EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS AND MULCHING ON GROWTH YIELD AND POSTHARVEST POTENTIAL EN TOMATO

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at the Farm of Sher-e-l3angla Agricultural University, Dhaka. during September 2007 to January 2008 to study the effect of plant growth regulators and mulching on growth, yield and postharvest potential in tomato. The experiment considered of two lhctors. Factor A: thur levels of plant growth regulators r 30 ppm, PGRcGA 3 @ 30 ppm and PCR3 =2.4-D Th, 30 ppm and four levels of mulching viz; M 0=no mulch. M1 = black polyethylene. M 2 clear polyethylene and M 1 =rice straw with randomized complete block viz; PUR0 =no plant growth regulators. PGR1 NAA design and three replications. In case of plant growth regulators, the maximum yield 2.49 kg/plant and 93.23 tiha were recorded from PGR2 while PGRO gave the minimum values i.e 2.21 kg/plant and 82.71 tlha. Similarly in use of mulching, the maximum yield 2.46 kg/plant and 92.13 tlha were recorded from M 1 treatment while M 0 gave the minimum values i.e 2.16 kg/plant and 80.98 1/ha. In combined application the maximum yield 2.66 kg/plant and 99.72 tiha were recorded from PGR 2M1 while the minimum yield 2.07 kg/plant and 77.62 uin were found from PGR 0M0 . The maximum beneflt cost ratio (3.49) was recorded from PGR,M 1 . From the above results 1)OR,M 1 treatment indicated more effective, suitable and superior treatment over others. In ease of storage. PGRs and mulching have no effect on moisture loss and days reqtured for deterioration.