Journal of Applied Horticulture. 2001: 3(2): 122-124

Effect of paclobutrazol and ethephon on growth and productivity of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.)

Yadava, L P

Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Allahabad, U.P. - 211 007, India.

The effects of paclobutrazol (12.5, 25.0, 50.0, and 100.0 ppm) and ethephon (100, 200, 400, and 800 ppm) on the growth and yield of P. peruviana were studied in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. The growth retardants were sprayed to seedlings at 21 days after transplanting. Paclobutrazol at 50 ppm and ethephon at 400 ppm increased plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, fruit set, fruit size, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, and yield per hectare, but reduced leaf area. Both chemicals at higher rates reduced yield and plant height.