RESPONSE OF CHRYSANTHEMUM (Dendrathema grandiflora Tzvelev)

GIBBERELLIC ACID (GA3); A review

KERSTIN L. MUGOT

An Exhaustive Literature Review

Submitted to the Faculty of
College of Agriculture and Forestry
Mindanao State University at Naawan
9023 Naawan, Misamis Oriental
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the
Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Agronomy

2021
 APPROVAL SHEET

The Undergraduate Thesis attached hereto entitled “RESPONSE OF

CHRYSANTHEMUM (Dendrathema grandiflora Tzvelev) GIBBERELLIC ACID
(GA3)” prepared and submitted by KERSTIN L. MUGOT in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Agronomy
was successfully approved on _____________________..

CRISOLOGO A. TAGUPA, MSc. RUSSEL D. BAÑOC, MSc

Panel Member Panel Member

ERIC JOHN C. FLORIDA, MSc.

Thesis Adviser

The College of Agriculture and Forestry endorses the acceptance of this

Undergraduate Thesis as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Agronomy.

RICHELLE A. NIEPES, MSc.

Chairperson
Department of Agricultural Sciences

This Undergraduate Thesis is hereby officially accepted in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Agronomy.

MECHIE ANN C. FLORIDA, MSc.

Dean
College of Agriculture and Forestry
 APPROVAL SHEET

The Undergraduate Thesis attached hereto entitled “FLOWERING RESPONSE OF

CHRYSANTHEMUM (Dendrathema grandiflora Tzvelev) TO GIBBERELLIC ACID
(GA3)” prepared and submitted by KERSTIN L. MUGOT in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Agronomy
was successfully approved on _____________________..

CRISOLOGO A. TAGUPA, MSc. RUSSEL D. BAÑOC, MSc

Panel Member Panel Member

ERIC JOHN C. FLORIDA, MSc.

Thesis Adviser

The College of Agriculture and Forestry endorses the acceptance of this

Undergraduate Thesis as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Agronomy.

RICHELLE A. NIEPES, MSc.

Chairperson
Department of Agricultural Sciences

This Undergraduate Thesis is hereby officially accepted in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Agronomy.

MECHIE ANN C. FLORIDA, MSc.

Dean
College of Agriculture and Forestry
 BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

NAME : Kerstin L. Mugot

HOME ADDRESS : zone 1, bolisong El Salvador City Misamis Oriental
DATE OF BIRTH : December 26, 1995
PLACE OF BIRTH : Bolisong El Salvador City
PARENTS : Jose L. Mugot
: Anita P. Mugot

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
ELEMENTARY : Bolisong Elementary School
Bolisong El Salvador City Misamis oriental
March 2010
SECONDARY : Cogon National High School
El Salvador City Misamis Oriental
March 2013
TERTIARY : Mindanao State University at Naawan-
College of Agriculture and Forestry
Naawan, Misamis Oriental
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in
Agronomy
June 2021

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to our Almighty God, for giving knowledge,
wisdom, strength, courage, guidance and His inevitable blessings.
I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the following persons who contributed much to
the completion of this study;
whole exhaustive literature work:

To Mr. Eric John D. Florida, MSc., for his valuable guidance and criticism all throughout the study;

To Mr. Crisologo A. Tagupa, for his untiring efforts and suggestions for the improvement of my
paper;

To Ms. RUSSEL D. BAÑOC, MSc, for her constructive criticism and comments;

I would also like express my great gratitude to Grace T. Manco for extending her time and help
through this exhaustive literature review;
To Shelfemie Sunogan for giving her full support and for the accommodation in times of needs;
To Jeza Y. Cartagena for the unending words of encouragemen, prayer and motivation
To Lorigen O. Sudaria, Rebecca B. Sagabal, Lavilla G. Ragmac, John Mark C. Lines and Elvie T.
Petrache for being my constant help in many aspects in school and for the cherished friendship;

To my parents, Mr. Jose L. Mugot and Anita P. Mugot for the unending support, words of
encouragement, patience, and most especially the unconditional love and other family members
who helped me in different ways I owe a lot for them.

