Hybrid method of gibberellic acid applications: A sustainable and reliable way for improving jerusalem cherry

• Published in: Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology 2024-07, Vol.59, p.103253, Article 103253
• Main Authors: Salehi-Sardoei, Ali, Sayyed, R.Z., Bright, Jeberlin Prabina, Almujri, Salem Salman, Almalki, Waleed Hassan, Fazeli-Nasab, Bahman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chlorophyll index; GA3; Leaf foliar spray; Ornamental plants; Reducing sugars
• ISSN: 1878-8181; 1878-8181
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2024.103253

Ornamental plants are good sources of economy; hence, breeding methods to improve their yield quality and quantity of flowers are more focused. Applying gibberellins significantly enhances plant growth. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of various methods of applying gibberellic acid to improve the morphophysiological characteristics and the Jerusalem cherry's sugar and pigment content quality. The greenhouse experiment with Jerusalem cherry involved gibberellins (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/l) application and three application methods (foliar, drip treatment, and foliar + drip treatment). The results showed the reciprocal effect of experimental factors on plant height, lateral shoot length, lateral shoot number, fruit number, root length, root wet weight, stem wet weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, pigment function, chlorophyll index, and reducing sugar. Simultaneous application of foliar spray and soil application method + GA3 increased carotenoid and leaf area ratio compared to a single treatment. The highest amount of chlorophyll a (19.75 μg/ml), chlorophyll b (4.63 μg/ml), total chlorophyll (25.27 μg/ml), and the total amount of pigments (27.67 μg/ml) were obtained by leaves foliar spray and drip treatment with the concentration of 400 mg/l. GA3 application increased the number of fruits, pigment performances, and reduced sugars in a Jerusalem cherry. A hybrid application of leaf foliar spray and soil application showed better results than drip treatment and foliar spray. •New techniques of using hormone improve the yield, quality and quantity of ornamental plants/flowers.•The use of gibberellins increased the number of fruits, pigment performances, and reducing sugars.•Hybrid application method i.e. leaves foliar spray plus soil application showed better results.