Vol. 12, Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
Neha Kumari, Yogendra Singh, Anchal, Yogendra Kumar Sharma, Divya Slathia, Neelam Devi, Yamini Guleria and Rajni Thakur

Abstract:
The present investigation was conducted in the year 2022 at the Experimental Research Farm Kakhli of Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Sirmour (Himachal Pradesh), to evaluate the impact of varying levels of plant growth regulators on the growth, and yield characteristics of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivar Kandhari. The study employed a randomized block design, which was replicated three times and included ten treatment combinations. The study used plant growth regulators at various levels (50 ppm, 100 ppm, and 150 ppm). The treatment was administered to both the pre- and post-flowering stages. The usage of NAA and Ethrel at a concentration of 150 ppm had a substantial impact on pomegranate growth and yield characteristics. The application of NAA 150 ppm and Ethrel 150 ppm resulted in the greatest values for pomegranate growth and yield characteristics. The findings indicated that the maximum plant height values (3.77 m), plant spread east-west values (3.16 m), plant spread north-south value (3.12 m), canopy volume (77.96 m³), the initial stage values of chlorophyll content A (1.58 mg/g), B (0.60 mg/g), the total chlorophyll content (2.18 mg/g), the final stage values of chlorophyll content A (1.80mg/g), B (0.66 mg/g), the total chlorophyll content (2.46 mg/g), number of flowers/plant (223.67), number of fruits/plant (95.67), fruit set (42.90%), yield/plant (21.42 kg) and yield/ha (23.80 tonne) were recorded in the treatment T₉ (NAA 150 ppm + Ethrel 150 ppm), and lowest values were recorded under the treatment T₀ (Control). The main goal of the research was to improve the growth and quality of the fruit production, reduce the risk of infection diseases and fruit drops, and eventually increase the yield of pomegranates.