KERSTIN L. MUGOT

ABSTRACT
 Plant growth regulators are being used by the commercial growers of ornamental
plants as a part of cultural practice. Among them, gibberellic acid (GA3) plays important
role in flower production, quality and yield of the flower crops. The gibberellic acid (GA3)
and a plant hormone stimulating plant growth and development. It can stimulate seed
germination, trigger transitions from meristem to shoot growth, juvenile to adult leaf
stage, vegetative to flowering, determines sex expression and grain development.
This study employed an exhausted literature review on the flowering response of
chrysanthemum as exposed to different level of gibberellic acid (GA3). The primary
source of information was taken from books, relevant topics in the library, internet and
other previous studies.From the gathered literature and studies, it can be concluded that
Chrysanthemum plants showed positive flower responses in all GA3 treatments as
compared to the control plants. As to the number of days to flowering, results yielded
that increase in GA3 concentration decreases number of days to flower. As to the
number of flowers per plant and flower size results yielded an increase number of
flowers per plant as well as increase in flower size as compared to the control plant. As
concentration of GA3 increases number of flowers also and flower size increases.
Hence, a gibberellic acid application may therefore promote flowering responses. The
researcher recommends to conduct the study of similar nature and purpose but to show
promise for commercial implementation, the benefits of GA3 treatments without
significant deleterious effects.

Keywords: Chrysanthemum, Gibberellic Acid, GA3, Flowering Responses, Plant

Growth Regulators

I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study

Flowers are attractive, showy and their popularity has increased not only due to

their outstanding aesthetic beauty but also due to their excellent potential in export as

cut flowers to many countries of world. Hence, numerous plant growth regulators have

been widely used in many flowering plants to meet existing demands of quality flower

and chrysanthemum flowers are of no exceptions.

The use of plant growth regulators has been highlighted as a very common

practice in agriculture. It has been considered as a helping tool in modern production

system of flowering plants. According to Marbach (2014) plant growth regulators are

organic compounds, which in small amounts, are applied to promote, inhibit, or

otherwise modify any physiological plant process. Among these, gibberellic acid (GA3)

is a tetracyclic di-terpenoid compound and considered plant growth hormone which

influences plant growth in many ways; promotes stem elongation and consequently

enhances growth, modifies the light requirement and influences the flower bud initiation.

Hence, the discovery that gibberellic acid (GA3) to induce flowering in several

plant species has stimulated much research on the flower-inducing properties of this

compound. According to Chang (2012), gibberellic acid (GA3) functions as plant growth

regulator influencing a range of developmental processes in plants life like stem

elongation, germination, breaking dormancy, flowering, sex expression, enzyme

induction and leaf and fruit senescence. Moreover, gibberellic acid (GA3) has been

used to increase the length or height of plants, increase the number of flowers and

induce flowering and that the application of GA3 was effective on the growth of buds

and flowers per plant. These claimed were supported by Blasquez et al., (2014) who
observed that early flowering is expected upon GA3 application especially in short-day

plants. It is in this context that the researcher opted to study flowering response of

chrysanthemum to different levels of gibberellic acid (GA3).

Chrysanthemum is a short-day flowering plant belonging to Asteracae Family.

These are, branched stems and pubescent, rarely more than in height. It is an annual

under the chrysanthemum group of flowers. It is highly attractive short-day plant, which

behaves both as an annual as well as perennial flowering herb (Ghafoor and Khan,

2002). Chrysanthemum has a shallow but fibrous root system which is sensitive to

water logging and prone to attack by diseases. Sandy loams retain sufficient moisture

and provide optimum aeration, which is ideal for chrysanthemum growing.

This attractive flowering plant is extremely popular all over the world. In the

Philippines, according to the Bureau of Plant Industry, from 2010 to present by volume

of production, chrysanthemum ranked second next to rose. The introduction of

chrysanthemum in the cut-flower industry has been an alternative source of income

from small to commercial growers. This intervention turned out to be promising with a

high return on investment. (PCAARD, 2015). Hence, understanding the flower

development of chrysanthemum will likely contribute to the growing cut-flower industry

in the Philippines.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

General Objective

This study aims to find out the flowering responses of chrysanthemum to gibberellic

acid (GA3). It specifically attempts to answer the following:

Specific Objectives
 To have an overview on the physiological basis on gibberrellins role to flower

induction.

