Effect of plant growth regulators on growth and survival of strawberry runners under semi arid region of Punjab

A study on the effect of plant growth regulators in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) cv. Chandler was conducted during 2000–01. The application of GA₃ (25, 50, 75 ppm), 2, 4-D (10, 20, 40 ppm), TIBA (25, 50, 75 ppm) and NAA (25, 50, 75 ppm) caused highly significant reduction in plant (runners) survival during summer (May and June) as compared to untreated plant. The growth and population of runners was significantly higher than the control during mild summer (March–April) in this region. Withering, wilting and ultimate death ofthe plants was higher with the advancement of the summer. Maximum plant death was recored during June with all the concentrations of GA₃. Hence, the application of GA₃, NAA, TIBA and 2, 4-D is not desirable for strawberry runner production in north western semi-arid region of Punjab.