Improvement of growth and productivity of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) through foliar applications of naphthalene acetic acid

Abstract

Plant growth regulators like naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) positively affect the growth and yield of crop plants. An experiment was conducted to check the foliar application of NAA on growth and yield components of cotton variety Bt.121 under field condition at research area of agriculture farm near Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies (CIDS), The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The experiment was comprised of foliar application of NAA (1%) viz. T0 (control), T1 (One spray of NAA), T2 (Two sprays of NAA), T3 (Three sprays of NAA), T4 (Four sprays of NAA). The first foliar spray was applied at 45 days after sowing (DAS) and later on it was continued with 15 days interval with skilled labour by hand pump sprayer. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and each treatment was replicated three times. Data recorded on growth, chlorophyll contents, yield and yield components showed a significant increase with the application of NAA. Furthermore, earliness index, mean maturity date and production rate index were also influenced with foliar application of NAA. On the basis of growth and yield parameters it can be concluded that four spray of NAA (1%) can be applied commercially under field conditions.