1.3 Significance of the Study

The result of this study is beneficial to future researchers by the compiled

information on the flowering responses of chrysanthemum to gibberellic acid and on the

important usage of GA3 in chrysanthemum flower production. Researchers may find the

information valuable as it may provide an important contribution to the literature that

may serve as guide in undertaking similar studies.

II. METHODOLOGY
2.1 Research Design

This study employed descriptive-correlational research design. It is descriptive

since all information and data have been derived from previous studies. This aims to

describe important findings from different studies. On the other hand, it is correlational

because it establishes the significant relationship of flowering responses as

chrysanthemum as exposed to different levels of gibberellic acid.

The primary source of information was taken from some publication available in

Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus as search tools. The keyword for

searching is focused on “chrysanthemum response on GA3” this research conducted on

January to May 2021.

 III. RESULTS AND DISUCSSIONS

This section presents the data gathered, its analysis and interpretation. The data

were presented according to the specific problems of the study.

3.1 Role of Plant Growth Regulator in Floriculture

Plant growth regulators have quicker effect on vegetative as well as flower yield

of flowering crops (Singh, 2012). It is in this premise that commercial growers of

ornamental plants used plant growth regulators, hence, it became a cultural practice.

According to Lawson (1996) as cited by Janick (2011) one of the most advantage of

plant growth regulator is that it is environmentally friendly and time efficient. Hence,

commercial growers of ornamental plants able to keep with the demand of flower

production for successful cut flower production depends on the ability to produce crops

economically in a short, predictable amount of time.

According to the International Association of Horticultural Producers (2019), the

discovery of plant growth hormones is considered a scientific approach and promotes

proper management practices which led to enhance quality of flower germplasm, proper

nutrient management, high-tech production technology, good seeds and planting

material, precision farming and quality flowers for commercialization and conservation

of the floriculture industry. Floriculture is the segment of horticulture concerned with

commercial production, marketing, and sale of bedding plants, cut flowers, potted

flowering plants, foliage plants, flower arrangements, and non-commercial home

gardening (Robles, 2010). Common problems include unacceptably short stems, long
production times, or lengthy flower-initiation procedures. Growers may be able to

alleviate some of these issues by applying plant growth regulator to their crops.

This claimed was further supported by Robinson (1973) as cited by Davies

(2014) that a significant development is noticed in Agriculture and mostly in floriculture

for plants growth regulators have been studied with a view to have a greater number of

flowers and regulation of flowering according to the need of farmers. Moreover, plant

growth regulators have organic nature and produced synthetically in plants and used to

alter the growth of plants or plant parts.

Such concept was further explained by Bell (2011), in his study, naturally plant

growth is affected when respiration supplies the energy and photosynthesis supplies the

carbon, however, a group of chemicals synthesized by plants and affect the plant

growth is as known as plant growth regulator. He further illicit that growth hormone is

working like as a phytohormone and is essential to growth of different plant parts like

buds, stems, roots, fruits, and so on by cellular enlargement, both in length and in width,

while growth regulator referred to organic compounds other than nutrients, small

amounts of which are capable of modifying growth.

However, one noticeable finding was conducted by Leopold (1956) as cited by

Janick (2011) in which most ornamental plants growers and researchers had been wary

about is the fact that the plant growth regulators can be bio-stimulant or bio inhibitor.

Hence, it has indeed had ability to affect the growth and development of plant. The

effect of gibberellic acid to growth and development is dependent upon the level of

application.
 According to American Society for Horticultural Science (2010) plant growth

regulators are classified into six classes including gibberellins, auxins, cytokinins,

ethylene generators, growth inhibitors and growth retardants. There is another various

product (synthetic growth regulators) commercially available in the market for growth

and development of ornamental plants.

3.2 Effect of Gibberellic Acid on some Plants’ Physiological Process.

3.2.1 The Gibberellins

All gibberellins are acidic compounds and are therefore also called gibberellic

acids (GA) with a different subscript to distinguish between them. GA3 has historically

been called gibberellic acid but the term is also often used in describing all gibberellins.

GAs is widespread and so far, ubiquitous in flowering (angiosperms) and non-flowering

(gymnosperms) plants as well as ferns. They have also been isolated from lower plants

such as mosses and algae, at least two fungal species and most recently from two

bacterial species. There have been over 90 GAs isolated, all of which are most likely not

essential to the plant. Instead, these forms are probably inactive precursors or

breakdown products of active gibberellins (Arteca, 1996; Mauseth, 1991; Raven, 1992;

Salisbury and Ross, 1992) as cited by Al-Saif (2011).

