Impact of GA3 Application at Different Times and Methods on Tomato Growth and Fruit Shelf Life

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Gibberellic acids (GAs) are vital plant growth regulators that significantly influence plant growth, development, and responses to stress. This study examined the effects of applying gibberellic acid (GA3) to tomato plants and their growing medium at various intervals. The focus was on plant growth, fruit development, and postharvest quality. The results indicated that applying GA3 every two weeks notably enhanced plant height and stem diameter. However, more frequent applications had a negative impact on fruit size, overall yield, and root fresh weight. Regarding postharvest quality, tomatoes treated with GA3 every four weeks experienced less weight loss and decay, mainly when GA3 was applied through the growing medium. Furthermore, plant applications helped maintain the brightness of the fruit peel color. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing the timing and method of GA3 application to balance growth promotion, yield, and postharvest quality effectively. Future research should investigate alternative application strategies to maximize the benefits of GA3 while minimizing potential drawbacks.