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“EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON
FRUIT SET, YIELD AND QUALITY OF CUSTARD APPLE
(Annona squamosa L.) UNDER ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF
NORTH MAHARASHTRA”
By
Mr. Yogesh Sampat Memane
(Reg. No. 2011/322)
A Thesis submitted to the
MAHATMA PHULE KRISHI VIDYAPEETH,
RAHURI - 413 722, DIST. AHMEDNAGAR,
MAHARASHTRA STATE, INDIA.
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE)
in
FRUIT SCIENCE
HORTICULTURE SECTION,
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE,
DHULE – 424 004
MAHARASHTRA, INDIA
2013
“EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON
FRUIT SET, YIELD AND QUALITY OF CUSTARD APPLE
(Annona squamosa L.) UNDER ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF
NORTH MAHARASHTRA ”
By
Mr. Yogesh Sampat Memane
(Reg. No. 2011/322)
A Thesis submitted to the MAHATMA PHULE KRISHI VIDYAPEETH, RAHURI-413 722, DIST. AHMEDNAGAR
MAHARASHTRA, INDIA
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE)
in
FRUIT SCIENCE
Approved by
Dr. C.V.PUJARI
(Chairman and Research Guide)
Dr. B.B. DHAKRE Dr. S.D. PATIL
(Committee Member) (Committee Member)
Dr. M R. PATIL Prof. S.B. DESALE (Committee Member) (Committee Member)
HORTICULTURE SECTION,
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE,
DHULE – 424 004
MAHARASHTRA, INDIA
2013
ii
CANDIDATE’S DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this
thesis or a part there of has
not been submitted by me or
any other person to any
other University or Institute
for a Degree or Diploma.
Place: College of Agriculture, Dhule (Y.S.Memane)
Date: / / 2013
iii
Chairman and Research guide,
Dr. C. V. Pujari
Assosiate Professor of Horticulture,
College of Agriculture, Dhule
Maharashtra State (India).
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the thesis entitled, “EFFECT OF
DIFFERENT PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON FRUIT SET,
YIELD AND QUALITY OF CUSTARD APPLE (Annona
squamosa L.) UNDER ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF NORTH
MAHARASHTRA” submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture,
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar
(Maharashtra State) in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE) in
FRUIT SCIENCE embodies the results of a bona-fide research
work carried out by Mr. YOGESH SAMPAT MEMANE under my
guidance and supervision and that no part of the thesis has been
submitted for any other degree, diploma or publication in other
form.
The assistance and help received during the course of
present investigation and sources of references have been duly
acknowledged.
Place: Dhule (C.V. PUJARI )
Date: / /2013. Chairman and Research Guide
iv
Prof. ( Dr.) P. N. Rasal
Associate Dean,
College of Agriculture, Dhule
Maharashtra State (India).
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the thesis entitled, “EFFECT OF
DIFFERENT PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON FRUIT SET,
YIELD AND QUALITY OF CUSTARD APPLE (Annona
squamosa L.) UNDER ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF NORTH
MAHARASHTRA” submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture,
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar,
Maharashtra State in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of (MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE) in
FRUIT SCIENCE embodies the results of a bona fide research
work carried out by Mr. YOGESH SAMPAT MEMANE under
the guidance and supervision of Dr. C.V. PUJARI, Assosiate
Professor of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Dhule, and that
no part of the thesis has been submitted for any other University
for degree or diploma.
Place: Dhule, (P.N.Rasal)
Date: / /2013 Associate Dean
Weeky weather data of College of Agriculture, Dhule During year- 2013-14
Month
Week
No.
Temperture Oc
Humidity % Rain Fall
m.m.
No.of Raniy days
Sun shine hour
Evapo rastio
n
m.m.
Wind speed kmp.
Max
Min
07.31
14.31
Jan 2013
1
28.7
11.8
85
53
000.0
00
07.8
04.0
03.0
2
28.6
10.6
77
60
000.0
00
07.9
04.2
02.9
3
29.5
12.3
78
38
000.0
00
07.4
04.2
03.4
4
27.4
13.4
82
51
000.0
00
06.1
04.0
02.9
5
31.9
16.3
76
44
000.0
00
05.4
03.9
02.4
Feb
2013
6
28.3
17.0
77
44
000.0
00
06.9
04.5
03.2
7
31.0
16.8
83
47
006.3
01
07.0
04.5
03.6
8
33.2
14.1
84
42
000.0
00
09.1
05.6
03.0
9
34.9
14.1
75
40
000.0
00
09.0
06.8
03.3
March 2013
10
37.6
16.1
65
42
000.0
00
08.9
07.0
02.9
11
36.5
18.8
76
50
008.0
01
8.3
07.1
036
12
37.8
19.3
53
22
000.0
00
08.6
07.6
03.8
13
38.0
21.7
50
23
000.0
00
08.9
08.5
04.9
April
2013
14
39.4
21.2
54
28
000.0
00
09.4
10.2
05.4
15
40.7
23.1
64
17
000.0
00
09.0
10.1
04.9
16
38.5
20.8
63
28
000.0
01
6.5
09.0
06.0
17
40.8
25.6
58
33
000.0
00
9.7
10.7
05.5
18
43.3
26.1
50
26
000.0
00
10.1
12.6
06.5
May 2013
19
42.1
24.6
49
19
000.0
00
09.7
12.8
06.9
20
42.4
25.9
54
26
001.8
00
09.3
11.9
06.7
21
41.9
27.8
61
32
000.0
00
09.4
12.9
09.1
22
38.7
27.3
72
38
32.6
02
07.7
11.6
08.7
June 2013
23
036
024
90
55
106.0
04
003
007
005
24
033
025
86
58
58.0
05
002
004
003
25
033
025
86
65
11.0
02
004
005
004
26
031
024
91
71
15.0
02
001
002
003
July
2013
27
31.0
024
89
75
44.0
3.0
1.0
4.0
4.0
28
31.0
24.0
92
77
82.0
3.0
1.0
4.0
4.0
29
29
29.0
24.0
92
79
36.0
5.0
1.0
2.0
4.0
30
28.0
24.0
95
88
109.0
4.0
0.0
3.0
2.0
31
29.0
24.0
92
79
53.0
3.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
Aug.
2013
32
30.0
23.0
89
72
19.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
33
31.0
23.0
86
70
46.0
3.0
3.0
5.0
2.0
34
29.0
24.0
84
74
42.0
3.0
1.0
3.0
5.0
35
31.0
22.0
82
56
15.0
1.0
6.0
3.0
3.0
Sept.
2013
36
32.0
22.0
85
52
1.0
0.6
6.0
5.0
3.0
37
34.0
24.0
88
52
69.0
2.0
6.0
6.0
3.0
38
32
24
83
67
61.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
39 32.0 23.0 84 64 7.0 00 4.0 3.0 4.0
Oct. 2013
40
31.0
23.0
89
63
97.0
4.0
5.0
5.0
3.0
41
32.0
23.0
86
66
43.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
42
34.0
23.0
80
36
00.0
0.0
8.0
5.0
2.0
43
32.0 ]
20.0
74
40
00.0
00
8.0
6.0
2.0
44
32.0
18.0
78
34
00.0
00
9.0
6.0
2.0
Nov. 2013
45
32.0
18.0
82
33
00.0
00
7.3
4.2 4-2
1.7
46
30.0
15.4
79
32
00.0
00
7.3
4.1
1.9
47
30.8
15.0
75
34
00.0
00
7.6
3.9
2.0
48
31.4
18.0
76
38
00.0
00
6,7
4.0
2.0
Dec.
2013
49
50
51
52
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
While traveling on the path of life and education, many hands
push me forward, enlighten by their knowledge and experience.
