulbous summer flowering perennial ornamental plant which belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. It is considered to have originated in Mexico. It is believed that tuberose was brought to India via Europe in 16th century.the name tuberose is derived from tuberosa, this plant being the tuberous hyacinth as distinguished from the bulbous hyacinth. The generic name Polianthes is derived from Greek word Polis meaning white and Anthos meaning flower. It is grown in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world. In India, it is commercially grown in West Bangal, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Maharashtra. It is a multipurpose flower which is used for artistic garlands, floral ornaments, bouquets and buttonholes. The long flower spikes are excellent as a cut flower for table decoration when arranged in vases. It is commercially cultivated for cut and loose flower trade, and also for extraction of it s highly valued natural flower oil which is used in high value perfumes and cosmetic products. The concrete yield from fresh flower is 0.08 to 0.11 percent, of which 18 to 23 percent constitute alcohol soluble absolute. There is high demand for tuberose concrete and absolute in international markets which fetch a very good price. The individual florets are used for making veni and garlands. Excellent keeping quality and easy cultivation are the predominant charactertics of this crop. There are about fifteen species under the genus Polianthes, of which twelve species have been reported from Mexico and Central America. Of these, nine species have white flowers, one is white tinged with red and two are red. Except Polianthes tuberosa L., all the others are found growing wild. Tuberose is a half hardy, bulbous perennial perpetuating itself through the bulblets. Bulbs are made up of scales and leaf bases and the stem is a condensed structure which remains concealed within scales. Roots are adventitious and generally shallow. Numerous lanceolate leaves are green, narrow, linear, long and

11 arise in rosette. The flowers have a funnel shaped perianth, waxy white about 25 mm long, single or double and borne in spike. Single varieties are more fragrant than Double type. The terminal flower spikes arising from the bulb produce flowers for a number of days. Fruit is a capsule. The control over flowering time and floral characteristics according to the demand of market has been achieved in many cut flowers by adopting modern production techniques including the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs). The application of PGRs has become the part of their cultural practices in many ornamental plants to modify their vegetative and floral traits. There are different application methods of PGRs including foliar application, pre-plant soaking and drenching. Soaking of bulbs in solution of plant growth regulators has been used (Larson et al., 1987) and it is an efficient method for obtaining good results and also have advantages over other methods in terms of time, labour saving and accurate dosage (Ranwala et al., 2002). Keeping in view the efficiency of this method, Preplant dipping of planting material in a chemical solution is now becoming a popular method among commercial growers (Schnelle et al., 2005). Plant growth substances play a vital role in overall performance including growth, flowering and bulb production (Biswas et al., 1983). Plant growth regulators are known to co-ordinate and control various phases of growth and development, including flowering at optimum concentrations. It is generally accepted that exogenously applied growth substances act through the alteration in the levels of naturally occurring hormones, thus modifying the growth and development of the plant. Gibberellic acid treatments are known to play important role in promoting diverse processes throughout the development of plant. They induce early flowering, increase length or height of plant, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, yield and quality in different flowering crops. Soaking of bulbs in GA 3, ethrel, kinetin, NAA and thiourea solution before planting improve the growth and flowering of tuberose. Keeping in view the above facts and the paucity of research on these aspects in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, the present study was conducted with the following objectives. 1. To study the effect of different levels of plant growth regulators on the vegetative growth of tuberose.

12 2. To study the effect of different levels of plant growth regulators on flowering of tuberose. 3. To study the effect of different levels of plant growth regulators on vase life of cut spikes of tuberose.

13 CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE In this chapter, an attempt has been made to review the research work done so far in India and abroad by different research workers on the effect of plant growth regulators on growth and flowering of tuberose and other ornamental bulbous plants and related aspects have been briefly reviewed and presented in chronological order under following headings: 2.1 Growth characteristics 2.2 Flowering characteristics 2.3 Vase life characteristics 2.1: Growth characteristics TUBEROSE Nagaraja et al., (1999) experimented the effect of growth regulators on the growth of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), cultivar Single. The tuberose bulbs were soaked for 24 h in solutions of GA 3, Ethrel [ethephon] or BA each at 100, 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm. All treatments resulted in earlier plant emergence and higher percentage of sprouting compared to the control, with GA 3 at 500 and 1500 ppm being particularly effective. Plant height was the greatest with GA 3 at 500 and 100 ppm while Ethrel at all concentrations reduced plant height compared to the control. Tak and Nagda (1999) studied the effect of GA 3 (100 or 200 ppm), Cycocel [chlormequat] (2000 or 4000 ppm) and Ethrel (ethephon) (1000 or 2000 ppm) on Tuberose, cv. Single. Bulbs were treated with two methods of application: bulbs were dipped in solution for 24 h, or plants were treated with foliar applications at 40 days after transplanting. GA 3 at 200 ppm enhanced bulb sprouting, decreasing the number of days required for sprouting from in the control to Foliar application of 200 ppm GA 3 also significantly increased plant height (65.65 cm). Chlormequat and ethephon significantly reduced plant height, the shortest height being recorded at cm (compared to cm in the control) for the foliar application of 4000 ppm chlormequat.

