Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Leaf Number, Leaf Area and Leaf Dry Matter in Grape

Abstract

Influence of phenylureas (CPPU) and brassinosteriod (BR) along with GA (gibberellic acid) were studied on seedless grape vegetative characteristics like leaf number, leaf area and leaf dry matter. Growth regulators were sprayed on the vines either once (7 days after fruit set or 15 days after fruit set) or twice (7+15 days after fruit set). CPPU 2 ppm+BR 0.4 ppm+GA 25 ppm produced maximum number of leaves (18.78) while as untreated vines produced least leaf number (16.22) per shoot. Maximum leaf area (129.70 cm2) and dry matter content (26.51%) was obtained with higher CPPU (3 ppm) and BR (0.4 ppm) combination along with GA 25 ppm. Plant growth regulators whether naturally derived or synthetic are used to improve the productivity and quality of grapes. The relatively high value of grapes justifies more expensive inputs. A relatively small improvement in yield or fruit quality can justify the field application of a very costly product. Application of new generation growth regulators like brassinosteroids and phenylureas like CPPU have been reported to increase the leaf number as well as leaf area and dry matter thereby indirectly influencing the fruit yield and quality in grapes.