Impact of salicylic acid and kinetin on morpho-physiological traits, flowering patterns and seed yield in salvia (Salvia splendens)

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of salicylic acid and kinetin on morpho-physiological, floral dynamics, and seed yield in Salvia (Salvia splendens) at Banaras Hindu University Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India during 2021-22. A randomized block design (RBD) with three replications was used in the design of the experiment. The treatments consisted of varying concentrations of salicylic acid (10 ppm, 20 ppm, 30 ppm, and 40 ppm) and kinetin (5 ppm, 10 ppm, 15 ppm, and 20 ppm) and a control of water spray only. Vegetative growth, flowering, and seed yield parameters were observed at 60 and 90 days after treatment (DAT). The ornamental value of plants was determined largely by plant growth regulators. Results showed that a 15 ppm kinetin spray enhanced plant height (75.34 cm) and plant spread (48.91 cm) at 90 DAT. Salicylic acid at 20 ppm gave the highest number of flower spikes per plant (93.33), number of flowers per plant (1746.00) and fresh weight of flowers (3.57 g). In addition, seed yield per plant (17.39 g) and test weight (2.94 g) were highest at 20 ppm salicylic acid. The research sought to determine the effects of kinetin and salicylic acid on plant responses and to establish a baseline for future work on the mechanisms of action of plant growth regulators (PGRs) in the growth and development of annual flower crops whose demand and scope are increasing. © 2025, Society for Advancement of Horticulture. All rights reserved.