EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS AND LEAF AREA OF POMEGRANATE CV. SHISHEH CUP

To evaluate the effects of plant growth regulators on quality and quantity of pomegranate fruits, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and naphthalene acetamide (NAD) were applied to ‘Shisheh Cup’ pomegranate trees in 1999 and 2000. In the first experiment 2,4-D (15, 30, 45 mg/L), NAA (25, 50, 100 mg/L) and NAD (50, 100, 200 mg/L) were applied to the uniform branch units of pomegranate trees at full bloom, 45 and 90 days after full bloom.
In the second experiment 2,4-D (15, 30, 45 mg/L) were applied at full bloom, 30, 60 and 90 days after full bloom to the uniform branch units of pomegranate trees.
In both experiments treatments were applied with a hand sprayer until the drip point and each treatment was applied to 3 trees and 4 uniform branch units per tree.
Fruit samples of treated branches were harvested at maturity stage and qualitative and quantitative characters of fruits were evaluated.
In both experiments plant growth regulators significantly increased fruit L/D ratio, fruit weight, fruit volume, (expectedly NAD) rind weight, aril weight, and leaf area index.
For the best effects of plant growth regulators on qualitative and quantitative characters in pomegranate fruits, it is recommended to apply 2,4-D (30 mg/L), NAA (50 mg/L) and NAD (100 mg/L).

VII International Symposium on Temperate Zone Fruits in the Tropics and Subtropics

M. Rahemi, A. Atahosseini

growth regulator, pomegranate, fruit growth

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.662.46