Emotions cannot be adequately expressed in words as they are
transformed into mere formalities. Nevertheless formalities have to
be completed. All my acknowledgements are many more than what I
am expressing here.
I consider myself to be extremely fortunate for the opportunity
to work under the scholastic guidance of Dr. C. V. Pujari , Assosiate
Professor of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Dhule. It is my
pleasure beyond words to admit my esteem indebtedness for his
encouragement, constructive criticism and thought provoking
discussion till the successful completion of this venture.
I wish to express my profound sense of gratitude to the
members of my advisory committee Dr. B.B. Dhakare, Professor of
Horticulture, Dr. S.D. Patil, Assistant Professor, Horticulture
section, Prof. S.B. Desale Assistant Professor of Horticulture,
Regional Extention Centre, Dhule , Dr. M. R. Patil, Assistant
Professor, Department of Agricultural Statistic. I am also thankful to
Dr. Ritu Thakare, Associate professor of Soil science and
Agricultural chemistry, College of Agriculture, Dhule for their
valuable suggestions, affectionate co-operation, guidance and
encouragement during the course of this investigation. I also express
my sincere thanks to Prof P.K. Dharne Ex. Professor of Entomology
and Ex Assosiate Dean, College of Agriculture Dhule for extending
necessary facilities and kind co-operation during the conduct of
thesis work.
I am extremely grateful to Prof. (Dr.) P. N. Rasal, Associate
Dean, College of Agriculture, Dhule for his advice and co-operation.
I am also grateful to Dr. P.D.Dalave (S.R.A.) Garden
Superitendent, Shri P.I. Khairnar Agril. Assistant and all other staff
members of Horticulture Section
A friend in need is a friend indeed is a real fact. During my
graduation and post graduation I have got plenty of friend like Suraj,
Prashant, Basu, Ravi, Poonam and other I would like to express my
special thanks for their valuable co-operation and moral support.
I am deeply obliged to all the authors past and present whose
literature has been cited.
It seems one uses choicest of words to measure the boundless
love and unlimited and untold sacrifices of some one very close.
However, I find no such measure adequate to quantify all that my
parents have done for me. I will forever remain indebted to my
parents Shri. Sampat and Sou. Mangal, the ‘Bacon’ of my life & the
path finder of my life and brother Mahendra my continuous source
of inspiration to whom I owe everything.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my
maternal uncles Navanath and Minnath, Mami Nisha for their
constant inspiration.
Place: College of Agriculture, Dhule (Y.S.Memane)
Date: / /2013
vi
CONTENTS
Sr. No. Character Page No.
CANDIDATES DECLERATION
CERTIFICATES
1.Chairman and Research Guide
2. Associate Dean
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF PLATES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ABSTRACT
1 INTRODUCTION
2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
3 MATERIAL AND METHODS
4 EXPERIMENTAL RESUITS
5 DISCUSSION
6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
7 LITERATURE CITED
8 APPENDIX - I
9 VITA
vii
viii
LIST OF TABLES
Table
No.
Title Page
No.
1 Effect of different plant growth regulators on
number of flowers per shoot
2 Effect of different plant growth regulators on fruit
set ( % )
3 Effect of different plant growth regulators on fruit
retention ( % )
4 Effect of different plant growth regulators on days
to fruit harvesting (Days )
5 Effect of different plant growth regulators on fruit
weight ( g )
6 Effect of different plant growth regulators on
Number of fruits per plant
7 Effect of different plant growth regulators on Yield
( kg/ plant )
8 Effect of different plant growth regulators on
weight of seeds per fruit ( g )
9 Effect of different plant growth regulators on pulp
weight (g )
10 Effect of different plant growth regulators on
(Total Soluble Solids) T.S.S. (%)
11 Effect of different plant growth regulators on Total
sugar ( % )
12 Effect of different plant growth regulators on
Titrable acidity ( % )
ix
LIST OF FIGURES
Table
No. Title
Page
No.
1 Effect of different plant growth regulators on number of flowers per shoot
2 Effect of different plant growth regulators on fruit set ( % )
3. Effect of different plant growth regulators on fruit retention ( % )
4. Effect of different plant growth regulators on days to fruit harvesting (days )
5. Effect of different plant growth regulators on fruit weight ( g)
6 Effect of different plant growth regulators on number of fruits per plant
7 Effect of different plant growth regulators on Yield ( kg/ plant )
8 Effect of different plant growth regulators on weight of seeds per fruit ( g )
9 Effect of different plant growth regulators on pulp weight ( g)
10 Effect of different plant growth regulators on T.S.S. ( % )
11 Effect of different plant growth regulators on Total Sugar ( % )
12 Effect of different plant growth regulators on Titrable acidity ( % )
x
LIST OF PLATES
Plate
Number
Title Page
number
1 Effect of different plant growth
regulators on fruit set of custard apple
25
2 Effect of different plant growth
regulators on Yield kg / plant
38
List of Abbreviations
% : Percentage
/ : per
Abs. : Abstract
˚C : Degree Celsius
C.D. : Critical difference
cm : Centimeter
CPPU : N-( 2-chloro-4-pyrydyl 1 ) N- phenyl urea
et al. : co-worker
etc : etceteras
Fig. : Figure
g : gram
GA : Gibberellic acid
ha : hectare
Kcal : Kilocalories
T. S .S. : Total Soluble Solids
PMP : Potassium monohydrogen phosphate
Lit. : Litre
m : meter
mg : milligram
mm. : Mili meter
NAA : Naphthalene acetic acid
No. : Number
NS : Non-significant
RBD : Randomized Block Design
S. E m. : Standard Error of Mean
T : Treatment
& : and
p.p : Page (s)
xi
ABSTRACT
Effect of different plant growth regulators on fruit set, yield and quality of Custard apple ( Annona squamosa L)
under ecological conditions of north Maharashtra
By
Mr. YOGESH SAMPAT MEMANE
A candidate for the degree
of MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE)
in FRUIT SCIENCE
MAHATMA PHULE KRISHI VIDYAPEETH
RAHURI-413722 2013
Research Guide : Dr. C. V. Pujari
Department : Horticulture
The present investigation entitled “Effect of different growth
regulators on fruit set, yield and quality of Custard apple (Annona
squamosa L.) under ecological conditions of North Maharashtra”
was undertaken at Research Farm of Horticulture, College of
Agriculture, Dhule. The experiment was laid out in the
Randomised Block Design with thirteen treatments and three
replications. The trial was conducted from April 2013 to October
2013. Three sprays of each treatment were taken at monthly
interval starting from April. First spray was taken on 1st April and
subsequent sprays at an interval of one month on 1st May 2013
and 1st June 2013. The experimental results indicated that, there
were significant difference in number of flowers per shoot which
was highest in CPPU @ 2 ppm (mg/litre) followed by NAA @ 15
ppm (mg/litre) . Highest fruit set (%), fruit retention (%), number
xii
of fruits per plant and yield was recorded in the NAA @ 15 ppm
(mg/litre).Fruit weight and days to fruit harvesting were not
influenced by the growth regulators studied.
As regards the physico-chemical characters of the fruit, it
was found that none of the growth regulators studied did not have
significant influence.
