Gibberellic Acid 0.001% L Plant Growth Regulator Uses
Gibberellic Acid 0.001% L is a CIB-registered plant growth regulator (PGR) based on GA3, a natural plant hormone used at an ultra-low field concentration to boost vegetative growth, flowering, fruit-set and yield across cereals, cash crops, pulses, fruits and vegetables. This page lists its mode of action, key benefits and the complete crop-wise recommended dosage as per the approved label.
Mode of Action
Gibberellic Acid (GA3) is a naturally occurring plant growth hormone that regulates cell elongation and cell division, mainly in stems and internodes. On foliar application it is absorbed by leaves and translocated within the plant, where it shifts the internal balance of growth-promoting and growth-inhibiting hormones. This triggers longer internodes, more vigorous vegetative growth, better flower induction and improved fruit/pod/bunch set. At the 0.001% concentration used in field sprays, the effect is a controlled growth boost rather than the excessive elongation seen at higher lab-grade concentrations, making it suitable for repeated crop-stage sprays.
Features & Benefits
- Promotes cell elongation and vigorous vegetative growth, giving a visibly taller and more uniform crop stand
- Improves flowering, fruit-set and bunch/pod/berry development, translating into higher marketable yield
- Enhances quality parameters such as grain filling in paddy, berry size in grapes and bunch weight in banana
- Very low use rate per acre makes it an economical addition to routine foliar nutrition and spray schedules
Recommended Usage of Gibberellic Acid 0.001% L Plant Growth Regulator
The table below gives the recommended dose, water volume and application stage per acre for each crop.
| Crop | Purpose/Effect | Dose per Acre | Water Volume per Acre | Application Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy (Rice) | Boosts tillering and grain yield/quality | 72 ml | 180–200 litres | Short duration varieties: 20–25 DAT; Medium duration: 30–35 DAT; Long duration: 40–45 DAT |
| Sugarcane (planted crop) | Improves cane length, girth and juice yield | 72 ml | 180–200 litres | 1st spray at 40–45 DAP; 2nd spray at 70–80 DAS |
| Cotton | Aids boll development and fibre yield | 72 ml | 180–200 litres | 1st spray at 40–45 DAP; 2nd spray at boll formation |
| Groundnut | Enhances flowering and pod yield | 72 ml | 180–200 litres | 1st spray at flowering (30–35 DAS); 2nd spray at flowering |
| Tomato | Improves fruit set and yield | 72 ml | 180–200 litres | 1st spray at 45 DAS; 2nd spray at 65 DAS |
| Potato | Supports haulm growth and tuber yield | 72 ml | 180–200 litres | 1st spray at 45 DAS; 2nd spray at 65 DAS |
| Cabbage | Improves head size and quality | 72 ml | 180–200 litres | 1st spray at 45 DAS; 2nd spray at 65 DAS |
| Cauliflower | Improves curd size and quality | 72 ml | 180–200 litres | 1st spray at 45 DAS; 2nd spray at 65 DAS |
| Grapes | Increases berry size and bunch/cluster quality | 72 ml | 180–200 litres | 1st spray 30–35 days after pruning; 2nd spray at match-head stage |
| Banana | Improves bunch development and fruit yield | 108 ml | 180–200 litres | 1st spray in 3rd month; 2nd spray in 5th month; 3rd spray at fruit formation |
| Brinjal / Bhindi (Okra) | Boosts fruit set and continuous fruiting | 180 ml | 180–200 litres | 1st spray at 34 DAP; 2nd spray at 70 DAP; 3rd spray at 105 DAP |
| Tea* | Stimulates flush growth and leaf yield | 108 ml | 180–200 litres | 5 sprays at monthly interval |
| Onion† | Supports bulb development | 72 ml | 180–200 litres | Single spray at 25–30 days after planting |
| Mulberry† | Improves leaf yield/quality for sericulture | 180 ml | 180–200 litres | 1st spray 15–20 days after harvest/pruning; 2nd spray 25–30 days after the first (unverified - single source for the two-spray schedule) |
Doses above are converted from the official label rate, expressed per hectare where applicable (1 ha ≈ 2.47 acres). *Tea dose is drawn from a single verified extension source (TNAU) and could not be cross-checked against a second independent source (unverified - single source). †Onion and Mulberry are commonly recommended by GA3 0.001% L manufacturers but do not appear on the TNAU-published CIB-approved crop list for this formulation — treat as generally accepted trade/extension practice rather than a confirmed CIB label use. Always confirm against the product label before spraying, and follow your local agricultural extension advice.
How to Use
- Identify your crop, its growth stage and the corresponding dose from the table above.
- Measure the required quantity of Gibberellic Acid 0.001% L and pre-mix it in a small quantity of water, then add it to the spray tank filled with the full recommended water volume for your acreage, stirring well.
- Spray as a fine, uniform mist over the foliage using a knapsack, power or boom sprayer, ensuring full leaf coverage on both upper and lower surfaces.
- Apply during the cooler hours of early morning or late evening, and avoid spraying in strong wind or if rain is expected within a few hours, as this can wash off the spray and reduce effectiveness.
- Where the crop calls for more than one spray, repeat at the growth stage/interval given in the table — do not bunch sprays closer together than recommended, as this does not improve results and only increases input cost.
Precautions & Safety
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, mask, full-sleeve clothing) while mixing and spraying.
- Check compatibility before tank-mixing with other pesticides, fertilisers or micronutrients; do a small jar test first if unsure.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and out of reach of children and animals; keep the container tightly closed.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose or spray frequency — over-application can cause abnormal stem elongation, weak/lodging-prone growth, delayed maturity or reduced yield rather than an improvement.
- Wash hands, face and exposed skin thoroughly with soap after handling, and avoid contaminating ponds, wells or other water sources with spray residue or rinse water.