OPTIMIZING WHEAT GROWTH EFFICIENCY WITH FOLIAR APPLICATION OF GIBBERELLIC ACID

Abstract

Gibberellic acid (GA₃) is pivotal in promoting plant growth and improving yield components. A pot research was conducted at the Arid Zone Research Center, Dera Ismail Khan, during the 2022–2023 growing season to gauge the effects of foliar-applied GA₃ on wheat progression and yield. Treatments included 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg L⁻¹ GA₃ applied at the tillering and booting stages. Results showed that 75 mg L⁻¹ GA₃ significantly enhanced plant height (90.5 cm), tiller count (4.8 plant⁻¹), LAI (3.7), chlorophyll content (49.5 SPAD), and grain yield (15.2 g plant⁻¹). However, at 100 mg L⁻¹ GA₃, slight reductions were observed in some parameters, suggesting that excessive application may have adverse effects. The findings indicate that 75 mg L⁻¹ GA₃ is the optimal concentration for improving wheat productivity under controlled conditions. Further research is needed to validate these results in field trials.