The overall results indicated that CPPU @ 2 ppm (mg/litre)
spray produced more number of flowers per shoot followed by
NAA @ 15 ppm. However, NAA significantly influenced the
economically important characters namely fruit set, fruit
retention, number oF fruits per plant and yield per plant.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the spray of CPPU and NAA at
flowering stage and spray of NAA from fruit set to harvest was
found to be beneficial.
xiii
1
1. INTRODUCTION
Custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) commonly known
as sugar apple is very delicious fruit from the family
Annonaceae. Custard apple is proving to be a boon to the arid
zones of Maharashtra because of their wider adaptability,
comparatively freeness from pests and diseases, hardy nature
and escape from stray and grazing animals. Moreover, it has
widened the food basket by providing variety in diet as it is a
rich source of carbohydrates, protein, and fibre, minerals like
calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin C. Custard apple
(Annona squamosa L.) is considered good source of energy
with 104 Kcal. It contains carbohydrates 23.5 g, moisture
70.5 %, protein 1.6 g, fibre 3.1 g, calcium 17 mg, phosphorus
47 mg, iron 1.5 mg and vitamin C (37 mg) in a 100 g edible
portion (Bal J.S. 1997 ). Besides, being used as a table fruit, it
can be preserved as jam, jelly and are also used in ice-cream
and other milk products. Therefore, custard apple is becoming
very popular not only among growers but consumers too.
In Maharashtra, custard apple is widely grown in Pune
especially in Purandar Tahsil, Ahmednagar, Aurangabad,
Dhule, Usmanabad, Solapur district etc. In 2010-11 the area
under this crop was 29,571 ha with the production of 47,979
mt (Anonymous, 2012). The area under custard apple in
Maharashtra is increasing due to its suitability to waste land,
forests, rocky slopes, uncultivated areas , its nutritional value
and wide uses in processing industries; as well as in
manufacturing biopesticides.
Although, easiness to grow, hardy nature and production
of good crop even under adverse conditions are the merits of
2
custard apple, low fruit set is a major constraint in expanding
their commercial cultivation (Hays, 1957). In custard apple,
period of flowering is very long commencing from March- April,
continued up to July –August (Kumar et. al., 1977; Sahoo,
et.al. 2000), but no fruit set occurs in entire spring and
summer and it commences only in the rainy season due
favourable climactic conditions. Due to high temperature, low
atmospheric humidity, lack of irrigation water and natural
stress results in less number of flowers, poor fruit set and low
yield of degraded fruit quality too (Hays, 1957; Kumar et.al.,
1977 ; Jackson, 2006 ; Patel et. al., 2010).
Plant growth regulators have become an important tool
in the production of various fruit crops. Growth regulators as
a means for enhancing flowering, fruit set; control of fruit
drop, fruit size, yield and fruit quality have become important
in agriculture (Guirguis, et. al. 2010). There are also
encouraging results due the use of plant growth regulators,
such as a means of NAA 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T and GA3 in custard
apple with respect to improvement in fruit set, fruit retention,
fruit size etc. However, research work on this aspect in
custard apple is very scanty and sporadic. Moreover, new
growth regulators like CPPU, Brassinosteroids are available in
markets which are widely used in grapes, but, their suitability
in the custard apple needs to be assessed. Being a hardy crop,
the cultivation of custard is increasing in North Maharashtra,
it is imperative to generate data from farmers’ point of view.
Therefore, the present investigation entitled “Effect of different
growth regulators on fruit set, yield and quality of custard
apple (Annona squamosa L.) under the ecological conditions of
North Maharashtra was undertaken with following objectives.
3
Objectives of Experiment:
1. To study the effect of different plant growth regulators
on fruit set, fruit retention, yield and quality of
custard apple.
2. To find out the suitable growth regulator with
appropriate concentration for improving fruit set, yield
and quality of custard apple.
Review of Literature
4
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Custard apple (Annona squamosa, L.) is a hardy crop and
requires dry climate with mild winter. Therefore, this fruit crop is
highly suitable for arid regions. However, poor fruit set which
leads to low productivity, is a major constraint in the expansion
of its cultivation. Therefore, improvement in fruit set and fruit
retention and thus increasing yield is one of the most important
practical aspects of custard apple cultivation. In custard apple,
promising results due to the exogenous application of growth
regulators have been reported. Growth regulators have been
used to increase flowering, fruit set and fruit retention in
Custard Apple. The work on this aspect is reviewed and
elaborated as under with appropriate headings.
I. Flowering and Fruit Set
Sundarajan et. al. (1968) observed that the dipping of
custard flowers in different concentrations of GA, NAA, 2,4-D
soon after anthesis for about a minute increased fruit set in
custard apple. GA at 50 ppm was found to be most effective
treatment for higher fruit set percentage and low seed content in
custard apple.
Durate et. al. (1976) reported increased fruit set in A.
cherimoya with the application of different concentrations GA or
NAA or in combination GA+NAA on individual branches or on a
whole tree three times at weekly interval.
Kumar et. al. (1977c) observed enhanced stigma receptivity
with the application of auxin, which they had observed to be one
of the causes for low fruit set in custard apple.
Review of Literature
5
Keskar et. al. (1986) reported highest fruit set in Annona
squamosa by the application of NAA at 10 and 20 ppm when
applied 4 times at 8 days interval during flowering.
Campbell (1986) observed higher fruit set than natural and
hand pollination in atemoya cultivars „Genifer‟ and „African Pride‟
when applied with GA4 + GA7 @ 100 ppm just prior to the
opening of flowers. He further suggested repeated application of
GA at interval of 3-4 weeks to prevent abscission.
Savedra (1979) applied GA3, NAA and or BA at different
concentrations to A. cherimoya once at anthesis and 5 times on
the fruits, starting from anthesis at three weeks interval. He
observed that, the application of GA3 at anthesis, increased fruit
set substantially at all concentrations in Custard apple.
Perica, et. al. (2002) reported that, the foliar application of
boron at 246 or 491 mg/l significantly decreased percentage of
imperfect flowers and increased fruit set in olive.
Kulkarni et. al. (1995) while studying the influence of
irrigation and growth regulators on fruit set in Custard apple
under semi-arid conditions of western Maharashtra, reported
quite long flowering starting from 25th April to 5th August, but
there was no fruit set during April and May in any of the
treatment. However, the fruit set percentage in first fortnight of
June was the highest with irrigation and 30 ppm 2,4-D (2.95 %).
The treatment with NAA @ 20 and 30 ppm also recorded 2.33
and 2.03 per cent fruit set respectively which was on par with
2,4-D. Similar trend was observed in the second fortnight of
June and first fortnight of July. Further, they reported that,
June and first fortnight of July was best period of fruit set in
custard apple under western Maharashtra conditions.
Review of Literature
6
George et. al. (2002) studied that the effect of calcium,
boron and dwarfing rootstock on quality of custard apple cv.
African pride and concluded that boron and calcium did not
affect tree size, growth, flowering and yield.
Singh and Sharma (2005) conducted experiment in pear
(Prunus communis) cv. Punjab Beauty to improve fruit set and
quality by applying foliar sprays of GA3, sucrose and jaggary.
They reported the highest fruit set of 7.88 per cent with 20 ppm
GA3 when sprayed at full bloom stage.
Williamson and NeSmith (2007) in highbush blueberries
(Vaccinium corymbosum) reported increased fruit set due to the
application of CPPU at the concentration of 5 and 10 mg/l
which also increased berry weight.
Kumar and Reddy (2008 a) while working on mango cv.
Baneshan to study effect of orthophospheric acid (H3PO4),
potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4), dipotassium
hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4), on induction of flowering, fruit
set, retention of fruits and fruit quality reported that the
chemicals significantly influenced fruiting and flowering
characters. He further reported that the percentage of new
laterals which flowered was highest with H3PO4 (0.5%) and
K2HPO4 (1%) spray.
Gill and Bal (2009) studied effect of different growth
regulators on ber viz. NAA (20, 30 ppm), KNO3 (0.5, 1.0. and 1.5
%) and ZnSO4 which were applied as foliar sprays in the last
week of October and November months and reported that all the
sprayed treatments except KNO3 (1.0 and 1.5 %) significantly
decreased fruit drop over control. Minimum fruit drop (69.6%)
was recorded in NAA @ 30 ppm which were statistically on par
Review of Literature
7
with NAA 20 ppm, ZnSO4 (0.4%) and ZnSO4 (0.5%) treatments
as against 82.7 per cent in control.
