Exogenous Application of Gibberellic Acid and Malic Acid to Check the Growth, Development and Longevity of Gladiolus grandiflorus Cv. White Prosperity

Abstract

Background and Objective: The Gladiolus (Sword Lily) is a bulbous plant that is grown throughout the world due to its allure, beauty and the long vase life. Its production demand is increasing on national and international level. Gladiolus belongs to Iridaceae family. Due to its economic value and peerless beauty, it gained popularity in the world. This field trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Gibberellic acid (GA3) and Malic acid (MA) by foliar application on the morpho-physiological, yield and quality characteristics of Gladiolus cultivars.

Materials and Methods: Present study was conducted at Floriculture Research area, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Gladiolus cultivar, White Prosperity was selected for this research. Two plant growth regulators [Gibberellic acid (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 mg L^–1) and Malic acid (0, 100, 200, 300, 400 mg L^–1)] were studied in this research. These regulators were applied as the foliar spray and then included in vase solution along with 3% sucrose. The collected data was analyzed statistically using the ANOVA with a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Treatment means were compared by using the Least Significant Difference test at 5 percent probability level.

Results: The data showed significant result in terms of plant height. The result indicated that maximum plant height was obtained from T₁ (GA₃ 100 ppm) (97.163 cm) and Malic acid (96.650 cm), maximum plant weight (49.833 g) was obtained from T₁ (GA₃ 100 ppm) maximum chlorophyll content (69.417) was obtained from T₇ (MA 300 ppm). Whereas the maximum diameter of corms (12.900 mm) was obtained from T₇ (MA 300 ppm), maximum vase life (14.550 days) was obtained from T₁ (GA₃ 100 ppm), maximum solution uptake (54.427 mL), maximum number of florets (10.667) and maximum corms per clump (19.000) was obtained from T₁ (GA₃ 100 ppm) as compare to control treatment.

Conclusion: Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) can be used in an appropriate amount to increase the growth and development of floral crops and they can also be used to lengthen the vase life of various cut flowers.