14 Tiwari and Singh (2002) observed the effects of bulb size, i.e. large (>1.5 cm diameter), medium ( cm), and small (< 1.00 cm), and preplanting soaking in gibberellic acid (GA) at 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ppm, on the growth and yield of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa). Plants raised from large bulbs had the greatest plant height, number of leaves per clump, leaf length, leaf width, foliage weight, clump weight, bulbs and bulblets per clump. Similar results were recorded for plants from bulbs treated with 200 ppm GA, except for leaf width which was highest with 150 ppm GA. Large bulbs soaked in 200 ppm GA showed significant increase in growth and bulb production. Padaganur et al., (2005) conducted an experiment with GA 3, paclobutrazol and maleic hydrazide at three different concentrations in tuberose (cv. Single). GA 3 increased the plant height, number of leaves, number of shoots and leaf area, whereas maleic hydrazide and paclobutrazol reduced all these parameters compared to control. Sarkar et al., (2009) studied the effect of GA 3, IAA and NAA applied as dip treatments in two tuberose cultivars, viz. Calcutta Single and Calcutta Double. The vegetative characters like days required for sprouting could be manipulated with the application of 150 ppm IAA as dip treatment in both the cultivars (9.28 and 9.06 days, respectively). It can be concluded that growth regulators as dip treatment directly influenced the vegetative and most of the bulbous characteristics. Kumar and Gautam (2011) studied the effect of three different plant growth regulators, namely GA 3, NAA and BA soaked 24 hours before planting of tuberose bulbs. The vegetative characters like number of sprouts per bulb could be manipulated with the application of GA ppm (5.53), besides this height of plant and number of leaves per clump could be enhanced with the application of GA ppm (68.59 cm and 66.53, respectively) in cv. Hyderabad Double as compared to other treatments. Kumar et al., (2011) conducted an experiment to study the effect of GA 3 and VAM on growth parameters in tuberose cv. Double. Experiment consisting three levels of GA 3 (@ 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 150 ppm), level of VAM 2 g/m 2 ). Results revealed that all treatments performed better than control. Among all the

15 treatments G 3 V 1 (GA 150 ppm + 2 g/m 2 ) gave better performance in all growth parameters studied. Wagh et al., (2012) studied the effect of bulb size and GA 3 on vegetative tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cvs. Prajwal and Calcutta Single. The results revealed that among the two varieties, Prajwal (V 1 ) showed significant increase in growth as compared to Calcutta Single (V 2 ). While, in case of bulb size; bulbs having diameter of cm (B 2 ) had significant effect on vegetative growth of tuberose spikes, bulbs and bulblets as compared to bulbs having diameter cm (B 1 ). However, GA 3 at 100 ppm (G 2 ) also had a striking influence in enhancing the growth characters over control (G 0 ). Ganesh et al., (2013) conducted a field experiment in tuberose cv. Prajwal to study the growth and yield as influenced by plant growth regulators and micronutrients in Factorial Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that dipping of bulbs in GA 200 ppm for 12 hours recorded 100 per cent sprouting and early sprouting by 5 days over control (12.75 days). Dipping the bulbs in GA 200 ppm and foliar spray of all the micronutrients (B, Zn and Fe) recorded highest plant height (49.56 cm) at first spike emergence and total leaf area per clump ( cm 2 ). The dipping treatments with CCC@ 5000 ppm for 1 h significantly increased the number of leaves at first spike emergence (25.29). Rani and Singh (2013) studied the influence of GA 3 -pretreated bulbs on growth, flowering and quality of Polianthes tuberosa L. cv. Prajwal. For this purpose, bulbs were dipped in three different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) (0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm), each with 10 replicates. Results indicated that GA 3 at 150 ppm proved to be best concentration in enhancing all the vegetative (plant height, number of leaves and sprouting of bulbs) characteristics in tuberose. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Single bulbs were dipped in different concentration of GA 3 and NAA (50,100,150,200) ppm for 6 hours and 12 hours. GA 3 200ppm with 12 hours (T 8 ) soaked bulbs were the best for plant growth viz. number of leaves per clump, height of plant, leaf area, fresh weight of leaves per clump. (Singh et al., 2013) Singh and Desai (2013) investigated the influence of GA 3 and CCC on growth and flowering of tuberose cv. Single. The treatments comprised three

16 different concentrations of GA 3 (100,200 and 300 mg/l) and CCC (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ml/l) with three methods of application (bulbs dipping, spraying and dipping + spraying). Application of GA mg/l (dipping + spraying) was found to be most effective in improving the growth characteristics of tuberose. Bhosale et al., (2014) conducted an experiment on effect of storage period and GA 3 soaking of tuberose bulbs on growth, flowering, flower yield and quality. The results revealed that GA ppm soaking before planting treatments significantly improved growth parameters (days to sprouting, sprouting percentage and plant height) over a control treatment. GLADIOLUS Umrao et al., (2007) conducted an experiment to find out effect of GA 3 and sand on growth in gladiolus cv. Nova Lux. Pre-planting soaking of corms in gibberellic acid as well as planting with or without sand dressing significantly affected the most of characters studied. In both the media, the higher levels (100 or 150 ppm) of GA 3 increased the number of sprouts per corm, girth and height of plant, number and width of leaf, length. Planting of corms in soil only enhanced corm sprouting, increased the number of sprouts. Sajjad et al., (2015) conducted an experiment to enhance the sprouting of multiple buds and evaluate its effects on other growth parameters through pre-plant soaking of corms in solution of plant growth regulators. The corms were soaked in solutions of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ), benzyladenine (BA) or ethrel at 0, 50, 100 or 150 ppm concentrations for 24 hrs before planting in the field. Gibberellic acid at 100ppm concentration increased plant height to 105 cm compared to cm in control plants. Soaking of corms in 150 ppm benzyladenine solution enhanced the number of sprouts per corm (2.14) and reduced the plant height (87.00 cm). In conclusion, soaking of corms in benzyladenine favoured the modifications in various traits of interest including sprouting of multiple buds and an increase in the production of corms. TULIP Kumar et al., (2013) carried out an experiment to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators on growth of tulip. The three different growth regulators; gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) at 100, 200, and 400 ppm, 2-chloroethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride

17 (CCC) and maleic hydrazide (MH) each at 100, 200 and 500 ppm along with control were applied as dip treatment and foliar spray. Plant height was recorded maximum with 400 ppm GA 3 (37.32 cm) followed by 200 ppm GA 3 (34.13 cm), respectively and thereby enhanced propagation coefficient was obtained in 400 ppm GA 3 (258.66%) followed by 500 ppm CCC (237.73%) as against the control (170.00%). 2.2: Flowering characteristics TUBEROSE Nagaraja et al., (1999) experimented the effect of growth regulators on the growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), cultivar Single. The tuberose bulbs were soaked for 24 h in solutions of GA 3, Ethrel [ethephon] or BA each at 100, 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm. All treatments resulted in earlier flowering compared to the control, with GA 3 at 500 and 1500 ppm being particularly effective. The number of spikes/plant and florets/spike were enhanced by GA 3 at 500 and 1500 ppm. All GA 3 treatments increased flower spike length and rachis length. Length of flowering was greatest with Ethrel at 1000 ppm. Tak and Nagda (1999) studied the effect of GA 3 (100 or 200 ppm), Cycocel [chlormequat] (2000 or 4000 ppm) and Ethrel (ethephon) (1000 or 2000 ppm) on tuberose, cv. Single. Bulbs were treated with two methods of application: bulbs were dipped in solution for 24 h, or plants were treated with foliar applications at 40 days after transplanting. Foliar application of 200 ppm GA 3 also significantly increased flower spike length ( cm), flower diameter (3.67 cm), floret number per spike (38.03) and fresh flower yield (12.26 t/ha), compared to the other treatments and the control. Clump weight and shelf life of the cut flowers were greatest (427.3 g and days, respectively) with the 4000 ppm chlormequat bulb treatment. Tiwari and Singh (2002) observed the effects of bulb size, i.e. large (>1.5 cm diameter), medium ( cm), and small (< 1.00 cm), and preplanting soaking in gibberellic acid (GA) at 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ppm, on the flowering and yield of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa). They observed the greatest inflorescence length, spike length, flower length, spike diameter, flowers per spike, spikes per plant and the earliest flowering in plants from bulbs treated with 200 ppm GA. Large bulbs soaked in 200 ppm GA showed significant increase in flowering.

18 Singh et al., (2003) observed the effect of plant growth regulators on tuberose [Polianthes tuberosa] cv. Double. The treatments comprised of water dipping (control); dipping in GA 3, IAA, and NAA at 50 and 100 ppm each; spraying GA 3, IAA, and NAA; and dipping + spraying GA 3, IAA, and NAA. The number of flowers, flower length, and longevity of the whole spike were highest for bulbs dipped in 100 ppm GA 3 for 24 h before planting + spraying with 100 ppm GA 3 at 30 days after planting. Spike length and rachis length were also highest in bulbs dipped and sprayed with 100 ppm GA 3. Padaganur et al., (2005) studied the effect of plant growth regulators GA 3, paclobutrazol and maleic hydrazide at three different concentrations in tuberose (cv. Single) to evaluate and arrive at the best concentration that aids in realising higher flower production in tuberose. Flowering was enhanced by GA 3. Spraying GA 3 at 150 ppm, paclobutrazol at 1500 ppm followed by maleic hydrazide 1000 ppm at 30 and 60 days after planting is ideal to realise higher flower spike yield, whereas spraying GA 3 at 150 ppm has realized maximum loose flower yield. Devadanam et al., (2007) experimented the effect of foliar applied plant growth regulators on the flowering and vase life of tuberose. The treatments comprised: 50, 100 and 150 ppm GA 3 ; 100, 150 and 200 ppm NAA; 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg thiourea/litre. Foliar application was conducted at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting. GA 3 at 150 ppm gave the earliest number spike emergence (43.48) and longest vase life (11.35 days). Further, GA 3 gave maximum spike length (87.20 cm), spike girth (2.84 cm), rachis length (21.37 cm), floret length (6.56 cm) and floret diameter (3.88 cm). Kumar and Dixit (2007) studied the effect of NAA on the flower production of tuberose cv. Single. The treatments included NAA at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm. Spraying was done once, twice and thrice. NAA at 100 ppm reduced periodicity of flowering, while high frequency of spraying increased flowering duration. The best yields were obtained when NAA at 75 ppm and 3 successive sprays of the plant growth regulator. Bharathi and Kumar (2009) studied the effect of growth regulators on flowering parameters of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) cv. Suvasini. The treatments comprised 3 levels each of gibberellic acid (GA 3, 100, 150 and 200 ppm), kinetin

19 (100, 150 and 200 ppm) and NAA (75, 100 and 150 ppm). The growth substances were applied as foliar spray at 45, 75 and 105 days after planting. The spraying of 200 ppm GA 3 increased the early flowering, spike length and number, rachis length, flower weight and length and total flower yield. Flower diameter increased with the application of kinetin at 200 ppm. Sarkar et al., (2009) studied the effect of GA 3, IAA and NAA applied as dip treatments in two tuberose cultivars, viz. Calcutta Single and Calcutta Double. Application of 100 ppm IAA increased the spike length (63.82 and cm in Calcutta Double and Calcutta Single) compared to the respective control (57.27 cm and cm). It was concluded that growth regulators as dip treatment directly influenced some of the floral characteristics. Singh and Srivastava (2009) studied the effect of foliar spray of growth regulators in three doses each in GA 3 (50, 100 and 150 ppm), Kinetin (50, 100 and 150 ppm), NAA (50, 100 and 150 ppm), Ethrel (100, 200 ad 300 ppm) and SADH (100, 200 and 300 ppm) on the flowering of two cultivars of tuberose viz., Shringar and Kalyani Double. Cultivar Shringar was superior in inducing early spike emergence, first floret opening and also produced maximum number of spikes/m 2. However, cv. Kalyani Double showed maximum number of florets and spike length and flowering duration. Among various treatments, GA 3 (150 ppm) was observed best in inducing early spike emergence, opening of first floret, 50 per cent floret opening and maximum spike yield per square metre. The spike characters, such as length of rachis and spike, number of florets per spike, increased significantly with the application of GA 3 (100 ppm). Maximum days to withering of first opened floret and flowering duration were observed with Kinetin (150 ppm). However, Ethrel (300 ppm) exhibited delayed flowering, minimum flowering duration and reduced length of spike characters. Kumar and Gautam (2011) studied the effect of plant growth regulators on spike yield and bulb production of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cv. Hyderabad Double. Treatments including three levels of GA 3 at 100, 200 and 300 ppm, NAA at 100, 200 and 300 ppm and BA at 100, 200 and 300 ppm with one control were tried. Plant growth regulators were applied as pre planting soaking 24 hrs before sowing of tuberose bulbs. Application of GA ppm resulted in

