Collection: Gibberellins: A Growth Miracle from a Fungal Foe

The story of gibberellins starts in Japanese rice fields, not in a lab. In the early 1900s, farmers noticed a strange disease called "bakanae" which caused rice to shoot up abnormally tall but produced no seeds. Plant scientists traced the culprit to a fungus named Gibberella fujikuroi (now Fusarium fujikuroi). It turned out, the fungus released a chemical that interfered with rice growth. This chemical, later named gibberellin, held the key to a future agricultural revolution.

Fast forward to the 1950s, scientists discovered gibberellin's true potential. They found it could not only cause excessive growth, but also stimulate seed germination, stem elongation, and flowering in various plants. This was a game-changer for farmers.

A Boon for the Farmer's Basket

Gibberellins became a powerful tool for increasing crop yields and improving fruit quality. Here's how:

• Taller isn't always bad: Gibberellins can be a blessing for crops like grapes and sugarcane, where longer stems translate to higher yields.
• Seed germination boost: A gentle gibberellin application can jumpstart germination in stubborn seeds, ensuring a strong start for your crops.
• Fruit bonanza: Gibberellins can stimulate fruit growth in some varieties, leading to larger, plumper fruits. They can even induce parthenocarpy, fruit development without fertilization, in some cases.
• Flower power: Gibberellin application can play cupid for some plants, triggering them to flower even in unfavorable conditions.

Timing is Key: When to Use Gibberellins

While a wonder tool, gibberellins are most effective when used strategically:

• Know your crop: Gibberellins have different effects on different plants. Research the specific response of your crop before application.
• Timing is crucial: Applying gibberellins at the wrong stage can disrupt plant growth. Consult agricultural experts for the optimal application window for your crop.

Safety First: Precautions for Gibberellin Use

Gibberellins are generally safe, but proper handling is essential:

• Follow instructions: Always adhere to recommended application rates and methods provided by the manufacturer.
• Protect yourself: Wear gloves and protective gear when handling gibberellin solutions.
• Store it right: Keep gibberellin products in their original containers, properly labeled, and out of reach of children and pets.

Fun Facts about Gibberellins

• The name gibberellin comes from the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi, the original culprit behind the "bakanae" disease.
• There are over 130 different types of gibberellins identified, each with slightly varying effects on plants.
• Gibberellins are not just for agriculture! They're also used in brewing to improve malting and create a fuller-bodied beer.

By understanding the discovery, applications, and proper use of gibberellins, farmers can leverage this plant growth regulator to achieve higher yields and better quality produce.

Gibberellic Acid Technical (90% w/w) ProGibb

• Grape fruit (Citrus family) At full bloom (for fruit set)-single spray 0.5-1.0 grams per liter
• Grape fruit (Citrus family) Ist week of May (For June fruit drop) –single spray 0.5-1.0 grams per liter
• Grape fruit (Citrus family) Ist week of October (For preharvest drop)-single spray 0.5-1.0 grams per liter
• Sweet cherry When more than 60% buds opened fully 0.04 to 0.08 grams per liter
• Grapes Two directed spray Ist at full bloom & 2nd at fruit set stages 0.1 grams per liter
• Grape (Seedless) Two blanket spray at Ist full bloom & 2nd at post bloom stage 0.015 to 0.06 grams per liter
• Brinjal seed treatment (dipping) 0.01 grams per liter
• Brinjal When 4 weeks old -weekly spray 0.05 grams per liter

Gibberellic Acid 0.001% L: Sumitomo Hoshi, Katyayani Gibberellic Acid 0.001 % L

• Paddy Short duration varieties 20-25 DAT 5 ml /15 liter
• Paddy Medium duration varieties 30-35 DAT 5 ml /15 liter
• Paddy Long duration varieties 40-45 DAT 5 ml /15 liter
• Sugarcane First spray 40-45 DAP 5 ml /15 liter
• Sugarcane Second spray 70-80 DAP 5 ml /15 liter
• Cotton First spray 40-45 DAP 5 ml /15 liter
• Cotton Second spray: At the time of ball formation 5 ml /15 liter
• Groundnut First spray at flowering (30-35 AS) 5 ml /15 liter
• Groundnut Second spray at the time of flowering 5 ml /15 liter
• Banana First spray 3rd month 9 ml /15 liter
• Banana Second spray 5th month 9 ml /15 liter
• Banana Third spray at the time of fruit formation 9 ml /15 liter
• Tomato First spray 45 DAS 5 ml /15 liter
• Tomato Second spray 65 DAS 5 ml /15 liter
• Potato First spray 45 DAS 5 ml /15 liter
• Potato Second spray 65 DAS 5 ml /15 liter
• Cabbage First spray 45 DAS 5 ml /15 liter
• Cabbage Second spray 65 DAS 5 ml /15 liter
• Cauliflower First spray 45 DAS 5 ml /15 liter
• Cauliflower Second spray 65 DAS 5 ml /15 liter
• Grapes First spray 30-35 days after pruning 5 ml /15 liter
• Grapes Second during the match head stage 5 ml /15 liter
• Brinjal First spray 34 DAP 15 ml /15 liter
• Brinjal Second spray 70 DAP 15 ml /15 liter
• Brinjal Third spray 105 DAP 15 ml /15 liter
• Bhindi First spray 34 DAP 15 ml /15 liter
• Bhindi Second spray 70 DAP 15 ml /15 liter
• Bhindi Third spray 105 DAP 15 ml /15 liter
• Tea Five spray at monthly interval 7.5 ml/15 lit
• Mulberry First spray: 15-20 days after harvest 15 ml /15 liter

Gibberellic Acid 0.1% GR

• Rice Broadcast at 15-20 days after transplanting 6 Kg per acre

Gibberellic Acid 0.186% SP

• Cotton to improve fiber quality one spray at square formation or early flowering stage 2 gm per 15 liter

Gibberellic Acid 40% WSG (Sumitomo Progibb Easy)

• Grape Pre Bloom- Elongation 1.5 gram per 15 liter
• Grape Pre Bloom- Fruit Setting Thinning 1.5 gram per 15 liter
• Grape Pre Bloom- 6-7mm berry size-enlargement 1.5 gram per 15 liter
• Rice 20-25 Days After Transplanting 0.2 to 2 gram per 15 liter
• Rice At Panicle emergence 0.5 to 2 gram per 15 liter
• Wheat 20-25 Days After sowing 1 gram per 15 liter
• Wheat 10% ear emergence 1 gram per 15 liter
• Maize Knee high stage (25-30 DAS) 1.5 gram per 15 liter