Response of Tomato (Lycoperiscon Lycopersicum (L) Karst) to Various Rates of Giberrellic Acid

Abstract

Field trials were conducted in the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 dry seasons to assess the efficacy of various rates of giberrellic acid on the growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum (L) karst. The treatments consisted of seven rates ( 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 ppm) of giberrellic acid. These were laid in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Data were recorded on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, number of flowers and fresh fruit weight. These were subjected to analysis of variance. Where treatment means differed significantly, they were compared using DMRT. Results of the study showed that giberrellic acid concentration had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced the growth, yield components as well as total yield of tomato. Best results were recorded from plants treated with 300 ppm giberrellic acid compared to all other rates applied. It is suggested that tomato be treated with 300 ppm giberrellic acid for improved yield.