3.2.2 History of Gibberellins

Gibberellin was first recognized in 1926 by a Japanese scientist, Eiichi Kurosawa

who was studying bakanae or “foolish seedling” disease in rice (Salisbury and Ross,

1992) as cited by Harper (2010). He discovered that the disease was caused by a

substance secreted by the fungal species Gibberella fujikuroi resulting to controversy

over the true pathogen. However, Wollenweber (1931) stated that the fungus Fusarium
moniliforme which was the asexual or imperfect stage of the ascomycete Gibberella

fujikuroi was the culprit for the disease bakanae as cited by Al-Saif (2011).

This prompted researchers to isolate the compound. One of which is Yabuta

(1935) isolated the compound from Gibberella fujikuroi and called it gibberellin A. In his

study, he found out that gibberrellin A can stimulate growth when applied to rice roots.

However, much of the work on gibberellins was put on hold due to the second world war

and the Western civilizations did not have access to these findings Arteca (1996) Al-Saif

(2011).

Despite the paucity of knowledge by the Western civilization, a new compound

from G. fujikuroi was discovered in Britain. This compound was named gibberellic acid

Brian et al., (1954). In 1955, a similar compound was also isolated by American

scientists from G. fujikuroi and which they called gibberellin X Stodola et al., (1955).

Around the same period, Japanese scientists discovered that gibberellin was actually

made up of three compounds which they called GA1, GA2, and GA3. Gibberellin X,

GA3, and gibberellic acid are all the same compound. The latter two were accepted in

describing the compound and are synonymous terms today Takahashi et al., (1955) as

cited by Al-Saif (2011).

3.2.3 Functions of Gibberellins

The role of GA in plant development has been observed in a several plants such

as barley, rice, pea, and Arabidopsis thaliana (Richards, 2011). Application of GA3 on

lentil shoot (Lens culinaris) showed a marked elongation in the length of shoot and

increase in the number of internodes and compound leaves (Nam et al., 2011). Active

gibberellins show many physiological effects, each depending on the type of gibberellin
present as well as the species of plant. The increase in length by inhibition in the

diameter, the increase in number of internodes and early flowering accompanied of

increase number of flower buds were greatly observed upon GA3 application Zahur

(1992), Chanda (1998), Chaudry and Khan (200) as cited by Aziz (2011).

Application of GA3 was inspired from many other works. For example, in a study

reported by Sharma and Singh (2009) on ‘Chandler’ strawberry, experiments were

conducted to observe the effects of foliar application of gibberellic acid on vegetative

growth, flowering, fruiting and various disorders in ‘Chandler’ strawberry., production of

malformed and button berries was reduced. Although individual berry weight was

reduced slightly, but fruit number, total as well as marketable yield was increased as

cited by Al-Saif (2011).

Further, gibberellins function as plant growth regulators influencing a range of

developmental processes in plants life like stem elongation, germination, breaking

dormancy, flowering, sex expression, enzyme induction and leaf and fruit senescence.

Spraying of GA3 recorded maximum plant height, plant spread and a greater number of

leaves and branches in chrysanthemum and other flowering plants (Lal & Mishra, 1986;

Rana et al., 2005) as cited by Greene (2014).

However, this literature review focused on the vegetative and flowering attributes

of chrysanthemum responses when exposed to different level of gibberellic acid. Further

this study reviewed the responses at 50ppm, 100ppm and 50ppm.

3.3 Vegetative Responses of Chrysanthemum at Different Level of GA3

The vegetative responses in this study include the plant height, number of

branches per plant, number of suckers of plant and numbers of leaves. The researcher
consolidated all the results from the studies conducted by Sajid et al. (2016),

Sharifuzzama et al. (2011), Gupta and Dutta (2001) and Patel et al. (2010) as to the

vegetative responses of chrysanthemum plants exposed at 50ppm to 150 ppm. The

computation of the mean values from the three levels of GA3 are shown in Appendices

A-C.

