Effect of Pusa hydrogel and plant growth regulators on water use efficiency in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa duch.) cv. Chandler

Introduction: Hydrogels are water-absorbing polymers capable of retaining and gradually releasing large quantities of water, making them particularly useful in drought-prone and sandy soils. Pusa Hydrogel, developed by ICAR-IARI, helps conserve soil moisture, reduce nutrient leaching, and improve crop performance under water-limited conditions. Its integration with plant growth regulators (PGRs) may further enhance growth, yield, and water use efficiency in strawberry cultivation. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Pusa Hydrogel on vegetative growth, flowering, fruiting, yield, fruit quality, water use efficiency, and economic returns of strawberry cv. Chandler. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the Central Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Shri Durga Ji Post Graduate College, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 27 treatment combinations involving Pusa Hydrogel, Cycocel, Triacontanol, their combinations, and a control, replicated three times. Results: Significant differences in water use efficiency (WUE) were observed among treatments. The highest WUE was recorded in T20 (Triacontanol 170 ppm + Pusa Hydrogel 60 g), with values of 0.496, 0.503, and 0.500 t ha⁻¹ cm⁻¹ during 2021-22, 2022-23, and pooled analysis, respectively. T12 (Triacontanol 120 ppm + Pusa Hydrogel 60 g) ranked second. The lowest WUE was observed in T4 (Cycocel 1200 ppm). Enhanced moisture retention and efficient water utilization contributed to superior performance under hydrogel-based treatments. Conclusion: The combined application of Triacontanol (170 ppm) and Pusa Hydrogel (60 g plant⁻¹) significantly improved water use efficiency, growth, yield, fruit quality, and profitability in strawberry cv. Chandler and is recommended for commercial cultivation under Eastern Uttar Pradesh conditions.