Effects of Foliar Application of Beer (ethanol) on the Growth, Flowering and Fruit Setting of Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Plants

Abstract

 Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is an important vegetable crop of several countries in the tropics. Beer brewing is an intricate process encompassing mixing and further elaboration of four essential raw materials, including barley malt, brewing water, hops and yeast. Foliar beer sprays resulted in significant growth stimulation in plants. The objectives of the present study were to examine the effects of beer on growth and flowering and fruit setting of bitter gourd plants. The study was conducted at an open field located in Horticultural crop Research and Development Institute, Gannoruwa (WU1). The experiment was laid out in a Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two treatments randomized in twelve replicates. The treatments were T₁ – beer (8.8% Ethanol) and T₂ – Control (without beer). Plants were established in pots and standard crop management practices were done throughout the study.  Beer (Lion – Strong) was sprayed to the seedlings 15 days after sowing. Measurements were taken on growing, flowering and Fruit setting stages.The highest values of plant growth parameters and reproductive parameters were observed in T1, i.e. beer (ethanol 8.8%) applied treatments. On the other hand the lowest values were recorded from T2 (control of the experiment).  Specially, advanced flowering and fruit setting, number of flowers per plant, number of female flowers per plant and number of fruits per plant were recorded from T1, i.e. beer (ethanol 8.8%) applied treatments. So, beer applied plants showed superior results in contrast to control with enhancing flowering as well as fruit setting performances.