Abstract

Experiments were conducted to evaluate and indentify suitable growth regulators to enhance the productivity of rice during the samba and thaladi seasons at the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai using popular rice varieties grown in these seasons. Among several growth regulators tested, irrespective of the variety, follar spray of Kinetin 20 ppm at heading following by GAs 25 ppm at panicle initiation and tender coconut water 2% (v/v) at panicle Initiation and heading were found to significantly increase the total dry matter, panicle number, grain filling and grain yield by delaying leaf senescence. The increase in grain yield ranged from 8.6 to 30% over control. Considering the cost factor, foliar spray of coconut water appears promising and could be used as a cheaper substitute for kinetin.

Keywords: Rice, Productivity, Growth regulators