Role of plant growth regulators on seed quality and seed yield of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

The bitter gourd is the most popular vegetable crop in India as it gives higher yield and maximum returns to the farmers. A field trial was carried out to study the quality seed yield at different growth stages in bitter gourd during Kharif season of 2020. Three concentrations each of NAA @ 50, 75 and 100 ppm, GA3 @ 25, 50 and 75 ppm and ethephon @ 150, 200 and 250 ppm along with control (P0) were applied at three different stages viz., S1 (two leaf stage), S2 (two leaf + four leaf stages) and S3 (two leaf + four leaf stages + bud initiation stage). Amongst different plant growth regulators, foliar application of ethephon @ 250 ppm at stage S3 recorded the maximum seed weight/fruit and seed yield. Highest seedling length, seedling dry weight, vigour index 1 and vigour index 2 were obtained when the plants were sprayed with ethephon @ 250 ppm at stage S3 followed by stage S2. Significantly the maximum germination, seed viability were recorded with ethephon @ 250 ppm applied at stage S3 and minimum was recorded under control, i.e. water spray at stage S1. Hence, it may be concluded that foliar application of ethephon @ 250 ppm sprayed three times at two leaf, four leaf and bud initiation stage would be beneficial for higher seed yield and better quality of seeds.