Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Biochemical and Quality Attributes of Ginger Transplants Grown under Polyhouse

Abstract

Abiotic stresses such as unpredictable rainfall, temperature variations, drought and soil degradation reduce ginger yield and rhizome quality. Polyhouse cultivation minimizes these effects but often favors vegetative growth over rhizome development. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) help redirect assimilates to storage organs, optimize source-sink balance and improve yield and quality. Thus, the present study entitled “Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Biochemical and Quality Attributes of Ginger Transplants Grown under Polyhouse” evaluated the effect of various PGRs on quality attributes in ginger transplants under polyhouse conditions. The investigation was carried out in KVK, Palakkad from August 2024 to March 2025. The pot culture was done in CRD using PGRs such as CCC, GA₃, NAA and BAP at three different concentrations (50 ppm, 100 ppm and 150 ppm) along with a control (water), which were applied at 90 and 120 DAT. The highest protein content (23.65 mg/g) was observed in naphthalene acetic acid at 150 ppm. Cycocel at 150 ppm produced the highest total sugar, volatile oil as well as oleoresin content in ginger. Gibberellin at 150 ppm maintaining the maximum chlorophyll content (3.450 mg/g), Based on the findings, foliar application of Cycocel enhanced the quality parameters of ginger by facilitating the redirection of photoassimilates from aerial parts to rhizomes. Thus, this study concluded that application of Cycocel at 150 ppm significantly improved the quality of ginger transplants under polyhouse conditions.