Journal of Horticultural Sciences

J. S. Brar ¹, H. S. Dhaliwal ², J. S. Bal ¹, W. S. Dhillon ¹, Som Pal Singh ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Horticulture, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, IN
2 Regional Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Bathinda, Punjab-151001, IN
3 Deaprtment of Agrometeorology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab-141004, IN

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted to examine the effect of spacing on variation in canopy microclimate, vegetative growth and yield attributes in guava (cv. Allahabad Safeda). Oservations revealed that with wide plant spacing (from 6x2m to 6x4m), interception of solar radiation increased significantly. Similarly, with increase in spacing between plants, mean canopy temperature was need to increase while relative humidity decreased. Plant growth in terms of stock and scion girth, tree spread (N-S) and canopy volume increased with wide plant spacing, while tree height decreased with increase in plant spacing. Number of fruits per plant, yield per plant and fruiting density was higher at 6x5m and least in 6x2m spacing. Wider plant spacing was found to be better owing to maximum absorption of solar radiation and optimum microclimate in the orchard leading to better yield in plants, higher fruiting density and yield efficiency. However, yield/ha was maximum in 6x2m spacing during rainy season and in 6x3m spacing during winter.

Keywords

Guava, Plant Spacing, Microclimate, Growth, Yield.

Full Text

   

J. S. Brar ¹, J. S. Bal ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Horticulture, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, IN
2 Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Bathinda – 151 001 (Punjab), IN

Abstract

A study on 4-year 'Allahabad Safeda' guava plants was made to assess the influence of Paclobutrazol (PP 333), [(2RS, 3RS)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4 triazol-1-yl) pentan-3-ol], a gibberellin-inhibitor, and Ethephon [(2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid], a vegetative growth inhibitor and a ripening promoter, on reproductive growth of plants. Treatments in the form of foliar application at 500 and 1000 ppm were applied consecutively during March 2007 and 2008 on plants at 6m x 2m, 6m x 3m, 6m x 4m and 6m x 5m spacing. Maximum flowering and fruit set was recorded in paclobutrazol treated plants in both rainy and winter crops. Ethephon reduced flower bud density (FBD) and fruit set during both the cropping seasons. However, Ethephon treated plants exhibited slightly higher fruit retention. Ethephon advances fruit maturity by upto a week during rainy season and two weeks during winter season. Paclobutrazol treated plants exhibited significantly higher fruit number, fruit yield, yield efficiency, fruiting density compared to Ethephon treated and control plants. Reproductive growth of plants at wider spacing of 6m x 5m and 6m x 4m significantly improved compared to closer spacings of 6m x 2m and 6m x 3m during both cropping seasons. Plants at wider spacing responded better to Paclobutrazol applications with respect to flowering and fruiting.

Keywords

Guava, Paclobutrazol, Ethephon, Flowering and Fruiting.

Full Text

   

P. P. S. Gill ¹, J. S. Bal ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Horticulture, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana - 141 004, Punjab, IN

Abstract

The effect of foliar spray of plant growth regulators and nutrients on fruit drop, fruit size and quality was studied in ber cv Sanuar-2 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hoshiarpur, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during 2005-2006. Plants were sprayed with NAA (20, 30 or 40 ppm), KNO₃ (0.5, 1.0 or 1.5%) and ZnSO₄

Keywords

Ber, Fruit Drop, Fruit Quality, Plant Growth Regulators, Nutrients.

Full Text