Effect of bioregulators and boron on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) cv. Kashi Kunwari

Abstract

The present study evaluated the combined effect of bioregulators (GA? and NAA) and boron on growth, yield and quality of cauliflower cv. Kashi Kunwari during the kharif-rabi season of 2025 at Rama University, Kanpur.Twelve treatments comprising soil and foliar boron along with GA? (50 ppm) and NAA (100 ppm) were tested in a randomized block design with three replications. The combined foliar application of boron (0.2%) +GA? (50ppm) +NAA (100ppm) (T??) recorded the maximum plant height (64.8 cm), number of leaves (27.4 plant?¹), plant spread (64.2 cm), earliest curd initiation (39.2days) and curd harvest (62.8days). It also produced the highest polar diameter (18.9cm), equatorial diameter (19.4cm), fresh curd weight (478g) and curd yield (305.7 q ha?¹). Quality parameters were superior under T?? with TSS (7.5 °Brix), ascorbic acid (57.2 mg 100 g?¹), total sugars (3.01%) and shelf life (7.1 days). This treatment also gave the highest net return (? 2, 07,740 ha?¹) and benefit-cost ratio (2.31). The synergistic interaction between boron and bioregulators enhanced cell division, elongation, nutrient mobilization and curd development. The study recommends Integrated foliar application of boron (0.2%) + GA? (50ppm) +NAA (100 ppm) for higher productivity, superior quality and better economic returns in early cauliflower under central Uttar Pradesh conditions.