Yield and quality parameters of pomegranate as affected by plant growth regulators and nutrients under mid-hill conditions of Kullu valley, Himachal Pradesh

The present investigations were carried out to study the response of plant growth regulators and nutrients through foliar application at different concentrations viz GA₃ (10 ppm), IBA (10 ppm), boric acid (0.1%), KNO₃ (1.0%), MgSo₄ (1.0%) and multiplex (2.5 ml/litre of water) on yield and fruit quality of pomegranate cv Kandhari Kabuli. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications for each treatment and three trees per replication. Nutrients were applied during bloom whereas plant growth regulators after full bloom. The results indicated that the highest fruit set (26.40%) and yield (20.82 tons/ha) were observed with the application of boric acid (0.1%) + KNO₃ (1.0%) + MgSo₄ (1.0%) closely followed by IBA (10 ppm). However lowest fruit set and yield (19.25%and 14.99 tons/ha respectively) were recorded under control. Application of IBA(10ppm) resulted in better quality parameters in terms of fruit weight, diameter, TSS, acidity and total sugars etc closely followed by boric acid (0.1%) + KNO₃ (1.0%) + MgSo₄ (1.0%) but superior to the rest of the treatments including control. Treatments comprising application of boric acid (0.1%) + KNO₃ (1.0%) + MgSo₄ (1.0%) followed by IBA (10 ppm) proved effective in enhancing fruit set, yield and quality parameters of pomegranate.