Hormonal regulation of flowering and fruit development: Effect of gibberellic acid and ethrel on fruit setting and development of Momordica charantia L.

Abstract

Fruit setting and development in a monoecious cucurbit, Momordica charantia L. could be regulated by the external application of gibberellin (GA3) and ethrel. Both GA3 and ethrel in lower concentrations promoted female flower production as well as fruit setting and development. Both growth regulators improved the quality of the Momordica fruit by increasing length, breath and biomass of the fruits as well as by increasing the content of total sugar of the fruit. © 1992 Institute of Experimental Botany.