20 increased length of spike (86.20 cm), number of florets per spike (45.07), number of spikes per clump (3.73), number of spikes per ha. (3.68 lakh). Wagh et al., (2012) studied the effect of bulb size and GA 3 on floral characters of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cvs. Prajwal and Calcutta Single. The results revealed that among the two varieties, Prajwal (V 1 ) showed significant increase in flowering attributes, as compared to Calcutta Single (V 2 ). While, in case of bulb size; bulbs having diameter of cm (B 2 ) had significant effect on vegetative growth, quality and quantity production of tuberose spikes, bulbs and bulblets as compared to bulbs having diameter cm (B 1 ). However, GA 3 at 100 ppm (G 2 ) also had a striking influence in enhancing the flowering characters over control (G 0 ). Ganesh et al., (2013) conducted a field experiment in tuberose cv. Prajwal to study the growth and yield as influenced by plant growth regulators and micronutrients. The results revealed that dipping of bulbs in GA 200 ppm and foliar spray of all the micronutrients (B, Zn and Fe) recorded highest spike length ( cm), number of flowers per spike (45.74) and improved flower length (7.24 cm). The dipping treatments with CCC@ 5000 ppm for 1 h significantly increased the extended duration of flowering (21.38 days). Rani and Singh (2013) studied the influence of GA 3 -pretreated bulbs on growth, flowering and quality of Polianthes tuberosa L. cv. Prajwal. For this purpose, bulbs were dipped in three different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) (0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm), each with 10 replicates. Results indicated that GA 3 at 150 ppm proved to be best concentration in enhancing all the floral (spike length, number of florets/ spikes, floret length) and bulbous characteristics in tuberose. Singh et al., (2013) studied the effect of growth regulators on tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.)cv. Single. Bulbs were dipped in different concentration of GA 3 and NAA (50,100,150,200)ppm for 6 hours and 12 hours. GA 3 200ppm with 12 hours (T 8 ) soaked bulbs resulted best for minimum number of days to spike emergence, maximum spike length, spike weight, higher number of florets per spike, maximum number of spikes per clump and longest duration of flowering. Singh and Desai (2013) conducted an investigation to study the influence of GA 3 and CCC on growth and flowering of tuberose cv. Single. The treatments

21 comprised three different concentrations of GA 3 (100,200 and 300 mg/l) and CCC (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ml/l) with three methods of application (bulbs dipping, spraying and dipping + spraying). Application of GA mg/l (dipping + spraying) was found to be most effective in improving the flowering and quality characteristics of tuberose. Bhosale et al., (2014) conducted an experiment on effect of storage period and GA 3 soaking of tuberose bulbs on growth, flowering, flower yield and quality. The results revealed that one month storage period after up lift of bulbs and GA ppm soaking before planting treatments significantly improved floral characters like days to spike emergence, days to first spike harvested and length of spike, number of florets per spike and diameter of floret over a control treatment. GLADIOLUS Umrao et al., (2007) conducted an experiment to find out effect of GA 3 and sand on flowering in gladiolus cv. Nova Lux. Pre-planting soaking of corms in gibberellic acid as well as planting with or without sand dressing significantly affected most of the characters studied. In both the media, the higher levels (100 or 150 ppm) of GA 3 increased the placement of florets, number of flowering spikes per mother corm and number of opened fresh florets at a time. Between two media, corms planted with sand dressing increased number of fresh florets. Planting of corms in soil only enhanced spike emergence, flowering spikes, placement of florets on rachis, width of full opened floret. Sajjad et al., (2015) conducted an experiment to enhance the sprouting of multiple buds and evaluate its effects on other growth parameters through pre-plant soaking of corms in solution of plant growth regulators. The corms were soaked in solutions of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ), benzyladenine (BA) or ethrel at 0, 50, 100 or 150 ppm concentrations for 24 hrs before planting in the field. Gibberellic acid at 100ppm concentration increased flowering percentage (84.67%), spike length (40.03 cm). 50 ppm concentration of ethrel increased the spike length (42.14 cm). In conclusion, soaking of corms in benzyladenine favoured the modifications in various traits of interest including sprouting of multiple buds and an increase in the production of corms while gibberellic acid improved the floral characteristics of gladiolus spikes.

22 TULIP Kumar et al., (2013) studied the effect of plant growth regulators on flowering of tulip. The three different growth regulators; gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) at 100, 200, and 400 ppm, 2-chloroethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CCC) and maleic hydrazide (MH) each at 100, 200 and 500 ppm along with control were applied as dip treatment and foliar spray. GA 3 at 400 ppm significantly caused earliest flowering ( days) followed by 200 ppm GA 3 ( days) as compared to the control ( days), while delayed flowering was recorded 500 ppm MH ( days) followed by 200 ppm MH ( days). The longest blooming period was recorded in 200 ppm GA 3 (28.46 days) followed by 400 ppm GA 3 (27.76 days) in comparison to the control (21.59 days), respectively and thereby enhanced propagation coefficient was obtained in 400 ppm GA 3 (258.66%) followed by 500 ppm CCC (237.73%) as against the control (170.00%). 2.3: Vase life characteristics TUBEROSE The plant growth regulators (BA. GA. NAA and MH) were tried with 50 and ppm concentrations to extend the vase life of cut tuberose spikes. Among the growth regulators BA and GA 100 ppm were found most effective in terms of improving the water uptake, maintenance of better water balance thereby increasing the fresh weight of flowers which finally contribute to the increased vaselife (10.22 and days, respectively) and increased number of florets opened (61.73 and 56.89%, respectively) per spike. By adding BA 100 ppm to the vase water petal senescence delayed to a considerable extent and maintained freshness for a longer time-than GA 100 ppm. (Bhaskar and Rao, 1998) Devadanam et al., (2007) experimented the effect of foliar applied plant growth regulators on the flowering and vase life of tuberose. The treatments comprised: 50, 100 and 150 ppm GA 3 ; 100, 150 and 200 ppm NAA; 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg thiourea/litre. Foliar application was conducted at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting. GA 3 at 150 ppm gave the longest vase life (11.35 days). Sarkar et al., (2009) studied the effect of GA 3, IAA and NAA applied as dip treatments in two tuberose cultivars, viz. Calcutta Single and Calcutta Double. the important flower traits like vase-life of spike could be enhanced with the application of 100 ppm IAA in both the cultivars (13.0 and 11.57days respectively in Calcutta

