Optimization of stage of gibberellin spray in Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) for the improvement of yield and fruit quality under subtropical condition

Abstract

The current experiment was conducted to optimize the actual time of gibberellin (GA₃) spray in cape-gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) to improve growth, yield, and fruit quality traits. Experimental observations revealed that physiological growth (leaf relative water content, specific leaf weight) was improved significantly by three repeated applications of GA₃ @ 100 ppm each at vegetative, anthesis, and again at the fruit setting stage. GA₃ spray @ 25 ppm each at all three growth stages had the longest flowering period; although the harvest span was calculated maximum in three repeated GA₃ sprays @ 100 ppm each. Three applications of GA₃ @ 25 ppm each also increased the fruit yield at its maximum level (31.79 t ha^-1). Three foliar spray of GA₃ at any concentration increased the TSS significantly over the respective control; however, the acidity was reduced at the maximum level when GA₃ was applied @ 50-100 ppm each at all three growth stages. But reducing and non-reducing sugar content was maximum under GA₃ spray @ 100 ppm each during all three growth stages (8.33 and 2.70%, respectively) with statistically at par results in three applications of GA₃ @ 25-75 ppm each. Hence, it can be concluded that GA₃ application @ 25 ppm each at vegetative, anthesis, and again at fruit setting stage is optimum to improve the yield of better quality cape gooseberry fruit significantly.