Azadirachta Indica A. Juss. (Neem): Influence Of GA₃ and Kinetin on Morpho-Physiological Characteristics

The in vivo morpho-physiological responses to GA₃ and kinetin application in Neem (A. indica) are studied during annual reproductive flushes from bud development onwards to seed set. The buds and flowers per inflorescence were higher in kinetin treated branches as compared to control. Protein, total sugars and reducing sugars measured higher following kinetin treatment as compared to GA₃. GA₃ treatments produced poor flowering response, longer juvenility and low contents of the above biochemical analyses. The enzyme assay of invertase, protease, acid- and alkaline phosphatases matched the biochemical responses to the growth regulator treatments. In control, a shorter regeneration phase leads to lower productivity of floral inflorescence and fruit set. Therefore, it is suggested that the application of kinetin may regulate the reproductive phase resulting in improved morpho-physiological characteristics.