EFFECT OF PACLOBUTRAZOL AND ABSCISIC ACID APPLICATION ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF CANOLA ( Brassica napus L.)

Canola ( Brassica napus L.) is an important non-conventional oilseed crop that can be grown in diverse soil and climatic conditions. However, seed shattering after maturity is a major problem in canola production as it can cause up to 50% yield loss if harvesting is delayed due to adverse conditions. Different agronomic and physiological interventions can be opted to enhance yield stability and shattering resistance in canola. The present field study aimed at exploring the potential effects of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid on the growth and yield contributing attributes of canola. The treatments of the experiment included a control (no-spray), water spray, paclobutrazol (50 mg L-1), abscisic acid (0.5 mM), and a combination of paclobutrazol+ abscisic acid (50 mg L-1+0.5 mM). The current experiment examined two canola cultivars, Hybrid (45S42) and Inbred Sandal Canola. The experiment was laid out under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement having three replications. The results showed that exogenous application of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid alone or in combination significantly affected both canola cultivars. The plant height decreased significantly however, leaf area index, grain weight, number of seeds per silique, and number of branches per plant were increased compared with the control. Moreover, the combination of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid recorded a higher increase in leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, plant yield, and number of seeds per pod than their individual application. Between cultivars, the Hybrid cultivar (45S42) recorded better yield as compared to the Inbred Sandal Canola. These results thereby suggest that Hybrid (45S42) cultivar with combined application of paclobutrazol and abscisic acid can be a suitable option for gaining high yield and productivity.