23 Double and Calcutta Single) compared to the control (9.0 and 11.0 days respectively). It can be concluded that growth regulators as dip treatment directly influenced some of the floral characteristics. Wagh et al., (2012) studied the effect of bulb size and GA 3 on floral characters of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cvs. Prajwal and Calcutta Single. The results revealed that among the two varieties, Prajwal (V 1 ) showed significant increase in flowering attributes, as compared to Calcutta Single (V 2 ). While, in case of bulb size; bulbs having diameter of cm (B 2 ) had significant effect on vegetative growth, quality and quantity production of tuberose spikes, bulbs and bulblets as compared to bulbs having diameter cm (B 1 ). However, GA 3 at 100 ppm (G 2 ) also had a striking influence in enhancing the quality characters over control (G 0 ). Singh et al., (2013) studied the effect of growth regulators on tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.)cv. Single. Bulbs were dipped in different concentrations of GA 3 and NAA (50,100,150,200)ppm for 6 hours and 12 hours. GA 3 200ppm with 12 hours (T 8 ) soaked bulbs were the best for vase life. Singh and Desai (2013) conducted an investigation to study the influence of GA 3 and CCC on growth and flowering of tuberose cv. Single. The treatments comprised three different concentrations of GA 3 (100,200 and 300 mg/l) and CCC (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ml/l) with three methods of application (bulbs dipping, spraying and dipping + spraying). Application of GA mg/l (dipping + spraying) was found to be most effective in improving the quality characteristics of tuberose. GLADIOLUS Umrao et al., (2007) conducted an experiment to find out effect of GA 3 and sand on growth, flowering and corm production in gladiolus cv. Nova Lux. Preplanting soaking of corms in gibberellic acid as well as planting with or without sand dressing significantly affected most of the characters studied. In both the media, the higher levels (100 or 150 ppm) of GA 3 increased the longevity and vase-life of spike Between two media, corms planted with sand dressing increased vase-life of cut spike. Planting of corms in soil only enhanced longevity of spike.

24 TULIP Kumar et al., (2013) studied the effect of plant growth regulators on growth, flowering and bulb production of tulip. The three different growth regulators; gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) at 100, 200, and 400 ppm, 2-chloroethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CCC) and maleic hydrazide (MH) each at 100, 200 and 500 ppm along with control were applied as dip treatment and foliar spray. The maximum vase life was obtained with 400 ppm GA 3 (11.26 days) followed by 200 ppm GA 3 (10.43 days) over the control (7.30 days), respectively and thereby enhanced propagation coefficient was obtained in 400 ppm GA 3 (258.66%) followed by 500 ppm CCC (237.73%) as against the control (170.00%).

25 Chapter-III MATERIALS AND METHODS The experimental materials and criteria used for treatment evaluation during the course of investigation are being presented in this chapter. The field experiment entitled Effect of plant growth regulators on growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) was conducted during March to July Details of the methods and techniques followed in the experiment are given below. 3.1: Experimental Site The experiment was laid out at the K.N.K. College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (M.P.) during March to July Mandsaur is situated in Malwa plateau in Western part of Madhya Pradesh at North latitude of to and to East longitudes and an altitude of metres above mean sea level. This region falls under Agro climatic zone no.10 of the state. 3.2: Climate of the Region Mandsaur belongs to sub-tropical climate having a temperature range of minimum 5 0 C and maximum 44 0 C in winter and summer, respectively. In this area, most of the rainfall is received during mid-june to mid September with occasional showers in winter. South-west monsoon is responsible for major portion of annual precipitation. The average rainfall is mm. Meteorological data recorded during the period of investigation are presented in (Table 3:1) and are graphically shown in (Fig. 3:1).

26 Table 3.1 Weekly metrological observations during the study period (March to July- 2016) Week No Duration Average weekly Temperature Relative Humidity Weekly Rainfall Min. ( 0 C) Max. ( 0 C) (%) (mm) 1/3/16 to 7/3/ /3/16 to 14/3/ /3/16 to 21/3/ /3/16 to 28/3/ /3/16 to 4/4/ /4/16 to 11/4/ /4/16 to 18/4/ /4/16- to 25/4/ /4/16 to 2/5/ /5/16 to 9/5/ /5/16 to 16/5/ /5/16 to 23/5/ /5/16 to 30/5/ /5/16 to 6/6/ /6/16 to 13/6/ /6/16 to 20/6/ /6/16 to 27/6/ /6/16 to 4/7/ /7/16 to 11/7/ /7/16 to 18/7/ /7/16 to 25/7/ /7/16 to 31/7/ Source: Meteorological observatory, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, (M.P.)

27 Meterological data Fig. 3.1: Weekly meterological observations during the study period (March-2016 to July-2016) Min.Temperature Max. Temperature RH(%) Rainfall Standard Meterological Weeks

28 3.3: Experimental Details Location K. N. K. College of Horticulture Mandsaur (M.P.) Name of crop Tuberose Variety Shringar Season March to July 2016 No. of Treatments 09 Design RBD Number of Replications 03 Number of Plots 27 Spacing 30 cm x 30 cm (Row to Row x plant to plant) Plot Size 1.2m x 1.2m = (1.44m 2 ) Total area 14.8 m x 5.1m = (75.4 m 2 ) Date of planting 1 st March, : Treatment details: A. GA 3 50 ppm 100 ppm 150 ppm 200 ppm B. NAA 50 ppm 75 ppm 100 ppm 125 ppm 3.5: Details of treatments: T 1 - control T 2 GA 3 50 ppm T 3 GA ppm T 4 GA ppm T 5 GA ppm T 6 NAA 50 ppm T 7 NAA 75 ppm T 8 NAA 100 ppm T 9 NAA 125 ppm

29

30 N Fig. 1: Experimental design and layout The description of design and layout is as follows: W E S T 5 T 4 T 8 T 9 T 1 T 6 T 4 T 7 T 2 T 1 T 2 T 7 T 3 T 6 T 5 T 8 T 9 T 3 T 2 T 8 T 1 T 6 T 3 T 9 T 7 T 5 T 4 Replication I Replication II Replication III

