Synergistic Effects of Plant Growth Regulators and Micronutrients on Vegetative and Reproductive Traits of Kinnow Mandarin

Aim: This study aimed to assess the effects of foliar application of micronutrients and PGR’s on the growth, cropping, and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin.
Methodology: The study was carried out on 4-year-old Kinnow plants, planted at a spacing of 2×2m at the experimental farm of the Department of Fruit Science, COHF, Neri, during the year 2020-2021. In this experiment, individual PGR’s (2,4-D, GA3, NAA @ 20 ppm), micronutrients (NAA @ 20 ppm, ZnSO4 @ 0.4 %, FeSO4 @ 0.4 %, Boric acid @ 0.25 %) and their combinations comprising each PGR along with all the micronutrients were applied as treatments in two foliar sprays during June and August.
Results: Observational studies on vegetative and reproductive parameters under different foliar treatments of growth regulators indicated that the application of 2,4-D @ 20 ppm along with the essential micronutrients (ZnSO4 @ 0.4 %, FeSO4 @ 0.4 % andBoric acid @ 0.25 %) showed the best overall characteristics.
Interpretation: The combined application of plant growth regulators and micronutrients is essential to reduce fruit drop, enhance fruit quality and achieve optimal harvest of Kinnow mandarin under High-density plantation.