Table 1. Over-all Mean Value on Vegetative Responses of Chrysanthemum at

Different Level of GA3
Vegetative Response 50ppm 100ppm 150ppm
Plant Height 53.07 cm 57.33 cm 56.5 cm
Leaf length 6.05 cm 6.7 cm 8.35 cm
Number of branches per 6.56 7 11.105
plant
Number of leaves 41.5 46.25 53.25

Table 1 is the over-all mean values derived from the results conducted by the

researchers mentioned on the responses of chrysanthemum at different level of GA3.

From the values indicated, it is shown that as for the plant height, the highest recorded

plant height is at 100ppm with (57.33cm), it is followed by 150ppm at (56.5cm), the

lowest recorded is at (53.07cm) at 50ppm. This implies that as GA3 increases responses

of chrysanthemum as plant height does not increase. This is in conformity with Aparna et

al. (2018) that chrysanthemum is a short-day plant and the stimulation of flower bud

initiation may stop further vegetative growth despite increase level of GA3 concentration.

Further, the results corroborate the assertion made by Vieira (2011) that

environmental conditions affect the biosynthesis of gibberellins, and their occurrence in

long days usually increased production of gibberellins than in short days. Moreover, the

difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures may influence the levels of
endogenous gibberellin and hence concluded that the effect of growth-regulating

substance depends on the concentration, number and timing of application.

This result also validated that the primary compound and derivative of GA3

stimulates cell division (Maki et al.,2002). Mousa (1996) postulates that the most

important effect of gibberellins on the plant growth is the elongation of the internodes and

concluded that gibberellins overcome the genetic dwarfism in many plants like the dwarf

pea and dwarf maize. Hence, gibberrelic acid (GA3) has been of considerable use for

growth promotion.

As for the leaf length, values indicated in table 1, shows that the highest number is

recorded at 150ppm with (8.35cm), it is followed by 100ppm at (6.7cm) and the lowest

length is recorded at 50ppm with (6.05cm). This implies that as GA3 level increases leaf

length also increases. This result is in conformity Kusmate et al. (2016) that with the

increase in leaf area is because of GA3 induced cell division as well as expansion in the

plants.

As for the number of branches per plant, values indicated in table 1, shows that

the highest number of branches is recorded at 150ppm with (11.05), it is followed with (7)

branches per plant at 100ppm, the lowest number of branches is recorded at 50ppm with

(6.56) This implies that as GA3 level increases number of branches per plant also higher

with the application of GA3 which helped to initiate more leaves. This result is in

conformity Kusmate et al. (2016) that foliar application of GA3 might have influenced the

stem elongation by stimulating cell division and elongation that resulted in enhanced

branches and vegetative growth.

 Lastly, as for the number of leaves, the highest recorded is at 53.25) at 150ppm, it

is followed by (46.25) at 100ppm and the least number of leaves is recorded at 50ppm

with (41.25). According to Aparna et al. (2018) the results might be due to GA3 enhanced

biosynthesis of proteins and carbohydrates leading to enhancement of initiation of leaf

primordial growth and consequently production of more leaves. Thus, application of GA3

helps in increased photosynthesis and accumulation of more storage compounds

accounting for rapid growth of leaf primordia. This was in agreement with the study

conducted by Sharifuzzaman et al. (2010) that GA3 application which increases cell

division, cell elongation and tissue differentiation that resulted in the initiation of a greater

number of leaves.

Over-all analysis as to the vegetative responses postulates that GA3 increases

there is also increase in leaf length, number of branches per plant and number of leaves.

On the other hand, plant height showed different result. However, in the study conducted

by Pradeepkumar et al. (2019) showed different results where plants treated with GA3

showed remarkable increase in plant height. Taller plants were observed and postulate

that plant height increased with the increasing doses of GA3. Foliar application of GA3

might have influenced the stem elongation by stimulating cell division and elongation.

These findings are in line with those reported by Talukdar & Paswan (1994) who noticed

an increase in plant height with the increase in doses of GA3 concentrations in

chrysanthemum. Nevertheless, from the conflicting results validated that GA3 stimulates

cell division and elongation. Further, there is a need for deeper investigation as to the

effect of different level of GA3 on plant height.

