Combined effect of morphactin and gamma radiation on growth, sex expression, and yield in Luffa cylindrica (Linn.) Roem

Investigations were carried out to study the combined effect of morphactin and gamma radiation on growth, sex expression and yield in Luffa cylindrica variety, 'Pusa Chikni'. Healthy seeds were subjected to gamma radiation dose of 1000 rad and grown in seed beds. Solutions of 1,10 and 1100 mg/1 of morphactin were sprayed on the plants at two to four true leaf stage. Plants grown from irradiated seeds, on which morphactin solutions were sprayed showed remarkable healthy growth. Application of morphactin at 1,10 and 100 mg/1 increased the position of node bearing first staminate flower, whereas a reduction was observed in the position of node bearing first pistillate flower. Days for anthesis to first staminate flower increased progressively while days for anthesis to first pistillate flower decreased gradually. Decrease in the production of staminate flowers was observed, while the production of pistillate flowers increased significantly in all the treatments. The ratio of staminate/ pistillate flowers decreased progressively with increasing morphactin concentration. One mg/1 morphactin application increased the length of vine whereas number of lateral branches increased in all the treatments. The number, length, diameter and weight of fruit increased at 1 and 10 mg/1 morphactin while at 100 mg/1 treatment these characters decreased significantly. (author)