Nkansah et. al. (2012) in mango registered the best
results in terms of increasing fruit set due to application of G.A.
@ 25 ppm and NAA @ 25 ppm.
Patel et. al. (2010) observed maximum flowering duration
with wheat straw mulch ( 5 t/ha) + GA3 50 (ppm) treatment In
custard apple.
Carlos et. al. (2012) studied the influence of seven growth
regulators on fruit set, pollen germination and pollen growth in
almond (Prunus dulcis) and reported highest fruit set of 19.4,
14.5 and 12.9 per cent due to the application of brassinosteroid
(0.2%), point-tomatomone and promalin, respectively.
Peter (2012) studied the effect of Fertifol Misr (N, P, K, Mg,
Zn, Mu, Cu, Mo, and B) and gibberellic acid on fruit set, fruit
drop percentage, yield, fruit quality and leaf composition on
“Anna” apple and observed best results with regard to fruit set,
yield and quality with a mixture containing Fertifol at 2.5 g/l
and gibberellic acid at 20 ppm.
II. Fruit retention and Fruit Maturity
Merely increasing fruit set is not important, but their
retention up to maturity is also important.
Savedra (1979) observed that the application of GA3 at
anthesis in custard apple increased fruit set at all
concentrations, but fruits dropped at variable periods. However,
longer fruit retention was observed by increasing the number of
applications and concentrations of GA3. The fruit retention was
generally more with 5 applications of GA3.
Review of Literature
8
Saraswathi et al (2003) studies the effect of pre harvest
spray of growth regulators namely 2, 4 – D (10,15 and 20 ppm.
and GA3 using 3 constrations observed that the spraying of the
2, 4-D (20 ppm) GA3 (20 ppm) at green mature stage of mandarin
helped to increase the fruit retention percentage.
Taher and Hassan (2005) evaluated the effect of boron,
gibberellic acid (GA3), benzyl adenine (BA) and sucrose applied at
full bloom and three weeks later in pear cv. Leconte and
observed the highest significant initial fruit set in 5% sucrose
concentration and the highest significant final fruit set in 20 %
sucrose concentration when applied at full bloom stage.
In the studies of Ghosh et. al. (2009 b ) in aonla cv. NA-
10, the spray of NAA @ 10 ppm was found to best as it increased
fruit retention and it was followed by NAA @ 20 ppm
Patel et. al. (2010) observed that the maximum fruit
retention with wheat straw mulch + GA3 (5 t/ha + 50 ppm)
treatment in custard apple.
In ber fruit crop, Kassem et. al. (2011) observed the
increased fruit retention by the application GA3 (75 mg/l) and
CPPU (10 mg/l) as compared to control and other treatments.
Nkansah et. al. (2012) in mango registered the best results
in terms of increased fruit retention due to application of G.A. @
25 ppm and NAA @ 25 ppm and recommended the spray of
these growth regulators at full bloom stage in mango.
III. Fruit size, Number of fruits and Fruit Yield
Wojcik et. al. (1999) reported that, spaying of boron after
flowering increased yield in apple. They observed that increase in
Review of Literature
9
yield was directly related to the higher fruit set. Spraying of
boron before flowering had no effect on fruit set and yield.
Kulkarni et.al. (1996) studied the effect of cultural
practices and growth regulators on yield of custard apple and
reported that, the yield and yield parameters were influenced by
the different treatments. They observed highest fruit weight (148
g) in irrigation treatment where as among the chemical
treatments maximum fruit weight was observed in 30 ppm 2,4-D
application. However, all the chemical treatments were at par
with each other. They observed almost same trend with respect
number of fruits per tree.
Ezzahouan et. al. (1998) conducted the study in cherimoya
(Annona cherimola, Mill) to determine the effects of GA3 with four
concentrations (400, 800, 1200 and 1600 ppm) which were
applied three times and observed that, there was increase in
weight due to application of GA3 at higher concentrations (1200
and 1600 ppm) . However, they also observed side effects like
small, cracked and deformed fruits suggesting the limitations of
using higher concentrations of GA3.
In apple, Greene et. al. (2001) studied various
concentrations of CPPU and timings of application; and observed
maximum fruit size of apple with the use of 4 to 6 mg/l CPPU.
Han and Lee (2004) reported increase in cluster length,
weight of cluster and berry weight in grape due to the application
of GA or CPPU (10 mg/ l).
Harhash et. al. (2007) reported that the use of NAA @ 150
ppm significantly increased bunch weight, improved physical
Review of Literature
10
properties such as fruit weight, diameter and size of fruit in date
palm.
Singh and Sharma (2005) conducted experiment in pear
(Prunus communis) cv. Punjab Beauty to improve fruit yield by
applying foliar sprays of GA3, sucrose and jaggary and reported
the highest fruit yield with 20 ppm GA3 when sprayed at full
bloom stage.
Studies of Gomes et. al. (2006) in yellow passion fruit
indicated that brassinosteroid analogue BB-16 sprayed during
periods of reproductive development can increase number of
fruits per plant. They further observed that the application of
brassinosteroid in three consecutive weeks after the appearance
of first flowers was the most promising treatment which
produced highest number of fruits per plant.
Cline and Trought (2007) studied the influence of GA3
(10 or 40 mg/l) on sweet cherries and observed increased fruit
weight by 7% compared with control by single application of 40
mg/l GA3 at beginning of stage of fruit development when fruits
were straw yellow colour.
Ghosh et. al. (2009a) in pomegranate cv. Ruby observed
that, among the three growth regulators viz NAA, GA, 2,4-D,
NAA @ 25 ppm registered significantly high fruit set (44.3%) and
fruit retention (44.1%) which resulted in highest fruit yield of 7.8
kg per plant at the age of 7 years as against in control 1.7 kg.
They also observed significant improvement in weight and
quality of fruit improved due to all growth regulators.
In the studies of Ghosh et. al. (2009 b) on aonla cv. NA-
10, application of borax consecutively resulted in highest fruit
Review of Literature
11
yield of 54.9 kg, 52.0 kg and 36.2 kg/plant respectively against
13.8 kg in control. However, fruit weight was maximum with 0.5
% ZnSo4 followed by NAA @ 10 ppm.
Patel et. al. (2010) while studying the effect of cultural and
chemical treatments on number of fruits and yield of custard
apple cv. Sindhan observed maximum number of fruits and fruit
yield in the treatment with wheat straw mulch which gave 21%
higher fruit yield of custard apple. In the chemical treatment, 50
ppm GA3 and 20 ppm NAA recorded maximum number of fruits
and yield and were on par with each other. Further, they realized
highest net income in the treatment 50 ppm GA3 + wheat straw
(5 t/ha )mulch followed by the treatment 20 ppm NAA + wheat
straw mulch 5 t/ha.
Guirguis et. al. (2010) in Perssimon cv. Costata reported
that the spray of 10 ppm CPPU, a week after full bloom stage
resulted in maximum yield and improving quality especially fruit
weight, size and dimension but delayed maturation.
Kassem et.al. (2010) studied the effect of foliar srays of
urea, phosphoric acid, potassium nitrate, Ca-EDTA, Fe-EDTA +
Zn- EDTA + Boric acid, NAA, GA4 , Amcontone, activated dry
yeast and a mixture of ascorbic acid plus citric acids, which were
sprayed at pea stage (5 mm fruitlet diameter) and marbal stage
(15 mm fruitlet diameter) of „Costata‟ perssimon (Diospyros kaki,
L) and reported that all sprayed chemicals significantly increased
vegetative growth, fruit retention, fruit yield. However, GA4 had
the highest fruit retention, fruit weight, and yield followed by
Amcotone, Activated dry yeast and NAA.