3.4 Flowering Attribute of Chrysanthemum at Different Level of GA3

 The flowering response reviewed in this literature review includes number of days

to flowering, numbers of flowers per plant and size of the flower. The researcher

consolidated all the results from the studies conducted by Sajid et al. (2016),

Sharifuzzama et al. (2011), Gupta and Dutta (2001) and Patel et al. (2010) as to the

vegetative responses of chrysanthemum plants exposed at 50ppm to 150 ppm. The

computation of the mean values from the three levels of GA3 are shown in Appendices

D-F.

Table 2. Over-all Mean Value on Flowering Responses of Chrysanthemum at

Different Level of GA3
Flowering 50ppm 100ppm 150ppm
No. of days to flowering 102.49 days 101.77 days 96.16 days
Number of Flowers per 35.47 44.51 49.8
Plant
Size of the Flower 6.06 cm 6.20 cm 7.08cm

Table 2 is the over-all mean values derived from the results conducted by the

researchers mentioned on the responses of chrysanthemum at different level of GA3.

From the values indicated, it is shown that as for the number of days to flowering, the

least number of days is at 150ppm with (96.16days), it is followed by (101.77days) at

100ppm and at 50 ppm, it took (102.49 days) to flowering. This implies that with

increasing level of GA3, least numbers of days for chrysanthemum to flowering. The

results were explained by Jena et al. (2021) that flowering is a complex process that

occurs in response to environmental factors as photoperiod, temperature, light intensity

and spectrum and hence posited that gibberellin are able to replace some of these

factors and induce flowering. This was further supported by Reddy (2012) that in many

herbaceous plants under short day condition the early period of growth shows rosette

habit with short stem and small leaves. Under long day condition the rosette habit is
retained while bolting occurs i.e., rapidly elongates the stem and is converted into polar

axis bearing flower primordia. But by the use of gibberellins bolting can also be induced

in such plants even under non-inductive short days.

Another explanation was enunciated by Noval et al. (2017) that it is the effect of

GA3 that causes flower initiation and early flowering by decreasing the concentration of

abscisic acid in plant shoot (Novak et al., 2017). According to Lin (2015), abscisic acid

(ABA) and gibberellic acid (GA) antagonistically mediate several plant developmental

processes. Abscisic acid (ABA) is a stress responsive phytohormone that inhibits seed

germination and seedling growth to adapt to unfavorable environmental conditions while

gibberellic acid (GA) is a major growth promoting phytohormone that promotes seed

germination, seedling growth, flowering and leaf expansion.

This was in conformity with Pradeepkumar et al. (2019) that the effect of GA3 that

causes flower initiation and early flowering by decreasing the concentration of ABA in

plant shoot, as the number of leaves was increased, it resulted in more photosynthates to

initiate early flowering and complete life cycle of the plant.

As to the numbers of flowers per plant, the highest recorded is at (49.8) at

150ppm, it is followed by (44.51) at 100ppm and the least number of flowers per plant is

(35.47) at 50ppm. This result implies that increase GA3 application increases number of

flowers per plant. According to Sharifuzzaman et al. (2011) enunciated that the increase

in number of flowers by GA3 application might be due to increase in number of leaves as

well as leaf area as compared to control, which might have enhanced the production and

accumulation of increased photosynthates that were diverted to the sink and produced

more flowers.
 As to the size of the flowers, the highest recorded is at 150ppm with (7.08cm), it is

followed by (6.20cm) at 100ppm and the least flower size is at (6.06cm) at 50ppm.). This

result implies that increase GA3 application increases flower size. According to Uddin et

al. (2015) that thehe enlargement of flower size is attributed by drawing photosynthesis to

the flower as a consequence of intensification of the sink upon the GA3 application. The

increase in yield attributes might be due to the fact that gibberellic acid stimulated

vegetative growth and induced changes in vegetative morphology. It could be ascribed to

accelerate the number of laterals plants and increased flower production.

This was in conformity with Jena et al. (2021) in his study, GA3 treatment of

chrysanthemum plants resulted an increase in flower size. The increase in size of flower

might be attributed to the increase in number of leaves and leaf area that produced more

photosynthates which in turn might have increased the flower size.

Over-all analysis implies that flowering attributes is positively correlated with GA3

applications.