31

32 3.6: Source of planting material The bulbs of tuberose were obtained from Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, (M.P.). 3.7: PGR treatment The tuberose bulbs were dipped in the respective plant growth regulator solutions for a period of 24 hours before planting. 3.8: Cultural practices The details of cultural operations carried out during the course of investigation including the nursery operations are furnished below : Planting of bulbs One healthy bulb was planted in one pit. Plants were planted at the centre of the pits. After planting, watering was done : Irrigation Irrigation was done at weekly interval from March to May : Nutrient application Nutrients were applied as full dose of P, K and half dose N at planting time and two split doses of N at 30 and 60 days after planting : Weeding: Four hand weedings were given to remove the weeds during the entire growth period by Khurpi. 3.9: Observations recorded 3.9.1: Growth characteristics : Days taken to sprouting The number of days taken for the bulb to sprout was counted starting from the day of planting and recorded : Plant height (cm) (45, 60, 75 and 90 days after planting) The height of the plant was measured from the ground level to the tip of the plant with the help of metre scale, during the different stages mentioned.

33 : Number of leaves per plant (45, 60, 75 and 90 days after planting) Number of leaves per plant was counted and recorded, during the different stages mentioned : Leaf area per plant (cm 2 ) The leaf area per plant at blooming stage was measured using a leaf area metre : Flowering characteristics : Days to first spike emergence The date when first spike emergence appeared on each tagged plant was noted and days to first spike emergence from the date of planting calculated and average values were worked out : Days to 50% flowering In this observation number of days taken to 50% flowering was counted from the date of planting of bulb to the appearance of spike on 50% plants on a single plot : Number of spikes per plant Number of spikes per plant was counted and recorded : Length of spike (cm) Length of spike was calculated by measuring the length from the base of spike to the last of the florets : Number of florets per spike No. of florets present in each spike was counted are recorded : Length of florets (cm) Length of florets was measured by electronic digital calipers in cm, vertically at full bloom stage : Diameter of florets (cm) Diameter of floret was measured by electronic digital caliper in cm, horizontal at full bloom stage.

34 : Flower duration (days) It was observed in days counted from first floret opening to last floret opening in a spike : Vase life characteristics: : Vase life of cut spike (days) The vase life of cut spikes was observed by placing them in distilled water and counting the number of days before senescence symptoms like wilting and shedding of florets occurred : Fresh weight (g) of cut spikes at harvest The fresh weight of spikes immediately after harvest was recorded with the help of an electronic balance : Fresh weight (g) of cut spikes on 3 rd day in vase and Cut spikes were removed from the distilled water on the 3 rd day in the vase weighed with the help of electronic balance : Fresh weight (g) of cut spikes on 6 th day in vase Cut spikes were removed from the distilled water on the 6 th day in the vase and weighed with the help of electronic balance : Fresh weight (g) of cut spikes at senescence Cut spikes were removed from the distilled water at senescence and weighed with the help of electronic balance. 3.12: Statistical Analysis To test the significance of variation in the data obtained, the analysis of variance technique was adopted as suggested by Panse and Sukhatme (1984) for Randomized Block Design. The analysis of variance for different characteristics is presented in Appendix. The Skeleton of ANOVA as per design is given in Table below: Table 3: Skeleton of ANOVA S.V. D.F. SS MSS F cal. F tab. Replication (R-1) TSS TMS TMS/EMS Treatment (T-1) BSS BMS BMS/EMS Error (R-1) (T-1) ESS EMS Total

35 The critical difference (C.D.) was calculated to assess the significance of difference between treatments, whenever the results were found significant through F test, CD at 5 % level of significance was determined. S.Em. and CD are calculated using the following formula. S.Em. = EMS R CD = S.Em. x 2 x t 5% (edf) Where EMS : Error mean sum of squares R : Replications t 5% ( edf ) : Table value at error degree of freedom S. E m. : Standard error of mean CD : Critical difference

36 Chapter IV RESULTS The results of the experiment entitled Effect of plant growth regulators on growth and flowering of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) have been presented in this chapter. The data pertaining to various characters were subjected to statistical analysis by using RBD. In support of the tabular representation of data, graphical representation has also been presented in this chapter to provide better comprehension of the characters. 4.1: Growth characteristics 4.1.1: Days taken to sprouting It is evident from Table 4.1 and Fig. 4.1 that the effect of PGR on the number of days taken to sprouting was statistically significant and all the treatments were superior to T 1 (control) in terms of number of days taken to sprouting of bulb. It can be observed from Table 4.1 that among PGR concentrations T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) recorded the earliest bulb sprouting (12.73 days) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm), T 3 (GA 3 100ppm) and T 8 (NAA 100ppm), which recorded values of 13.40, and days respectively. However, T 5 and T 4 were statistically at par with each other, while the most delayed sprouting (19.00 days) was recorded under T 1 (control)..

37 Table 4.1: Effect of PGR on the number of days taken to sprouting Treatments Days taken to sprouting T 1 - control T 2 GA 3 50 ppm T 3 GA ppm T 4 GA ppm T 5 GA ppm T 6 NAA 50 ppm T 7 NAA 75 ppm T 8 NAA 100 ppm T 9 NAA 125 ppm S.Em.± C.D. at 5% 1.702

38 Days taken to sprounting Fig. 4.1: Effect of PGR on number of days taken to sprouting T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

