Enhancement of Production and Profitability of Flax by Foliar Application of Plant Growth Regulating Hormones

Aims: An agricultural experiment was carried out to study the effect of growth hormones on linseed. Linseed is commonly known as flax or Alsi or Tissi is an important rabi oilseed crop next to rapeseed-mustard in India. Linseed is a hardy crop which requires less amount of additional fertilization as compared to rapeseed-mustard. Proper use of nutrients along with foliar spray of growth regulating hormones can boost up the productivity of the crop as they help in biochemical processes of the plant and stimulates stem elongation, increases dry weight and yield.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eight different treatments in three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out during rabi season of 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 at Experimental unit of Zonal Research Station, Shillongani, Assam.

Methodology: In our study we incorporated eight different treatment combinations of plant growth regulating hormones mainly auxin, gibberellic acid, salicylic acid, Tebuconazole and including control i.e. water spray. The different treatments were applied to linseed crop at vegetative stage and flower initiation stage by using flat fan nozzle sprayer.

Results and Conclusion: Foliar application of 1.0 ppm Auxin + 200 ppm Gibberellic acid resulted in better seed yield (985 kg/ha) and gave higher net monetary return (Rs. 35915.6/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.9) in all the three consecutive years of experiment as well as in pooled result.