3.5 Some of the Physiological Processes Stimulated by Gibberellins

According to Sachs et al., (1959), as cited by Harper (2010) gibberellic acid is a

simple gibberellin. Its application has provided numerous effects on some plants’

physiological process like plant growth through stem elongation and seed germination,

sprouting of dormant buds/crowns, bolting and flowering. These findings were agreed

by Naranja (2015) and postulates three benefits were achieved by application with GA3:

breaking dormancy, increasing stem length and reducing production time.

Among the various external factors, growth regulators play an important role in

developmental process of the plants. There are only a few floricultural crops on which
growth regulators were applied for the purpose of enhancing growth. The gibberrelic

acid (GA3) has been of considerable use for growth promotion. Further, study

conducted by Bochhi (2010) as he postulates that the most important effect of

gibberellins on the plant growth is the elongation of the internodes and concluded that

gibberellins overcome the genetic dwarfism in many plants like as dwarf pea and dwarf

maize. As supported by Bran (2011) that application of gibberellic acid (GA3) to plants

results in a variety of responses like cell division or cell elongation or both.

These observations were further proved by Hant (1981) as cited by Wang (2012)

and enunciated that germination of seed is one of most important process of plant life.

In his observation plant growth regulators such as gibbelleric acid play an important role

for the seed germination in flowering plants for it induces the formation of hydrolytic

enzymes which is responsible for the regulating the mobilization of reserves, ultimately

resulting early sprouting of seeds.

Another physiological process that was notably observed by researchers was the

ability of the gibberellic acid to sprout dormant buds or crowns. According to Ehrett

(2011) dormancy of buds or crowns are usually experienced in low temperature areas

the buds sprout in autumn remain dormant up to next spring due to very low

temperature. However, by application of GA3, sprouts of bulbous flowering plants has

been observed. It appeared that GA3 alleviate paradormancy from the rest of the buds

within the cluster and the developing floral shoots.

Hence, it can be concluded that GA3 plant growth regulators such as gibberellic

acid are compounds that may modify physiological process of plants and alter the yield

and quality including the vegetative growth and flowering attributes.

 IV. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 Conclusion

The main purpose of this study was to assess the flowering responses of

chrysanthemum to different level of gibberellic acid. Based on the qualitative research

data and the following statements support and sustain the said conclusion:

Chrysanthemum plants showed positive responses in all GA3 treatments

investigated. However, the researcher able to conclude that among the level of GA3

concentrations investigated the 100ppm level of GA3 concentration is best adapted. It

can be inferred from the findings that of the vegetative response as to plant height, the

100ppm showed the highest results from the consolidated studies investigated.

Although, it cannot be disregarded that from all the parameters in the vegetative

responses except plant growth; established that as GA3 application increases the leaf

length, number of branches and the number of leaves. The same is true with flowering

attribute that as to the number of days to flowering, results yielded that increase in GA3

concentration decreases number of days to flower. This could be attributed to the fact

that GA3 promote the shoot apical meristem to starts producing buds instead of

producing leaves and branches. As to the number of flowers per plant and flower size

results yielded an increase number of flowers per plant as well as increase in flower

size as compared to the control plant. As concentration of GA3 increases number of

flowers also and flower size increases. This could be attributed that GA3 application

increase the number of leaves as well as which enhanced the production and

accumulation of increased photosynthesis that were diverted to the sink and produced
more flowers. Hence, a gibberellic acid application may therefore promote flowering

responses.

4.2 Recommendations

Given the forgoing conclusions, the following recommendations were presented:

1. To conduct the study of similar nature and purpose but to show promise for

commercial implementation, the benefits of GA3 treatments without significant

deleterious effects.

2. To conduct the same study but different species of chrysanthemum.

3. To conduct the same study but to include growth, flower quality and stem elongation.
 V. LITERATURE CITED

Aparna, V., Prakash, K., Arora, N and Kumar, N. (2018). Effect Of Gibberellic Acid on Plant Growth and
Flowering of Chrysanthemum Cv. Thai Chen Queen Under Short Day Planting Conditions.

