Optimal Use of Plant Growth Regulators for Improved Growth, Yield, and Economic Returns of Winter Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in arid regions

A field experiment was conducted to optimize the application of plant growth regulators in tomato cultivation during rabi, 2021-22.The objective was to assess their effects on growth, yield attributes, fruit yield, and economics.The experiment included 10 treatments with three plant growth regulators (GA 3 , 4-CPA, and NAA), each applied at three levels (25, 50, and 75 µg mL -1 ), along with a control (water).The experimental design was a randomized block with three replications.Results indicated that GA 3 and NAA significantly enhanced plant height, the number of branches, fruit yield, and economic returns.Conversely, 4-CPA adversely affected yield and consequently economic returns.Optimal dosages for GA 3 and NAA were identified at 53.5 µg mL -1 and 63.1 µg mL -1 , respectively, using second-order polynomial regression (y=ax 2 +bx+c).This resulted in tomato yields of 29.55 and 29.69 t ha -1 , respectively.NAA treatments stood out, providing the highest net returns (Rs.4,80,447 ha -1 ) and a favourable B:C ratio of 4.26:1, making it a promising choice for tomato cultivation.