Influence of triacontanol and paclobutrazol on growth and leaf nutrient status of Non-Pareil almond under different soil moisture regimes

Non Pareil almond plants in containers were subjected to four levels of moisture stress, viz., -0.5, -2.5, -5.0 and -10.0 bar after treating foliarly with 5 and 10 ppm triacontanol (TRIA), 50 and 100 ppm paclobutrazol (PP₃₃₃) and distilled water (control) and observations were recorded on growth and leaf nutrient status. Plants treated with 10 ppm TRIA attained the highest vegetative growth, volume, scion and stock girth and total length and biomass of roots at all the stress levels in comparison to other growth regulator treatments. The leaf macronutrient contents were also higher in the plants treated with 10 ppm TRIA. Macronutrient contents decreased with increase in moisture stress. Plants treated with 10 ppm TRIA performed better under stress conditions and thus can be recommended for better growth of Non Pareil almond plants in the drought prone areas.