Yield, quality and shelf life of bittergourd (Momordica Charantia Linn.) fruits as influenced by plant growth regulators

Abstract

Effect of pre-harvest application of GA (200 and 300 ppm), CCC (250 and 500 ppm) and MH (500 and 1000 ppm) as compared to a no-spray control, on growth, quality components and storage life of hittergourd fruits of MC 84 was studied during 1992. The chemicals were applied twice; 10 days after the first fruit set and 15 days after the first application. GA at 300 ppm produced the highest yield, length and girth of fruits which was followed by GA 200 ppm. Moisture content was maximum in fruits obtained from plants treated with CCC at 250 ppm, whereas the highest ascorbic acid content was in fruits of GA (200 ppm) treated plants. Maximum shelf-life of fruits was observed with MH (500 ppm) spray.