The Effect of Gibberellic Acid on Quantity and Quality of Seedless (Keshmishi) Grapes

Najihullah Saiq; Ghulam Rasoul Samadi

doi:10.62810/jnsr.v4i1.319

Authors

Najihullah Saiq Student at the Department of Horticulture, Agriculture Faculty, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan
Ghulam Rasoul Samadi Department of Horticulture, Agriculture Faculty, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v4i1.319

Keywords:

Gibberellin, Keshmishi grape, Yield, Quality, Compactness

Abstract

Table grapes are among the most commercially significant non-climacteric fruits worldwide. In Afghanistan, grapes and raisins represent the most valuable perennial fruit crop, with annual production exceeding 1.1 million tons. However, seedless varieties like Keshmishi often produce small berries, limiting their market value. Gibberellic acid (GA₃), a widely available plant growth regulator, is commonly used to enhance berry size, but improper application can negatively affect grape quality and yield. This study investigated the optimal concentration and timing of GA₃ application to improve the quality and yield of Keshmishi grapes in a commercial vineyard in Esfandeh village, Ghazni province. Six treatments were tested, including different concentrations (20–60 ppm) applied at various phenological stages. Results showed that a 30 ppm GA₃ application after flowering significantly increased yield to 36.75 MT/ha—an improvement of 11.5 MT, or 45.5%, over the untreated/control. This treatment also produced larger, well-compacted bunches with minimal adverse effects. Applications at other stages or at higher concentrations did not significantly affect the yield. The study recommends post-flowering application of 30 ppm GA₃ for optimal results. Further research across different cultivars and economic analysis of treatment costs is advised to support broader application in commercial viticulture.

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