EFFECT OF GIBBERELLIC ACID ON ENHANCING FLOWERING TIME IN CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various concentrations of GA3 on plant height, number of branches, leaves, flowers plant-1, leaf area, days to flowering, blooming period, flower size and flower fresh weight. There were total six treatments of GA3 concentrations at 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg L-1. Data regarding vegetative and flowering attributes indicated that flowering in Chrysanthemum morifolium varied significantly for most of the studied parameters. Application of GA3 at the rate of 250 mg L-1 with plant height (62.0 cm), number of branches (8.65), suckers (8.05), leaves (55.05) plant-1, leaf area (122.35 cm2 ), days to flower (110.8 days) and number of flowers (31.9) were significantly different as compared to rest of the treatments and was followed by GA3 at the rate of 200 mg L-1 in flower size (5.49 cm) and flower fresh weight (4.01g). Untreated Chrysanthemum plants had least plant height (47.5 cm), number of branches (6.4), suckers (6.75), leaves (39.2) plant-1, leaf area (96.85 cm2 ), days to flower (131.05 days), number of flowers (21.91) plant-1, flower size (4.88 cm) and flower fresh weight (3.44 g). Application of GA3 @ 250 mg L-1 produced flowers earlier (28th September) than the normal season and extended the flowering season up to 22 days.