Effect of Gibberellic Acid and Potassium Foliar Sprays on Productivity and Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Parthenocarpic Cucumber cv. ‘Seven Star F1’
Abstract
A study was carried out to evaluate the potential of exogenously applied potassium nitrate [1.0 g·dm−3 (K1), 2.5 g·dm−3 (K2) and 5 g·dm−3 (K3)] plus gibberellic acid (GA3) [0.005 g·dm−3 (G1), 0.01 g·dm−3 (G2) and 0.015 g·dm−3 (G3)] on the growth and development of the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) ‘Seven Star F1’ during various growth stages (40, 55 and 70 days after sowing). Treatment of plants with K plus GA3 stimulated growth shortened the fruit maturation period and increased quality compared with non-sprayed control. The combination G2K2 resulted in maximum total yield, plant height, and total chlorophyll, phosphorus and nitrogen content in the leaves compared with other treatments. Fruit matured significantly earlier in plants sprayed with G2K2. Total yield and fruit quality dry matter, total suspended solids and antioxidant activity percentages were significantly higher in sprayed plants compared with controls. Potassium content in leaves and fruits reached the maximum level with G3K3 treatment. The results clearly showed that the foliar application of G2K2 proved to be the best choice for growing cucumber in terms of quantity and quality of yield.
© 2016 Priyanka Pal, Kuldeep Yadav, Krishan Kumar, Narender Singh, published by National Institute of Horticultural Research
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