Impact of Foliar Application of Bioregulators and Nutrients on Vegetative, Reproductive and Biochemical Parameters in Okra {abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench)

Abstract

The present investigation entitled "Impact of foliar application of bioregulators and nutrients on vegetative, reproductive and biochemical parameters in okra {Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench}", was conducted during summer 2011 and 2012 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Presesh-250 110 with a view to study the response of foliar application of bioregulators and nutrients on vegetative, reproductive and biochemical attributes in okra cv. Parbhani Kranti under western Uttar Pradesh conditions. Among the bioregulator and nutrient treatments applied in the study, maximum plant height, leaf size (length & width), number of nodes, number of flowers, number of pods, fruit set, pod weight, pod size (length & diameter), pod yield, chlorophyll content and nitrate reductase activity were recorded with foliar application of 75 ppm G~ followed by 50 ppm GA3. However, highest levels of ascorbic acid and protein was noticed with 75 ppm NAA followed by 50 ppm NAA. While calculating the economics of okra production as influenced by bioregulators and nutrients, maximum gross income and net return were registered with 75 ppm GA3 followed by 50 ppm GA3• However, the maximum cost: benefit ratio was found to be with 75 ppm NAA followed by 50 ppm NAA. Of the nutrient treatments, foliar application of 5000 ppm FeS04 was significantly most effective in increasing the growth, yield and quality attributes of okra.