Plant growth substances and sprouting conditions. I-Effect on haulm growth of plants raised from nursery rooted sprouts

In the present investigation, effect of some plant growth substances (PGS) given to the tubers before sprouting, and enviromnent during sprouting, on the establishment and growth of sprout transplants in the field was studied. Although, all the PGS tried, improved establishment of transplants in the field and their growth, measured in term of plant height, number of branches, number of leaves and haulm weight. 5 ppm IBA proved to be most effective followed by 10 ppm ethephon other PGS tested were 2 ppm GA, 2 ppm kinetin, 1% thirourea and 1% potassium nitrate. Transplants developed from sprouts produced under moist sand showed superiority to other two sprouting conditions (under natural light and dark). Transplants developed from sprouts could not compete with the plants developed from whole tubers for the above mentioned growth parameters.