Review of Literature
12
Kassem et. al. (2011) in ber reported that highest yield with
the application of GA3 and CPPU as compared to control and
other treatments.
Sharma and Belsare (2011) while working on pomegranate
cv. G-137, reported that among the different growth regulators
sprayed, CPPU @ 5 ppm increased fruit size and weight. The
plant growth regulators namely NAA, GA3, boron and calcium
did not influence the fruit size and fruit weight.
Shukla et.al. (2011) investigated the effect of foliar sprays
of gibberellic acid and boron on aonla fruits „Banarsi‟ by using
three levels (0, 0.2 and 0.4%) boron and GA3 at 5 levels (0, 50,
100,150 and 200 ppm) and stated that among borax
concentrations 0.4 % and GA3 concentration 150 ppm increased
length, diameter, weight and volume of aonla fruit.
Gabr et. al. (2011) in „Canino‟ apricot reported that, trees
spayed with Dormex + 50 ppm of brassinosteroid recorded
maximum fruit weight and number of fruits per plant. This
treatment also hastened fruit maturity. Increasing
brassinosteroid concentrations increased fruit weight, length,
diameter and size and not affected fruit firmness, T.S.S. and
decreased acidity.
Nkansah et. al. (2012) in mango observed the best
results in terms of number of fruits per cluster and per plant
due to application of that G.A. @ 25 ppm and N.A.A. @ 25 ppm.
IV. Fruit quality
Kulkarni et. al. (1996) while studying the effect of different
cultural practices and growth regulators on physio-chemical
characteristics of custard apple, observed that, the results were
Review of Literature
13
non- significant; i.e. T.S.S., acidity and total sugars were not
influenced by these treatments.
Saraswathi et al. (2003) observed that the spraying of 2,4-D
and GA3 as a sole spray or in combination did not influence TSS,
acidity and total sugars in mandarin.
Han and Lee (2004) studied the effects of GA3, CPPU and
ABA on fruit quality of 7-year old „Kyoho‟ grapevines by soaking
clusters into 25 mg/l GA3, 10 mg/l CPPU and 1000 mg ABA,
which were used alone or in combination. GA3, and CPPU were
applied 10 days after full bloom and ABA at veraison. They
reported significant differences due to the application of growth
regulators.
Singh and Sharma (2005) conducted experiment in pear
(Prunus communis) cv. Punjab Beauty to improve fruit quality by
applying foliar sprays of GA3, sucrose and jaggary and reported
the highest T.S.S. and juice content in the treatment 20 ppm
GA3 when sprayed at full bloom stage.
Although, Harshah et. al. (2007) revealed increased bunch
weight and improved physical properties such as fruit weight,
diameter and size due to application of NAA @ 150 ppm in date
palm, but there was decrease in T.S.S. and total sugars.
In pear cv. Le-Conte, Faissal and Aal (2007) reported
reduced fruit drop due to spray of 10 ppm CPPU when sprayed
two weeks after fruit set. However, T.S.S., total sugars, reducing
sugars and acidity in the juice were not affected by the
application of CPPU.
Gill and Bal (2009) observed that the spray of NAA @ 30
ppm on ber cv. Sanur-2 in Punjab did not affect TSS, but
Review of Literature
14
increased acid content of the fruit was observed in the treatment
of 20 ppm NAA. In the treatment 30 ppm NAA, maximum
vitamin „C‟ was observed.
Guirguis et. al. (2010) in Perssimon cv. Costata reported
that, spray of 10 ppm CPPU, a week after full bloom stage
recorded lowest T.S.S., highest acidity and tannin in juice.
Kassem et.al. (2010) studied the effect of foliar srays of
urea, phosphoric acid, potassium nitrate, Ca-EDTA, Fe-EDTA+
Zn- EDTA+ Boric acid, NAA, GA4 , Amcontone, activated dry
yeast and a mixture of ascorbic acid plus citric acids, which were
sprayed at pea stage (5 mm fruitlet diameter) and marbal stage
(15 mm fruitlet diameter) of „Costata‟ perssimon (Diospyros kaki,
L) and observed highest values of TSS, total sugars, reducing
sugars and carotene contents.
Sharma and Belsare (2011) in pomegranate (G-137)
reported significant increase in T.S.S., sugar content, titrable
acidity, TSS : acid ratio due to the applications of GA3 50 ppm
and NAA 20 ppm. CPPU, Boron and calcium had no significant
influence on quality parameters of pomegranate.
Shukla et.al. (2011) investigated the effect of foliar sprays
of gibberellic acid and boron on aonla fruits „Banarsi‟ by using
three levels (0, 0.2 and 0.4 %) boron and GA3 at 4 levels (0, 50,
150 and 200 ppm) and stated that, among borax concentrations
0.4 and GA3 concentration 150 ppm increased TSS, total sugars
and ascorbic acid, but decreased titable acidity.
Gabr et. al. (2011) in Canino apricot reported increase in
yield due to application of Dormex + 50 ppm of brassinosteroid,
but did not affect the fruit firmness and T.S.S. However, acidity
was decreased.
Review of Literature
15
Studies of Nkansah et. al. (2012) in mango clearly
indicated that, the application of that G.A. @ 25 ppm and NAA @
25 ppm did not influence the quality of fruits.
16
3. MATERAL AND METHODS
Field experiment entitled, “Effect of different growth
regulators on fruit set, yield and quality of custard apple (Annona
squamosa L) under ecological conditions of north Maharashtra,”
was carried out at Research Farm Horticulture Section, College of
Agriculture, Dhule.
Details of experimental procedure adopted, materials
used and techniques followed during the course of present
investigation are described in this chapter as under.
Location
The College of Agriculture, Dhule is situated at an elevation
of 258 m above mean sea level. Horticulture farm of College of
Agriculture, Dhule lies between 20.4 North latitude and 74 East
longitudes.
Climate
Agro climatically, Dhule comes under scarcity zone and the
average annual rainfall of the place is 597 mm. Dhule region
receives rains mainly from south-west monsoon during June to
September. The maximum and minimum temperature was 23 OC
and 42 OC, respectively during the period of research work.
3.1 Materials
The present experiment was carried out in Plot No. D-57 at
the Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Dhule, during April,
2013 to October, 2013. The experiment was carried out on seven
year old orchard of custard apple cv. Balanagar. As Balanagar is
the only cultivar grown in Maharashtra, this cultivar was
selected for the present study. The experimental plants were
17
maintained by following recommended cultural practices
uniformly.
3.2 Experimental design and layout
The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design
with thirteen treatments which were replicated three times and
each treatment comprised of a unit of 2 plants. Experiment was
initiated in April 2013 on seven year old Custard apple cv.
Balanagar at the Experimental Farm of Horticulture, College of
Agriculture, Dhule. The treatments were assigned randomly in
each replication. Treatment details are depicted in the Table 4.
Table 4. Treatment Details
Treatment
No. Treatments details Concentrations
T1 NAA 15 ppm
T2 GA 50 ppm
T3 CPPU 1.0 ppm
T4 CPPU 2.0 ppm
T5 Brassinosteroid 1.0 ppm
T6 Brassinosteroid 2.0 ppm
T7 Potassium monohydrogen
phosphate 0.5 %
T8 Potassium monohydrogen
phosphate 1.0 %
T9 Potassium dihydrogen
phosphate 0.5 %
T10 Potassium dihydrogen phosphate
1.0 %
T11 Boric acid 1.0 %
T12 Boric acid 2.0 %
T13 Control Without spray
18
3.3. Treatment implementation
Three sprays of growth regulators were taken on whole tree.
First spray was taken in the month of April, 2013 with
subsequent sprays at an interval of one month on May, 2013 and
June, 2013. For the present study sprays were taken on the first
Date of each month.
