Improving Growth and Yield of Gladiolus through Foliar Application of GA3 and IBA

The study was conducted at the Landscape Section, Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from November 2022 to April 2023 to evaluate the effects of foliar application of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on the growth and yield of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflora L.). A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used, consisting of two factors: GA₃ at 0, 100, 200, and 300 ppm and IBA at 0, 100, 200, and 300 ppm. The results showed that GA₃ significantly enhanced vegetative growth, flowering, and corm production, with the highest plant height (64.66 cm), spike length (64.85 cm), and corm yield (92.04 t/ha) recorded at 200 ppm GA₃. Similarly, IBA application improved rooting, growth, and yield, with 200 ppm IBA resulting in the tallest plants (83.48 cm), highest spike yield (170.65 thousand/ha), and maximum corm yield (91.48 t/ha). The combined application of 200 ppm GA₃ and 200 ppm IBA produced the best results across most parameters, including the highest yield of corms (123.84 t/ha) and cormels (13.31 t/ha). This combination also improved flowering time, spike length, and flower diameter, demonstrating a synergistic effect on gladiolus growth and productivity. The findings suggest that 200 ppm GA₃ and 200 ppm IBA are the optimal concentrations for enhancing gladiolus yield, making this approach valuable for commercial floriculture. Further research can explore its economic viability and long-term impact on flower quality and market potential. The knowledge of the hormonal value of each part of the flower was necessary for better valorization and maximizing the morphological traits.