ROLE OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS IN GRAPE PRODUCTION: A REVIEW

Although, India has distinction of achieving highest productivity of grapes among all the grape growing countries of the world but its participation in world trade is very meagre, the reason being non-uniformity in colour, size and TSS in bunch and fewer diameter of berries. This can be solved by efficient water management, nutrient management, canopy management and also by use of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs). Among these factors, PGRs are more responsive and regulate the productivity and quality in grape. PGRs are very much responsive with a great potential to regulate the growth, productivity and quality of grapes. Therefore, they should be used for specific purpose to get best results. The concentration and stage of application is very crucial, hence little knowledge about these PGRs is essential for the growers. By judicious use of plant growth regulators it will be possible to harvest a crop with greater quantity of export quality produce. This paper reviews the different formulations and applications of PGRs in grape production available at present, as well as the main results of most the past investigations carried out on the topic.