Vegetative Growth Characteristics and Flower Sex Expression of Cucumis sativus Affected by Exogenous Application of Plant Growth Regulators
Vegetative Growth Characteristics and Flower Sex Expression of Cucumis sativus Affected by Exogenous Application of Plant Growth Regulators
Getulio A. Barcenas Jr.1* and Luisa Marie I. Barcenas2
ABSTRACT
The effects of plant growth regulators gibberellic acid (GA3), paclobutrazol (PBZ), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), benzyl amino purine (BAP); and ethrel at 100 ppm concentration on the vegetative and reproductive expression of cucumber were studied at the cotyledonary and two-leaf stages. The study was laid out in a split-plot randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Results showed significant differences in plant responses wherein the application of GA3 resulted in the longest vine length at the two-leaf stage (3.24 m) and enhanced the staminate flower production. Ethrel enhanced pistillate flower tendency and improves yield when applied at cotyledon stage. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) showed the shortest vine length (1.49 m) at the two-leaf stage and improved pistillate flower production. BAP application enhanced yield and fruit development. NAA attained the least number of pistillate flowers and the lowest yield. The results suggest that the interactions of plant growth regulators applied on the cotyledon and two-leaf stages were significantly different. In conclusion, the application of GA3 enhanced the maleness of flowers for pollination purposes, and ethrel or paclobutrazol improved pistillate flowers for enhanced fruit production.
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