1School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkatta-700 032, W.B.
2Department of Botany and Forestry, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore-721 102, W.B.
3Centre for Advanced Study, Departement of Botany, Burdwan University, Golapbag, Burdwan-713 104, W.B.
4Departement of Botany, Bose Institute, 93/1 A.P.C. Road, Kolkatta-700 009, W.B.
*Corresponding author, E-mail: alokebc@yahoo.co.in
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Foliar application of a plant growth retardant sodium dikegulac (NaDK) at 100, 200 and 300 μg ml−1 on 16-days-old safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. et Fernand.) enhanced potential status of the plants. This was measured in terms of shoot length, leaf length, leaf width, total number of leaves and leaf area per plant at 3 different stages (30, 60 and 90 days) of plant growth. NaDK deferred senescence of the contributory leaves as evidenced from the chemical-induced alleviation of the loss of chlorophyll, protein, DNA and RNA contents as well as catalase activity in leaves. NaDK also averted the deleterious effect of the increase of amylase activity and significantly extended the days to maturity of plants. These changes were associated with enhancement of length and thickness of fleshy roots, as well as total number and yield of tuberous roots per plant. NaDK 200 μg ml−1 exerted the best response for coveted modulation of growth, metabolism and crop yield. The importance of NaDK as promising chemical for manipulation of growth and productivity of safed musli is discussed.
Chlorophytum borivilianum, crop yield, foliar spraying, metabolism, plant growth, sodium dikegulac
