Agrotechnology

Prohexadione-Ca reduces plant height, improves yield and fruit quality on tomato and hot pepper crops

2^nd International Conference on Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Hyderabad, India February 03-05, 2014

Homero Ramirez

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Agrotechnol

Abstract:

Prohexadione-Ca (P-Ca) is a growth retardant which has extensively been used in deciduous fruit species; particularly in apple trees. This chemical is a plant bioregulator that is primarily used to reduce excessive vegetative growth; increase fruit set and improve fruit quality. However expertise of this compound on vegetables crops is scarce. Therefore, its effect and mode of action on this line may contribute to extend the uses of this growth retardant in horticulture. The present research was conducted with the purpose of learning on the effects of prohexadione-Ca on final plant height, yield and fruit quality in tomato, husk tomato, jalapeo pepper and wild pepper. The growth retardant was sprayed to experimental plants when reached 10 true leaves, 50% blossom and/or 20 days later. The concentration dosages of P-Ca were 0, 125, 175 and 200 mgL -1 . Results showed that prohexadione-Ca reduced final plant height. This effect was related with a reduction in the synthesis of gibberellins A 1 , A 4 and A 7 in shoot tips of tomato plants. Yield was increased with the growth retardant. The content of lycopene in tomato fruits showed a remarkable increment in ripen fruits from P-Ca treated plants. Similar effects were also found on capsaicin content in fruits from jalapeo and wild peppers. The activity of catalase and peroxidase increased in tomato fruits treated with P-Ca; whereas this effect was seen only for catalase in husk tomato.

Biography :

Homero Ramirez has completed his Ph.D. from Bristol University, UK, and has made an extensive contribution in production systems design for developing countries. He is the delegate of Mexico for ISHS, a well-known world-wide horticulture organization. He has directed over 100 research thesis for undergraduate and postgraduate students and has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals and serving as an editorial board member of several reputed scientific plant physiology and horticulture journals.