Using Plant Hormones to Boost Okra Yield and Quality

Jenn Hoskins
7th August, 2024

Using Plant Hormones to Boost Okra Yield and Quality

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers in Bangladesh found that using 150 ppm of GA3 and 150 ppm of NAA significantly improved okra growth, yield, and quality
  • This combination increased okra yield by 35.08% in 2022 and 27.01% in 2023 compared to traditional farming methods
  • The nutritional quality of okra also improved, with higher levels of vitamin C, total soluble solids, magnesium, and zinc, although potassium and calcium levels decreased
In Bangladesh, okra is a significant summer vegetable, but traditional farming practices often lead to less-than-optimal yields. Researchers at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University conducted a study to determine the ideal doses of two plant growth regulators, GA3 (gibberellic acid) and NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid), to enhance okra growth, yield, and quality characteristics[1]. This study is particularly important as it aims to improve agricultural productivity and food security in the region. The study employed a randomized complete block design with three replications. Foliar sprays containing three concentrations of GA3 (0 ppm, 150 ppm, and 250 ppm) and NAA (0 ppm, 150 ppm, and 250 ppm) were applied during the years 2022 and 2023. The combined application of GA3 at 150 ppm and NAA at 150 ppm was found to be the most effective. Compared to the control group, this combination significantly improved various growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number, leaf area, branch number, internode length, bud number, pod number, pod length, pod diameter, and 1000 seed weight over the two years. In terms of yield, the combination of GA3 at 150 ppm with NAA at 150 ppm increased okra yield by 35.08% in 2022 and 27.01% in 2023 compared to the control. Additionally, this combination enhanced the nutritional quality of the okra. Levels of vitamin C, total soluble solids (TSS), magnesium, and zinc increased by 19.31%, 81.2%, 22.73%, and 21.43% in 2022, and 22.83%, 50.57%, 18.07%, and 33.33% in 2023, respectively. However, it was also noted that potassium and calcium levels decreased in both years when compared to the control. These findings align with earlier studies on the role of gibberellins (GAs) in plant development. For instance, research on transgenic Populus showed that GA-deficient and GA-insensitive plants exhibited increased lateral root proliferation and elongation, which were reversed by exogenous GA treatment[2]. This suggests that GAs can significantly influence root development and overall plant growth by modulating hormone pathways, including auxin transport. The current study expands on these findings by demonstrating that the combined use of GA3 and NAA can enhance not just root development but also other growth parameters and yield in okra. The study's methodology was rigorous, involving a well-structured experimental design with multiple replications to ensure the reliability of the results. The use of foliar sprays allowed for the direct application of the growth regulators to the plants, ensuring effective absorption and utilization. The researchers measured a comprehensive set of growth and quality parameters, providing a holistic view of the effects of GA3 and NAA on okra. Overall, the study provides valuable insights for improving okra cultivation techniques. By identifying the optimal doses of GA3 and NAA, the research offers a practical solution for farmers aiming to increase okra yield and quality. This could significantly contribute to enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in Bangladesh.

VegetablesAgriculturePlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Application of combined GA3 and NAA treatments to improve yield and quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Published 6th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s44279-024-00055-w

Related Studies

2) Gibberellins regulate lateral root formation in Populus through interactions with auxin and other hormones.

https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.109.073239


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