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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Synergistic effects of plant growth regulators and nano-nutrients on biochemical attributes of Ber cv. Apple Ber

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.14234
Submitted
24 February 2026
Published
06-07-2026 — Updated on 15-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

Apple Ber is increasingly gaining commercial significance due to its nutritional value and the ability to cultivate in semi-arid conditions. However, limited information is available regarding the combined use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and nanonutrients for improving the biochemical and nutraceutical quality of apple ber under semi-arid conditions. Combining PGRs and nanonutrients is a potential strategy to enhance the fruit metabolic efficiency and nutraceutical properties is the combination of PGRs and nanonutrients. The objective of the present study was to determine the potential of the combination of PGRs nanonutrients in influencing the biochemical parameters of Apple Ber. The experiment was conducted in a factorial randomised block design (RBD) with 3 replications involving five levels of growth regulators (Factor A) [Control (water spray), brassinosteroids (BRs) 30 ppm, BRs 40 ppm, MT 10 ppm and MT 15 ppm] and five levels of nanonutrients (Factor B) [Control (water spray), nano boric acid 0.08 % and 0.16 % and nano calcium nitrate 0.02 % and 0.05 %]. There were significant effects on total soluble solids, sugars, ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids and acidity. Among the treatment combinations, MT (15 ppm) + nano boric acid (0.16 %) (A5 × B3) resulted in the highest performance by significantly enhancing carotenoids, phenolic content, antioxidant activity and total sugars. The study demonstrates the synergistic role of melatonin and nano-boron in enhancing secondary metabolites and antioxidant potential in Apple Ber fruits, which has been scarcely explored under Punjab semi-arid conditions. The findings provide a scientific basis for precise foliar nutrition enabled by nanotechnology to enhance the biochemical quality and nutraceutical value of fruits in semi-arid production systems.

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