Question:

Which of the following growth regulator is most effective for induction of female flower in watermelon?

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Remember sex expression in cucurbits:
- Ethrel (Ethylene): Promotes female flowers in cucurbits
- GA3 (Gibberellic acid): Promotes male flowers
- Silver nitrate: Promotes male flowers in gynoecious cucumber
- NAA: Used for fruit set and development
Ethrel is widely used for increasing female flower ratio in watermelon and muskmelon.
  • Ethrel 150-200 ppm
  • MH 100 ppm
  • Calcium 20 ppm
  • TIBA 25-50 ppm
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of plant growth regulators in cucurbit sex expression.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Ethrel (150-200 ppm) is most effective for induction of female flowers in watermelon.
Ethrel releases ethylene which promotes female flower development.
Mode of action:
- Ethylene inhibits male flower development.
- Promotes formation of female flowers.
- Shifts the sex ratio towards femaleness.
Other growth regulators:
- MH (B): Male hydrazide, used as a plant growth inhibitor, not for female flower induction.
- Calcium (C): Nutrient, not a growth regulator.
- TIBA (D): TIBA (2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid) is an auxin inhibitor, used for branching, not female flower induction.
Thus, Ethrel is the most effective growth regulator for female flower induction in watermelon.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Thus, Ethrel 150-200 ppm is most effective for induction of female flower in watermelon, which corresponds to option (A).
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