EFFECT OF GROWTH RETARDANTS ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH, FLOWERING AND FRUITING OF LITCHI CV. CALCUTTIA

Present investigation was carriedout during 2009-10 to standardize levels of growth retardants (CCC and PBZ) for proper vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting in litchi cv. Calcuttia, Results revealed that PBZ 7.5 ml proved to be the most effective treatment for suppressing shoot growth, panicle size, male flower percentage, fruit drop and sex ratio. Same treatment resulted in increased hermaphrodite flower percentage, fruit set and fruit retention. PBZ 2.5 ml proved to be the most effective in increasing fruit size and PBZ 5.0 ml in fruit breadth and weight. CCC 2000 ppm resulted in maximum pulp weight, pulp/stone ratio, total soluble solids and minimum acidity whereas CCC 500 ppm found helpful in decreasing seed and peel weight. PBZ 7.5 ml was the most effective treatment in producing maximum sugars (total andreducing) and fruit yield/tree.