Study on the physiological impact of salicylic acid and kinetin on growth dynamics, floral morphogenesis and seed yield of Sweet William

This study investigated the impact of salicylic acid and kinetin on the growth, flowering, and seed yield of Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus L.). This research, conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, aimed to assess the effects of different concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) and kinetin on Sweet William. Employing concentrations ranging from 10 ppm to 40 ppm for SA and 5 ppm to 20 ppm for kinetin, alongside a control group, the study utilized a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Noteworthy outcomes included SA at 20 ppm inducing maximum plant height at 60 days after treatment (DAT), while kinetin at 15 ppm exhibited the highest plant height at 90 DAT. SA at 20 ppm influenced primary and secondary branches, stem diameter, and leaf count. It accelerated bud initiation at 55 DAT and prompted the earliest floral anthesis at 66.16 DAT, acting as a blooming time regulator. Kinetin at 20 ppm stimulated the highest number of flowers per plant (543.83) and increased the fresh and dry weight of flowers at 10 ppm. Additionally, kinetin at 20 ppm enhanced seed production. SA at 40 ppm recorded the highest seed yield per plant and 1000 seed weight. Optimal treatment involves SA at 20 ppm for enhanced growth and flowering, while kinetin at 20 ppm positively influences flower and seed production. These findings contribute to our understanding of plant growth regulators in floriculture crops as there is a huge potential for annuals in the floriculture market at present.