3.4. Methods adopted
Details of observations and methods adopted for recording
the observation.
i. Number of flowers per shoot
For recording number of flowers produced per shoot, five
shoots of one meter length from each tree were tagged before
initiation of flowering. Number of flowers produced per shoot
were recorded at periodical intervals up to the end of flowering
period.
ii. Fruit set (%)
Number of fruits those were set were recorded at periodical
interval and percentage was worked out. The percentage fruit set
was calculated by using following formula-
Total number of fruits set Fruit set (%) = x 100
Total number of flowers per shoot
iii. Fruit retention (%)
In each fortnight, the fruits those were set, were tagged.
Their retention was recorded at the time of harvesting when the
fruits attained appropriate maturity and the percentage was
worked out as follows-
19
Total number of fruits carried to maturity Fruit retention (%) = x 100
Total number of fruits set
iv. Days to fruit harvesting
The period from date of flower emergence to the date of
final harvest was computed and was taken as number of days
to fruit harvesting.
v. Fruit weight (g)
Fruits were randomly selected from each treatment and
were brought to laboratory and the weight of fruits was
recorded on the electronics weighing balance and weight was
expressed in grams.
vi. Number of fruits per plant
The fruits were harvested periodically as and when
matured, and in all five harvestings were done. The data in
respect of number of fruits at each picking was recorded and then
summed up to get average number of fruits per plant.
Vii. Yield ( kg / plant )
The data in respect of number of fruits and weight of the
fruits harvested at each picking is summarized.
.viii. Weight of seeds per fruit (g)
The seeds were separated from pulp after removing outer
cover and weight of seeds was recorded on the electronics
weighing balance and weight was expressed in grams.
20
ix. Pulp weight (g)
The pulp was extracted from fruit by separating the
outer cover and seeds present. The weight of pulp was taken
separately from each fruit.
x. Total Soluble Solids (%)
Homogenous pulp sample was used for recording T.S.S.
percentage. Readings of total soluble solids (T.S.S.) were recorded
by hand refractometer (Erma Tokyo A 032). A drop of pulp was
taken on prism of the refractometer and the readings were
recorded.
xi. Total sugars (%)
The total sugars were worked out as per the method
advocated by Ranganna (1985) and expressed as percentage.
xii. Acidity (%)
The titrable acidity of the pulp was determined from well
homogenized pulp with 20 ml water and titrated against 0.1 N
NaOH, using phenolphthalein as an indicator as per the method
advocated by Ranganna (1985) and expressed as percentage of
gluconic acid.
3.4. Statistical Analysis
The data so generated was subjected to statistical
analysis as per the method given by Panse and Sukhatme
(1995).
4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
Field experiment entitled, “Effect of different growth regulators
on fruit set, yield and quality of Custard apple (Annona squamosa L.)
under ecological conditions of North Maharashtra,” was carried out
during April to October 2013 at Research Farm, Horticulture
section, College of Agriculture, Dhule. The results of the present
investigations are presented below under appropriate headings.
1. Number of flowers per shoot
The data regarding number of flowers per shoot has been
presented in Table 1. Number of flowers per shoot were found to
differ significantly due to the application of different plant growth
regulators.
Significantly highest number of flowers per shoot was
observed in the treatment T4 i.e. CPPU 2 ppm which registered
32.83 flowers per shoot. This treatment was followed by T1 i.e.
NAA 15 ppm which recorded 32.11 flowers per shoot and this
treatment was at par with T4 i.e. CPPU 2 ppm. Lowest number of
flowers per shoot were observed in T11 i.e. boric acid 1 per cent
and it recorded 14.56 flowers per shoot which were lower than the
control.
2. Fruit set (%)
As revealed from the data presented in Table 2, application
of different plant growth regulators significantly influenced fruit
set. Significantly highest fruit set percentage was observed in the
treatment T1 i.e. NAA @ 15 ppm which recorded 21.06% fruit set.
The next best treatment was T2 (GA @ 50 ppm) which have
recorded 17.33 % fruit set. The lowest fruit set was recorded in
T13 i.e. control and it was 9.84 per cent. Treatments T3, T4, T5, T6,
T8 and T9 were at par with each other.
21
3. Fruit retention percentage
The data regarding fruit retention percentage has been
presented in Table 3. The results revealed that fruit retention
percentage was significantly influenced by the application of
different plant growth regulators under study.
The treatment T1 i.e. NAA 15ppm (70.59%) recorded
highest fruit retention percentage which was significantly superior
over rest of the treatments. The next best treatment was T2 i.e. GA
50 ppm which recorded 52.79% fruit retention. Lowest fruit
retention percentage of 29.31% was recorded in T4 i.e. CPPU 2
ppm.
4. Days to fruit harvesting
The data regarding days to fruit harvesting from flowering is
presented in Table 4. The total number of days required for
flowering to harvesting was not influenced by the application of
different growth regulators.
However, least number of days (92) for harvesting were
found in the treatment T1 (NAA @ 15 ppm). Maximum number of
days (98.66) to harvest from flowering were noticed in the control
(T13).
5. Fruit Weight (g)
The data regarding fruit weight (g) has been presented in
Table 5. It is very explicit from the table that, the data regarding
fruit weight was non significant and was not influenced by the
application of various plant growth regulators used in the present
study.
Numerically, the highest fruit weight (180.0 g) was observed
in treatment T5 i.e. Brassinosteroid 1[ ppm. Lowest fruit weight of
27
147.61 g was observed in T4 (CPPU @ 2ppm) and it was lower
than the control ( 179.10 g ).
6. No. of fruits per plant
The data regarding number of fruits per plant has been
presented in Table 6. Number of fruits per plant were significantly
influenced due to the application of different plant growth
regulators studied. The highest number of fruits per plant was
recorded in the treatment T1 i.e. NAA 15 ppm which recorded 60
fruits per plant. This treatment was significantly superior over
rest of the treatments.
The next best treatment was T4 i.e. CPPU @ 2 ppm
which produced 55.0 fruits per plant. Treatment T3 i.e. CPPU 1
ppm and T2 i.e G.A. 50 ppm were at par with each other which
recorded 51.33 and 50.00 fruits per plant. The lowest yield of 39
fruits per plant was registered in the T11 i.e. Boric acid @ 1%,
which was lower than the control.
7. Yield ( kg / plant )
The data regarding yield (kg/plant) has been presented in
table number 7. Yield (kg/plant) was significantly influenced
due to the application of different plant growth regulators. The
highest yield per plant was recorded in the treatment T1 i.e.
NAA 15 ppm ( 9.43 kg/ plant ) which were at par with the
treatments and T3 i.e.CPPU 1 ppm (8.88 kg/plant), T5 i.e.
Brassinosteroid 1 ppm (8.23 kg/ plant ), T4 i.e. CPPU 2 ppm (
8.11 kg/ plant ) and T2 i.e. GA 50 ppm (7.92 kg/ plant). The
lowest yield was recorded in the treatment T9 i.e. K2HPO4 0.5%.
which recorded 6.29 kg yield/plant and it was lower than the
control ( 6.99 kg/ plant).
34
8. Weight of seeds per fruit (g)
The data regarding weight of seeds per fruit has been
depicted in Table 7. Application of various plant growth regulators
did not influence the weight of seeds per fruit.
However, lowest weight of seeds per fruit (18.71 g) was
recorded in control (T13). Highest weight of seeds per fruit was
found in the treatment CPPU 1 ppm (T3 ) and CPPU 2 ppm (T2 )
which was 19.34 g and 19.33 g, respectively.
9. Pulp weight (g)
The data regarding pulp weight has been presented in Table
8. As evident from the data, significant differences were not
observed with respect to pulp weight due to the application of
growth regulators studied.
