Department of Botany, D. A. V. (P. G.) College, Muzaffarnagar-251001
1 Present address: Division of Plant Physiology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012.
2 Present address: Plant Physiology Branch, F. R. I. & Colleges, P. O. New Forest, Dehra Dun-248006.
To determine the effect of morphactin (CME 10903) on growth, sex behaviour, pollen sterility and fruit set in Lagenaria siceraria Standle var. ‘Pusa Summer Prolific Long’ were undertaken. Morphactin at higher concentrations slightly injured the growing points of the plant and decreased the length of vine, whereas the number of lateral branches increased significantly. Morphactin increased the node number upon which the first staminate flower bud appeared and decreased the node number having first pistillate flower bud on the ain vine. It caused early anthesis for first pistillate flower bud, whereas delayed the anthesis for first staminate flower bud and increased the production of pistillate flower and decreased the production of staminate flowers gradually. Further, application of morphactin enhanced pollen sterility and induced remarkable fruit set and yield of fruits quantitatively as well as qualitatively.
