Question:

Flower drop and less fruit setting/fruit drop in chilli can be controlled by spraying

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NAA (commercially called Planofix) is the most widely recommended plant growth regulator to prevent flower and fruit drop in solanaceous vegetables like chilli and tomato. Ensure it is applied at low concentrations ($10 - 20\text{ ppm}$) to avoid phytotoxicity.
  • Sulphur (1.5 – 2%) at 10 days intervals at growing stage
  • Planofix (NAA) @ 2-3 ml per 10 litres water at flowering stage
  • Dicofol (0.25%) at flowering stage
  • Fipronil (5 % SC) 1ml per litre at flowering stage
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Chilli (Capsicum annuum) often suffers from severe abscission of flower buds, flowers, and small developing fruits due to hormonal imbalances, high temperatures, or moisture stress.
Plant growth regulators (auxins) can prevent this abscission layer formation, thereby increasing fruit set and overall yield.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Alpha-Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) is a synthetic auxin commonly marketed under the trade name 'Planofix'.
During the flowering and early fruit-setting stages, applying NAA at low concentrations ($10 - 20\text{ ppm}$) prevents the formation of the abscission zone at the base of the pedicel.
This treatment significantly reduces flower and fruit drop, resulting in a higher fruit set percentage.
The recommended dosage of Planofix is $2 - 3\text{ ml}$ per 10 liters of water (equivalent to $10 - 15\text{ ppm}$ active ingredient) sprayed at the initiation of flowering, followed by a second spray 20-25 days later.
Other options like Sulphur (fungicide/acaricide), Dicofol (acaricide), and Fipronil (insecticide) are used for pest control and do not directly regulate flower abscission.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Applying Planofix (NAA) at $2 - 3\text{ ml}$ per 10 liters of water effectively controls flower and fruit drop, which corresponds to option (B).
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