However, numerically the highest pulp weight was found in
the treatment T5 i.e. Brassinosteroid @ 2 ppm and it recorded
82.66 g pulp weight. Lowest pulp weight was found in T4 i.e.
CPPU @ 2 ppm and it was 64.22 g.
10. Total Soluble Solids (T. S.S.) (%)
The data regarding T.S.S. content of the fruits has been
presented in Table 9. The results revealed that application of
different plant growth regulators did not influence the T.S.S.
However, numerically highest T.S.S. was found in T9 i.e.
K2HPO4 0.5%. This treatment recorded 19.37 per cent T.S.S. The
lowest T.S.S. was observed in the treatment T7 (Potassium Mono
Phosphate 0.5%) and it was 17.88 per cent.
11. Total sugars (%)
The data regarding total sugars has been presented in Table
11. The significant differences were not observed with respect to
40
total sugar content of the fruits due to the application of various
plant growth regulators.
However, numerically the highest total sugar was
registered in the treatment T5 i.e. (Brassinosteroid @ 1 ppm) and
it was 18.45 per cent. Lowest Total Sugar (%) was recorded in the
treatment T4 i.e. @ CPPU 2 ppm and it was 17.22 per cent.
12. Titrable Acidity (%)
The data from the Table 11 revealed that, the titrable acidity
(%) of fruits did not differ significantly due to the application of
various plant growth regulators studied.
However, numerically the lowest acidity was found in
the treatment T3 i.e. CPPU 1 ppm and it was 0.180 %. Highest
percentage of acidity % of 0.190 % was recorded in T7 i.e.
Potassium monohydrogen phosphate 0.5%.
49
52
5. DISCUSSION
The present investigation entitled “Effect of different growth
regulators on fruit set, yield and quality of custard apple ( Anona
squamosa L.) under ecological conditions of North Maharashtra”
was undertaken at experimental Farm of Horticulture section,
College of Agriculture, Dhule. The data obtained in respect of
number of flowers per shoot, fruit set percentage, fruit retention
percentage, days to fruit harvesting, fruit weight, number of fruits
per plant, weight of seeds per fruit, pulp weight, T.S.S.
percentage, total sugar percentage and acidity percentage has
been presented in preceding chapter. The results obtained are
discussed as below under appropriate headings.
1. Number of flowers per shoot
The treatment T4 i.e. spraying of CPPU 2 ppm produced
more number of flowers per shoot. This treatment was at par with
Treatment T1 i.e. spaying of 15 ppm NAA which produced 32.11
flowers per shoot.
Results obtained regarding effect of NAA in increasing
number of flowers in present investigation are in confirmation
with the results obtained by Kulkarni (1991) in Custard apple.
Although, there is no documentation regarding increase in
flowering by CPPU in custard apple, the increase in flowering in
the present study might be due to its cytokinin activity (Greene,
2001). Greene while working on „MaCntosh‟ apples observed
increased flower bud formation due to application of CPPU.
Luckwill (1969) first suggested that, cytokinins may stimulate
flower bud formation in fruit spurs. Further Kapchina-Toteva et
53
al. (2000) recorded higher number of open buds due to
application of CPPU in Rosa Hybrid L cv. „Madelon‟ and „Motrea‟.
2. Fruit set (%)
Highest fruit set percentage was observed in spraying with 15
ppm NAA (T1) .This treatment recorded 21.06 per cent fruit set
which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. The
findings are in agreement with those obtained by Sundarajan
(1968); Durate (1976); Kulkarni et al. (1995), and Keskar et. al.
(1986) in custard apple.
Beneficial role of NAA in improving fruit set was also reported
by Ghosh et. al. (2009 a) in pomegranate cv. Ruby; and Kaseem et.
al. (2011) in ber. It is well known that auxins plays an important
role in control of fruit abscission (Osborne, 1989). Beneficial role of
NAA in increasing fruit set may be explained from the fact that,
auxins play significant role in fruit set due to their strong
mobilization activity (Crane, 1969 ), which helps to maintain
ongoing physiological and biochemical process of inhibition of
abscission (Tomaszewska and Tomaszewska, 1970).
3. Fruit retention (%)
The treatment T1 i.e. 15 ppm NAA recorded highest fruit
retention of 70.59 per cent which was significantly superior over
rest of the treatments.
The response of NAA in increasing fruit retention confirms
the earlier findings of Kulkarni (1991) in custard apple.
Improvement in fruit retention due to application of NAA has also
been reported by Bal et. al. (1982) and Kaseem et. al. (2011) in
54
ber; Ghosh et. al. (2009 a ) in pomegranate and Saraswathi et. al.
(2003) in mandraians ( C. reticulate, Blanco).
In the present study NAA @ 15 ppm recorded significantly
highest fruit retention ( 70.59 %) as against 42.43% in control.
The NAA being auxin compound might have reduced the cellulose
activity and the absicission process which would have resulted in
increased fruit retention. ( Randhava and Chadha (1994).
4. Days to fruit harvesting
The data disclosed that the growth regulators studied did
not have any significant effect on days to fruit harvesting.
However, early maturity was observed in spray of 15 ppm NAA
and maximum days were required in the untreated control. Yuan
and Carbaugh (2007) noticed that, the combination of two
applications of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) and one application
of NAA, one and three weeks before anticipated optimum date of
harvest, synergistically inhibited fruit ethylene production and
delayed fruit maturity and ripening in apples. However Abbasi
et.al. (2013) reported early maturity trend in tomato fruits
sprayed with different concentrations of NAA.
5. Fruit weight (g)
Although, fruit weight of custard apple in the present
investigation was not influenced by application of growth
regulators, numerically the highest fruit weight was noticed in the
treatment T5 i.e. application of 1ppm brassinosteriod. However
Kulkarni (1996) in Custard apple and Saraswathy et al. (2003) in
mandrian reported that growth regulators especially NAA and 2,4-
D did not affect fruit weight. Bhat et. al. (2011) observed
55
maximum bunch and berry weight in grape cv. „Tas- A- Ganesh‟
when CPPU (4 ppm) was used alone or in combination with
brassinosteriod (0.4 ppm), which they ascribed to the increased
assimilation efficiency of photosynthetic carbon, because
brassinosteriod stimulate greater CO2 assimilation besides
stimulation of cell division by CPPU.
6. No. of fruits per plant
Spray of 15 ppm NAA ( T1 ) recorded significantly highest
number of fruits per plant, which recorded 60 fruits per plant.
Present findings are in harmony with the findings of Kulkarni et. al.
(1996). Similar results were also obtained by Patel et. al. (2010) in
custard apple due to the application of 20 ppm NAA. Ghosh et.
al. (2009 a) in pomegranate; Kaseem et. al. (2011) in ber and
Nkansah et. al. (2012) in Keitt mangoes also concluded the increase
in number of fruits per plant due to the application of NAA.
The increase in number of fruits per plant in the present
investigation might be due to the corresponding significant increase
in the number of flowers per shoot, fruit set and fruit retention
percentage.
Lowest yield (39) was observed in T11 i.e. boric acid 1 per cent,
which was less that the control ( 43 ). These results are in
confirmation with George et. al. (2002) who reported that, boron did
not affect flowering or yield of custard apple. This suggests that
boron did not play role in increasing number of fruits in custard
apple.
56
7. Yield ( kg / plant )
Spray of 15 ppm NAA (T1) recorded significantly highest yield
(kg/plant) which was in confirmation with findings of Kulkarni et.
al. (1996). Similar results were also obtained by Patel et. al. (2010)
in custard apple due to the application of 20 ppm NAA. The increase
in the yield might be due the increased number of fruits per plant
which directly corresponds to the increased fruit set and fruit
retention.
