Novel herbal extract-Samved Fitocheck growth retardant for fruitfulness and yield of grapes

Abstract

Chemicals that slow cell division and cell elongation in shoot tissues and regulate plant height physiologically without formative effects. So far only chemical growth retardants are available in market which have residue problem. So, to overcome residue issue Vasumitra Life Energies Pvt. Ltd has developed a formulation of herbal extract having role in induction of fruitfulness as well as retardation of unwanted shoot growth. The extract was applied to vineyard at Pandharpur, during the year 2018-19 at different concentrations keeping Chlormequat Chloride (CCC) as check and one control treatment replicated five times at 5, 7 and 15 leaf stages after foundation pruning as well as 3 leaf stage after fruit pruning. The results revealed that significantly reduced shoot length, internodal length and increases the cane thickness of grape vine. The SPAD values, number of bunches per vine, weight of bunch were found significantly higher in treatments with herbal extract as compared to CCC and control. Fitochek @ 2 ml/lit showed highest fruitfulness percentage 65%, and yield 16.46 t/acre. It had no significant influence on berry length, berry diameter, TSS and acidity. Fitochek and control had no residues at harvest while CCC have residue above EU MRLs. Furthermore, no phytotoxic effects on grape vine were observed in any of treatments under investigations. From the above result and literature surveyed this is first report to demonstrate this novel organic compound (Fitochek) can be used effectively @ 2 ml/lit at different stages (After Foundation and fruit pruning) to retard unwanted shoot growth as well as overcome the residue problem.