39 4.1.2: Plant height (cm) Table 4.2 and Fig. 4.2 show the plant height (cm) recorded from 45 DAP to 90 DAP. It can be observed that there is a steady and continuous increase in plant height from 45 DAP to 90 DAP in all the treatments. It is evident from the Table 4.2 that all the PGR treatments were statistically superior to T 1 (control) in terms of plant height (cm) recorded during all the stages of observation. At 45 DAP, T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) recorded the maximum plant height (31.40 cm) which was statistically superior to all other treatments. This was followed by T 4 (29.63 cm), T 3 (28.07 cm) and T 7 (27.30 cm). However, T 3 (GA 3 100ppm) and T 7 (NAA 75ppm) were statistically at par with each other. The minimum plant height (20.50 cm) at this stage was recorded by T 1 (control). At 60 DAP the maximum plant height (36.40 cm) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (33.30 cm), T 3 (32.40 cm) and T 8 (31.50 cm). However, T 4 (GA 3 150ppm), T 3 (GA 3 100ppm) and T 8 (NAA 100ppm) were statistically at par with one another. The minimum plant height (24.30 cm) at this stage was recorded by T 1 (control). A similar trend was observed at 75 DAP with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) recording the maximum plant height (40.17 cm), which was statistically superior to all other treatments. This was followed by T 4 (36.40 cm), T 3 (35.40 cm) and T 8 (34.87 cm). However, T 4 (GA 3 150ppm), T 3 (GA 3 100ppm) and T 8 (NAA 100ppm) treatments were statistically at par with one another. The minimum plant height at this stage (29.40 cm) was recorded by T 1 (control). At 90 DAP also the maximum plant height (44.40 cm) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm), T 3 (GA 3 100ppm) and T 8 (NAA 100ppm), which recorded values of cm, cm and cm respectively. These three treatments were however statistically at par with one another. The minimum plant height (32.17 cm) at this stage was observed under T 1 (control).

40 Table 4.2: Effect of PGR on plant height (cm) Treatment Plant height (cm) 45 DAP 60 DAP 75 DAP 90 DAP T 1 - control T 2 GA 3 50 ppm T 3 GA ppm T 4 GA ppm T 5 GA ppm T 6 NAA 50 ppm T 7 NAA 75 ppm T 8 NAA 100 ppm T 9 NAA 125 ppm S.Em.± C.D. at 5%

41 Plant height (cm) Fig. 4.2: Effect of PGR on plant height (cm) T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment 45 DAP 60 DAP 75 DAP 90 DAP

42 4.1.3: Number of leaves per plant Table 4.3 and Fig. 4.3 show the number of leaves as influenced by PGR recorded from 45 DAP to 90 DAP. It can be observed from the table that the number of leaves shows a steady and continuous increase during all the stages of observation. It is evident from the Table 4.3 that all the treatments were significantly superior to T 1 (control) in terms of number of leaves per plant recorded during all the stages of observation. At 45 DAP the maximum number of leaves (8.63) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm) and T 3 (GA 3 100ppm), which recorded values of 7.53 and 7.30 respectively. However, T 5 and T 4 were statistically at par with each other. The minimum number of leaves (4.33) at this stage was recorded under T 1 (Control). At 60 DAP, the maximum number of leaves (12.57) was recorded by T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm) and T 9 (NAA 125ppm), which recorded values of and respectively. However, the treatments T 5 and T 4 were statistically at par with each other. The minimum number of leaves (6.97) at this stage was recorded under T 1 (Control). At 75 DAP, T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) recorded the maximum number of leaves (16.30) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm) and T 9 (NAA 125ppm), which recorded values of and These treatments were however statistically at par with one another. The minimum number of leaves per plant (9.97) at this stage was recorded with T 1 (Control). At 90 DAP also a similar trend was observed. The maximum number of leaves (19.20) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (18.07) and T 9 (17.07), which were statistically at par with one another. The minimum number of leaves per plant (12.87) at this stage was recorded under T 1 (Control).

43 Table 4.3: Effect of PGR on the number of leaves per plant Treatment Number of leaves per plant 45 DAP 60 DAP 75 DAP 90 DAP T 1 - control T 2 GA 3 50 ppm T 3 GA ppm T 4 GA ppm T 5 GA ppm T 6 NAA 50 ppm T 7 NAA 75 ppm T 8 NAA100 ppm T 9 NAA125 ppm S.Em.± C.D. at 5%

44 Number of leaves per plant Fig. 4.3: Effect of PGR on number of leaves per plant DAP 60 DAP 75 DAP 90 DAP 0 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

45 4.1.3: Leaf area per plant (cm 2 ) The data presented in Table 4.4 and Fig. 4.4 reveal that the effect of plant growth regulators on leaf area per plant (cm 2 ) was statistically significant and all of the PGR treatments were superior to T 1 (control). It is evident from Table 4.4 that the maximum leaf area per plant ( cm 2 ) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm), T 9 (NAA 125ppm) and T 3 (GA 3 100ppm), which recorded values of cm 2, cm 2 and cm 2 respectively. The minimum leaf area per plant ( cm 2 ) was recorded with T 1 (control). Table 4.4: Effect of PGR on Leaf area per plant (cm 2 ) Treatments Leaf area per plant (cm 2 ) T 1 - control T 2 GA 3 50 ppm T 3 GA ppm T 4 GA ppm T 5 GA ppm T 6 NAA 50 ppm T 7 NAA 75 ppm T 8 NAA 100 ppm T 9 NAA 125 ppm S.Em.± C.D. at 5%

46 Leaf area per plant (cm 2 ) Fig. 4.4: Effect of PGR on leaf area per plant (cm 2 ) T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

47 B. Flowering characteristics 4.2.1: Days to first spike emergence The data presented in Table 4.5 and Fig. 4.5 reveal that the effect of plant growth regulators on days to first spike emergence was statistically significant and all the treatments were superior to T 1 (control) in terms of number of days to first spike emergence. It is evident from the Table 4.5 and Fig. 4.5 that the earliest first spike emergence ( days) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm), T 8 (NAA 100ppm) and T 3 (GA 3 100ppm), which recorded values of days, days and days respectively. The most delayed first spike emergence ( days) was recorded with T 1 (control) : Days to 50% flowering The data presented in Table 4.5 and Fig. 4.6 reveal that the effect of plant growth regulators on days to 50% flowering was statistically significant. It is evident from the Table 4.5 and Fig.4.6 that the earliest 50% flowering ( days) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm), T 3 (GA 3 100ppm) and T 8 (NAA 100ppm), which recorded values of ( days), T 3 ( days) and T 8 ( days) respectively. The most delayed 50% flowering ( days) was recorded with T 1 (control) : Number of spikes per plant The data presented in Table 4.5 and Fig. 4.7 reveal that the effect of plant growth regulators on number of spikes per plant was statistically significant. It can be seen from the Table 4.5 and Fig. 4.7 that the maximum number of spikes per plant (1.50) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm), T 9 (NAA 125ppm) and T 8 (NAA 100ppm), which recorded values of 1.43, 1.37 and 1.33 respectively. All of these treatments were statistically at par with one another, while superior to T 1 (control). The minimum number of spikes per plant (1.00) was recorded with T 1 (control).

