Influence of plant growth regulators on growth, physiological attributes and nutrient uptake in watermelon

The effect of plant growth regulators on growth, physiological attributes and nutrient uptake of watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsumara and Nakai] was carried out during 2006–2008 seasons at Herbal garden, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India. The study consists of brassinosteroid (BR) (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 ppm), Ethrel (100, 200, 300 ppm), Paclobutrazol (100, 200, 300 ppm) and untreated control. The results of the study showed that, spraying of brassinosteroid at 0.1 ppm during 2^nd and 4^th leaf stage significantly increased the vine length, inter nodal length. Maximum leaf area, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content was recorded in plants sprayed with BR 0.1 ppm. Drymatter production and nutrient uptake were also significantly influenced by Brassinosteroid spray.