8. Weight of seeds per fruit
Results revealed that growth substances applied did not
influence weight of seeds per fruit in custard apple. However,
lowest weight of seeds per fruit ( 18.71 ) was recorded in control.
Similar results were obtained by Kulkarni et. al. (1991) in
custard apple; Harshah and Obeed (2007) and Hesami and Abdi
(2010) in date palm.
9. Pulp weight (g)
Although, pulp weight in custard apple in the present
investigation was not affected by application of growth regulators,
numerically the highest pulp weight ( 82.66 ) was recorded in the
treatment T5 i.e. application of 1 ppm brassinosteriod recorded
highest weight of pulp. Findings of Kulkarni (1991) in Custard
apple suggested that growth regulators did not influence pulp
weight.
10. TSS (%)
57
Results revealed that, growth substances studied did not
affect T.S.S. The results are in accordance with those obtained by
Kulkarni (1991) and Keskar et. al. (1986) in custard apple. Han and
Lee (2004) while working on Kyoho grape reported that T.S.S. was
not influenced by the application of GA3, CPPU and ABA.
However, numerically the highest T.S.S. was registered in T9
i.e. potassium dihydrogen phosphate (19.37%). The highest T.S.S.
due to the spray of potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be
attributed to the role of potassium which is involved in carbohydrate
synthesis (Kumar et. al. ( b) 2008; Sable et. al., 2013).
11. Total sugars (%)
The results revealed that, the growth regulators studied did
not have significant effect on total sugars. The present findings
corroborate with Kulkarni et. al. (1996) in custard apple and Hesami
and Abdi (2010) in date palm. However, numerically the highest
total sugar was registered in the treatment T5 i.e. application of 1
ppm Brassinosteroid (18.45 %).
12. Titrable Acidity (%)
The results revealed that, the growth regulators used did not
affect the acidity. The results are in close accordance with the
findings of Kulkarni et. al. (1996) in custard apple; Saraswathi et al.
(2003) in mandarin; Hesami and Abdi (2010) in date palm and
Faissal and Aal (2007) in pear.
The present investigation clearly indicated that growth
regulators do not affect the fruit quality charactors such as TSS,
acidity and total sugars.
58
The overall results indicated that, although CPPU @ 2 ppm
spray produced more number of flowers per shoot followed by
NAA @ 15 ppm. The NAA significantly influenced the economically
important characters namely fruit set, fruit retention, number of
fruits per plant and yield per plant.
59
6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
The present investigation entitled “Effect of different growth
regulators on fruit set, yield and quality of custard apple under
ecological conditions of North Maharashtra” was undertaken
during 2013 at Research Farm of Horticulture section, College of
Agriculture, Dhule. The trial was laid out in the Randomized
Block Design with thirteen treatments and three replications.
The objectives were to find out the suitable growth
regulator for improving fruit set, yield and quality in custard
apple. The data obtained in respect to number of flowers per
shoot, fruit set, fruit retention, days to fruit harvesting, fruit
weight, Number of fruits per plant, and weight of seeds per fruit,
T.S.S., total sugars and titrable acidity etc. has been
summarized below.
Maximum number of flowers per shoot (32.83) were
recorded in the treatment T4 i.e. CPPU 2 ppm which was at par
with treatment T1 i.e. NAA 15 ppm (32.11). The lowest number
of flowers per shoot was observed in T 11 i.e. boric acid 1 %.
Significantly highest fruit set percentage was recorded in
the treatment T1 which recorded 21.06% fruit set. The lowest
fruit set percentage was recorded in the control.
Significantly highest fruit retention percentage was
recorded in the treatment T1 i.e. NAA 15 ppm which was
recorded 70.59% fruit retention. The minimum fruit retention
percentage recorded in the T11 i.e. boric acid 1 %.
Least number of days (92) for harvesting were recorded in
the treatment T1 i.e. NAA 15 ppm. The highest number of days
for harvesting was recorded in the treatment (T13) control which
required 98.66 days from flowering to harvest.
60
The highest weight of fruit (g) was recorded in the
treatment T5 i.e. brassinosteroid 1 ppm which recorded 180 g
fruit weight. While minimum fruit weight was recorded in
treatment T4 and it was 147.61 g.
Highest number of fruits per plant were recorded in the T1
i.e. NAA (15 ppm ) which recorded 60 fruits per plant. The lowest
number of fruits per plant was recorded in the treatment T11 i.e.
boric acid 1 % and it was 39 fruits per plant.
Significantly, the highest Yield Kg/ plant was recorded in
the treatment T1 i.e. NAA (15 ppm) which recorded 9.43 kg/
plant which was at par with the treatments T2 i.e. GA 50 ppm
(7.92 kg/ plant) and T3 i. e. CPPU 1 ppm (8.88 kg/ plant).
The lowest yield kg/ plant was recorded in the treatment T9
i.e. K2HPO4 0.5%. which recorded 6.29 kg/ plant.
Lowest weight of seeds per fruit was recorded in the control
(T13) and it recorded 18.71 g per fruit. Highest weight of seeds
per fruit were recorded in the treatment T4 i.e. CPPU 2 ppm.
The highest pulp weight was recorded in the treatment T5
i.e. brassinosteroid 2 ppm and it recorded 82.66 g pulp weight.
Lowest pulp weight ( 64.22 g ) was recorded in the treatment T4
i.e. CPPU 2 ppm.
The maximum T.S.S. (%) was recorded in the treatment T9
i.e. KH2PO4 0.5 % and this treatment recorded 19.37% T.S.S.
Whereas the minimum T.S.S.( % ) was recorded in the
treatment T7 (PMP 0.5 %)
Numerically maximum total sugar % was recorded in the
treatment T5 i.e. Brassinosteroid 1 ppm and it recorded 18.45 %
total sugar. The minimum total sugar % recorded in the
treatment T4 i.e. CPPU 2 ppm and it was 17.22 per cent.
61
The lowest acidity was recorded in the treatment T3 i.e.
CPPU 1 ppm and it was 0.179 %.
CONCLUSION
On the basis of overall results obtained in the present
investigation, it can be concluded that the treatment T1 i.e. NAA
@ 15 ppm (mg/litre ) was found to be the best treatment as it
recorded the highest values for most important economical
character namely fruit set, fruit retention up to maturity and
yield.
However, physico-chemical characters were not
influenced by any one of the treatments. Thus NAA @ 15 ppm is
found to be useful in the custard apple in improving fruit set,
fruit retention and yield of custard apple when sprayed in the
months of April, May and June at low concentration.
62
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70
9. VITA
MEMANE YOGESH SAMPAT A candidate for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE) in
(FRUIT SCIENCE)
2013
Title of thesis : “EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
ON FRUIT SET, YIELD AND QUALITY OF
CUSTARD APPLE (ANNONA SQUAMOSA L.) UNDER
ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF NORTH
MAHARASHTRA.”.
Major Field : HORTICULTURE (FRUIT SCIENCE)
Biographical information:
* Personal : Born on 15th November, 1989 at chikhali, Tal:
Sangamner, Dist: Ahmednagar. Son of Sau.
Mangal and Shri Sampat Waliba Memane.
* Educational: Completed S.S.C. from N.M.V. Chikhali in 2005,
First class. Passed H.S.C. from Sangamner
College Sangamner, Dist. Ahmednagar in 2007
with first class with distinction.
Received B.Sc. (Agri.) degree from College of
Agriculture Kolhapur, MPKV Rahuri (M.S.) during
2011.
* Other activities: Achieved all India JRF- 91 rank and MCAER-
CET 7th rank in Horticulture.
: Scholar in English with 86 marks in 10th board
exam.
: Qualified for agriculture MPSC-Mains for two
consecutive times and for interview one time.
: Joined as a Agril assistant at Dept of agriculture
Gov. of Maharashtra at kalmeshwar tehsil in Nagpur District.
