Use of growth regulators for lodging tolerance and increasing productivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare): An empirical study

Abstract

A field study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2015–16 to 2017–18 at Karnal, Hisar, Ludhiana, Durgapura and Agra to evaluate the efficacy of plant growth regulators (CCC, ethephon and their combination) to reduce lodging and enhance productivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under high nitrogen level. Results revealed that application of 75 kg N/ha increased the grain yield by 3.17% over the recommended 60 kg/ha. The pooled mean lodging score with the application of growth regulators, viz. CCC, ethephon and combination of both was 5.21, 4.28 and 3.03 respectively, while without growth regulators application the lodging score was 9.57. With the application of plant growth regulator, the yield increased in the range of 2.5–4.1 q/ha (5.7–9.4%). The effect of CCC was relatively lesser as compared to ethephon, however the combination of both gave additive effect on yield increment (8.78%). Application of growth regulators increased 1000-grain weight by 6.21% over control. Therefore, the use of plant growth regulators i.e. CCC and ethephon under high nitrogen (75 kg N/ha) can be advocated as a sustainable strategy to enhance the productivity of barley through decreasing lodging problem.