Effect of Gibberellin on Growth, Flowering and Fruiting of the Earlypak Tomato, Lycopersicum Esculentum.

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Abstract
Gibberellin stimulated growth, flowering and fruit set of Earlypak tomato, Lycopersicum esculentum. Stem elongation, as measured from the cotyledonary node to the node preceding the first flower cluster, was significantly increased by concentrations above 50 fig/plant. Stem elongation of young plants was increased, but a reduced response resulted as leaf numbers increased. The fresh weight and dry matter content of young plants was increased. Morphologic changes in the leaves were noted. Single or repeated applications of gibberellin hastened flowering by 3 to 6 days without affecting node numbers preceding the 1st flower cluster. Normal and parthenocarpic fruit set was increased by repeated floral sprays of gibberellin at concentrations from 1 to 500 ug/ml. Fruit size was not increased by spraying the developing fruit.