EFFECT OF GIBBERELLIC ACID ON ENHANCING FLOWERING TIME IN CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM

MUHAMMAD SAJID1* NOORUL AMIN2 , HABIB AHMAD1 AND KHALID KHAN3 1 Department of Genetics,
Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan 2 Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture,
Peshawar, Pakistan 3 Sawabi Women University Sawabi, Pakistan * Corresponding author’s email:
drsajid_1@yahoo.com -2016

Int. J. Expt. Agric. 2(1):17-20(January 2011) EFFECT OF GA3, CCC AND MH ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH,
FLOWER YIELD AND QUALITY OF CHRYSANTHEMUM S.M. SHARIFUZZAMAN1 , K.A. ARA2 , M.H.
RAHMAN3 , K. KABIR4 AND M.B. TALUKDAR

INFLUENCE OF GIBBERELLIC ACID (GA3 ) ON GROWTH AND FLOWERING IN CHRYSANTHEMUM

(CHRYSANTHEMUM MORIFOLIUM, RAMAT) CV. JAYANTI V.N. GUPTA AND S.K. DATTA* Floriculture
Section, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow Received on 18 June, 200 I, Revised on 23 Oct.,
200 I

REGULATION OF CHRYSANTHEMUM GROWTH USING GA3 AND ALAR TO

OVERCOME SALINITY DEPRESSIONS

N.E. El-Keltawi, G.T. Mousa, B.S. Makary

DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.1996.426.72

Effect of foliar application of GA3 and

Cycocel on growth, and flowering of
annual chrysanthemum. Kudmate et al.
(2016)
Abstract:

Gibberellic acid in plant

Still a mystery unresolved
Ramwant Gupta* and S K Chakrabarty

2013

APPENDICES A-C
Table 1. Vegetative Responses of Chrysanthemum at 50ppm Level of GA3

Vegetative Sajid et al. Sharifuzzama et Gupta and Patel et Mean

Response (2016) al. (2011) Dutta al. (2010) Value
 (2001)
Plant Height 52.1 cm - 55.3cm 51.83 53.07 cm
Leaf length - 6.0 cm 6.1 cm 6.05 cm
Number of 6.45 - - 6.67 6.56
branches per
plant
Number of 40 43 - - 41.5
leaves

Table 2. Vegetative Responses of Chrsyanthemum at 100ppm Level of GA3

Vegetative Sajid et al. Sharifuzzama et Gupta and Patel et Mean

Response (2016) al. (2011) Dutta al. (2010) Value
(2001)
Plant Height 56.1 - 63.2 52.7 57.33
Leaf length - 7 6.4 - 6.7
Number of 7 - - 7 7
branches per
plant
Number of 42.50 50 - - 46.25
leaves

Table 3. Vegetative Responses of Chrsyanthemum at 150 ppm Level of GA3

Vegetative Sajid et al. Sharifuzzama et Patel et al. Mean Value

Response (2016) al. (2011) (2010)
Plant Height 58.2 54.8 56.5
Leaf length 8.35 8.35
Number of 7.25 7.77 11.105
branches per
plant
Number of 46.50 60.0 53.25
leaves
 APPENDICES D-F

Table 4. Flowering Attributes of Chrysanthemum at 50ppm Level of GA3

Flowering Sajid et al. Sharifuzzama et Gupta and Patel et Mean

Attribute (2016) al. (2011) Dutta al. (2010) Value
(2001)
Number of Days 127.68 48 115 days 119.31 102.49
Flowering
Number of 23.95 - 70.2 33.27 35.47
Flowers per
Plant
Size of the - 5.20 4.5cm 8.5 6.06
Flower

Table 5. Flowering Attributes of Chrysanthemum at 100ppm Level of GA3

Flowering Sajid et al. Sharifuzzama et Gupta and Patel et Mean

Attribute (2016) al. (2011) Dutta al. (2010) Value
(2001)
Number of Days 120.40 53. 115 118.69 101.77
Flowering
Number of 24.35 73.4 35.77 44.51
Flowers per
Plant
Size of the 5.30 4.8 8.60 6.2
Flower

Table 6. Flowering Attribute of Chrysanthemum at 150ppm Level of GA3

Flowering Sajid et al. Sharifuzzama et Gupta and Patel et Mean

Attribute (2016) al. (2011) Dutta al. Value
(2001) (2010)
Number of Days 117.48 55 116 96.16
Flowering
Number of 27 - 72.6 - 49.8
Flowers per
Plant
Size of the - 5.4 8.76 7.08
Flower