Effect of plant growth regulators on fruit drop and quality of Bael under Tarai conditions of Uttarakhand

Present investigation was carried to study the role of plant growth regulators on fruit drop in bael (Aegle marmelos Correa). Treatments consists of sprays of NAA (10, 20 and 30 ppm), 2,4-D (5, 10 and 20 ppm), GA₃ (25, 50 and 50 ppm) and ethrel (50,100 and 150 ppm) in bael cv. Pant Shivani. All the growth substances sprayed, proved beneficial in minimizing drop and enhancing quality characters of bael fruits. Maximum fruit set (78.48%) was recorded with NAA 30 ppm, while minimum fruit drop (90.64%) and maximum fruit retention (9.36%) were recorded with NAA 20 ppm. Highest fruit length and breadth was recorded with NAA 30 ppm. Fruits sprayed with NAA 20 ppm estimated highest fruit weight, volume, pulp content and ascorbic acid but least acidity. Maximum TSS was recorded with GA₃ 50 ppm.