Effect of the Exogenous Application of Different Concentrations of Indole-3-Acetic Acid as a Growth Regulator on Onion (<i>Allium cepa</i> L.) Cultivation

Abstract

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is a key plant hormone that plays crucial roles in plant growth and development. This study investigated the effects of exogenous application of IAA as a growth regulator in onion cultivation (Allium cepa L.). Various IAA concentrations were evaluated to determine their effects on onion growth and chemical parameters. Several agronomic properties and chemical parameters, including total fresh weight, plant height, chlorophyll content, nitrates, total phenols, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH), were analyzed. The results revealed that the exogenous application of different concentrations of IAA had a significant impact on onion growth and quality. Specifically, it was found that certain concentrations of IAA fostered a significant increase in fresh bulb weight and a notable elevation in the levels of phenolic compounds. However, the onion’s response to IAA was concentration dependent. In conclusion, the present study offers evidence that the exogenous application of IAA as a growth regulator can enhance onion growth and quality. These findings hold relevance for the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices and can be directed towards crop enhancement.

Keywords

• auxins
• phytohormones
• phenolic compounds
• nitrate
• chlorophylls