Effect of foliar application of GA₃ on growth, fruit yield and seed quality parameters in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

The present investigation entitled “Effect of foliar application of GA₃ on flowering, fruiting, yield and seed quality parameters in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] ” was carried during Kharif season of 2018-19. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design factorial with one additional treatment replicated three times while laboratory experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design factorial done with one additional treatment having four replications. Various concentrations of growth regulator GA₃ i.e. 25, 50, 100 and 150 ppm were applied as foliar spray after 30,45 and 60 days of germination on okra plants and observations were recorded on days taken to 50% flowering, days taken to fruit maturity, number of fruits per plant, fruit length (cm), fruit yield (g/plant and q/ha), number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight (g), seed yield (kg/plot and q/ha), germination percent, speed of germination, seedling length (cm), seedling dry weight (mg), seed vigour index-I and seed vigour index- II. Recorded data revealed that foliar spray of GA₃ 150 ppm at 45 days after germination gave significantly superior results for obtaining maximum fruit yield and component traits of okra whereas, the treatment of GA₃ 150 ppm at 60 days after germination was significantly superior for seed yield and component traits which can be adopted for commercial cultivation of okra as well as its seed production.