Effect of different PGRs and stages of spray on growth attributes of bitter gourd

Abstract

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops of the Cucurbitaceae family which is cultivated round the year. In India, it is one of the leading vegetable crops and the crop is preferred by the farmers because of its higher yield and returns (Kumar et al. 2012). It is usually cultivated for edible fruit, which is the most bitter amongst all vegetables. It has export potential due to its great keeping quality, it has also export potentiality. It is highly valued for its nutritional content such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals, particularly iron and ascorbic acid (Behera 2004), as well as several medicinal properties, when compared to other cucurbitaceous crops (Alam et al. 2009). The fruit and juice have been used for treating diabetes. Maleness is a common problem in bitter gourd as it is in other cucurbits, and it significantly decreases the fruit and seed yields. Plant growth regulators (NAA, GA3, and Ethrel) are a new category of agrochemicals that transform the normal growth right from the germination of seed to senescence in the crop plants, when used in small amounts. Growth regulators increase the number of female flowers and fruits in bitter gourd,