48 4.2.4: Length of spike (cm) The data presented in Table 4.5 and Fig. 4.8 reveal that the effect of plant growth regulators on length of spike (cm) was statistically significant and all the PGR treatments were statistically superior to T 1 (control) in terms of length of spike. It is evident from the Table 4.5 that the maximum length of spike (78.97 cm) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (76.20 cm) and T 8 (75.30 cm). However, T 4 (GA 3 150ppm) and T 8 (NAA 100ppm) were statistically at par with each other. The Minimum length of spike (57.97 cm) was recorded under T 1 (control).

49 Table 4.5: Effect of PGR on the number of days taken to first spike emergence, days to 50% flowering, number of spikes per plant, length of spike Treatment Days taken to first spike emergence Days to 50% flowering Number of spikes per plant Length of spike (cm) T 1 - control T 2 GA 3 50 ppm T 3 GA ppm T 4 GA ppm T 5 GA ppm T 6 NAA 50 ppm T 7 NAA 75 ppm T 8 NAA100 ppm T 9 NAA125 ppm S.Em.± C.D. at 5%

50 Days to first spike emergence Fig.4.5: Effect of PGR on days to first spike emergence T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

51 Days to 50% flowering Fig. 4.6: Effect of PGR on days to 50% flowering T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

52 Number of spikes per plant Fig. 4.7: Effect of PGR on number of spikes per plant T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

53 Length of spike (cm) Fig. 4.8: Effect of PGR on length of spike (cm) T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

54 4.2.5: Number of florets per spike The data presented in Table 4.6 and Fig. 4.9 reveal that the effect of plant growth regulators on number of florets per spike was statistically significant and all the treatments were superior to T 1 (control) in terms of number of florets per spike. It is evident from the Table 4.6 and Fig. 4.9 that the maximum number of florets per spike (29.40) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm), T 8 (NAA 100ppm) and T 3 (GA 3 100ppm), which recorded values of 27.87, and respectively. However, T 5 and T 4 were statistically at par with each other. The minimum number of florets per spike (15.20) was recorded under T 1 (control) : Length of florets (cm) The data presented in Table 4.6 and Fig reveal that the effect of plant growth regulators on length of florets (cm) was statistically significant. It can be seen from the Table 4.6 and Fig that the maximum length of florets (5.23 cm) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm), T 3 (GA 3 100ppm) and T 8 (NAA 100ppm), which recorded values of 4.95 cm, 4.81 cm and 4.79 cm respectively. All of these treatments were statistically at par with one another, while superior to T 1 (control). The minimum length of florets (3.70 cm) was recorded under T 1 (control) : Diameter of florets (cm) The data presented in Table 4.6 and Fig reveal that the effect of plant growth regulators on diameter of florets (cm) was statistically significant. It can be observed from the Table 4.6 and Fig that the maximum diameter of florets (3.57 cm) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm), T 3 (GA 3 100ppm) and T 7 (NAA 75ppm), which recorded values of 3.30 cm, 3.17 cm and 3.13 cm respectively. All of these treatments were statistically at par with one another. The minimum diameter of florets (2.50 cm) was recorded with T 1 (control).

55 4.2.8: Flower duration (days) The data presented in Table 4.6 and Fig reveal that the effect of plant growth regulators on flower duration (days) was statistically significant. It is evident from the Table 4.6 and Fig that the maximum flower duration (19.30 days) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 4 (GA 3 150ppm) and T 9 (NAA 125ppm), which recorded values of (18.40 days) and (17.20 days) respectively. All of these treatments were statistically at par with one another. The minimum flower duration (15.20 days) was recorded under T 1 (control).

56 Table 4.6: Effect of PGR on the number of florets per spike, length of florets, diameter of florets, flower duration Treatment Number of florets per spike Length of florets (cm) Diameter of florets (cm) Flower duration (days) T 1 - control T 2 GA 3 50 ppm T 3 GA ppm T 4 GA ppm T 5 GA ppm T 6 NAA 50 ppm T 7 NAA 75 ppm T 8 NAA100 ppm T 9 NAA125 ppm S.Em.± C.D. at 5%

57 Number of florets per spike Fig. 4.9: Effect of PGR on number of florets per spike T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

58 Length of florets (cm) Fig. 4.10: Effect of PGR on length of florets (cm) T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

59 Length of florets (cm) Fig. 4.10: Effect of PGR on length of florets (cm) T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

60 Diameter of florets (cm) Fig. 4.11: Effect of PGR on diameter of florets (cm) T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

61 Flower duration (days) Fig. 4.12: Effect of PGR on flower duration (days) T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

62 C. Vase life characteristics: Vase life of cut spike (days) It can be observed from Table 4.7 and Fig that the effect of plant growth regulators on vase life of cut spike was statistically significant. It can be seen from Table 4.7 and Fig that the longest vase life of cut spike (12.33 days) was recorded with T 5 (GA 3 200ppm) followed by T 8 (NAA 100ppm), T 4 (GA 3 150ppm) and T 3 (GA 3 100ppm), which recorded values of days, days and days respectively. However, T 5 was statistically at par with T 8 and T 4, while T 5, T 8, T 4 and T 3 were also at par with one another. The shortest vase life of cut spike (7.00 days) was recorded with T 1 (control). Table 4.7: Effect of PGR on vase life of cut spike Treatments T 1 - control T 2 GA 3 50 ppm T 3 GA ppm T 4 GA ppm T 5 GA ppm T 6 NAA 50 ppm T 7 NAA 75 ppm T 8 NAA 100 ppm T 9 NAA 125 ppm S.Em.± C.D. at 5% Vase life of cut spike (days)

63 vase life of cut spike (days) Fig. 4.13: Effect of PGR on vase life of cut spike in days T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 Treatment

64