Impact of different growth substances on growth, flowering and yield of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) under naturally ventilated polyhouse

Abstract

The study, titled "Impact of Different Growth Substances on Growth, Flowering, and Yield of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse," was conducted at the Centre of Excellence on Protected Cultivation and Precision Farming, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.), over two consecutive years (2022-2023 and 2023-2024). The objective was to assess how various growth substances affect the growth, flowering, and yield of gerbera. Alongside a control (no spray), twelve foliar treatments were applied, including salicylic acid (50 and 100 ppm), boric acid (100 and 200 ppm), fulvic acid (15,000 and 20,000 ppm), GA3 (150 and 250 ppm), cycocel (1000 and 1500 ppm), and brassinosteroids (15 and 25 ppm). Results indicated that the GA3 treatment at 250 ppm produced the tallest plants, longest leaves and stalks, and the maximum flowers per plant. In contrast, brassinosteroids at 25 ppm led to the highest number of leaves, suckers, largest flower diameter, and greatest fresh flower weight.