EFFECT OF GA3 AND PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA (PGPR) ON GROWTH, YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF STRAWBERRY, FRAGARIA X ANANASSA DUCH CV CHANDLER

The effects of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (Bacillus licheniformis CKA 1, Bacillus subtilis CB 8 A, Bacillus sp. RG1, Bacillus sp. S1 and Bacillus sp. S2) and GA3 (25, 50 & 75 ppm) on growth, yield and fruit quality of strawberry cultivar ‘Chandler’ were studied at Model Farm of Directorate of Research, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP), India during 2012-13. Study has shown that the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) + GA3 @ 75 ppm gave best results in terms of plant growth, yield and fruit quality. The maximum plant height and spread were recorded in T15 whereas, the leaf area and the number of runners per plant were maximum in T18. In comparison to other treatments, the number of crowns, number of fruits and yield per plant were highest in T9. The maximum fruit weight and ascorbic acid were recorded in T6 while the fruit length was maximum in T9 while fruit diameter in T12. The maximum fruit total soluble solids (TSS) and TSS: acid ratio were observed in T10 whereas acidity was maximum in T12 and minimum in T19. Sugars were highest with the application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria + GA3 @75 ppm.