Effectiveness of Foliar Applications of Plant Extracts on Pomegranate Plantlets.

An attempt was taken to control initial growth of pomegranate plantlets by application of plant extracts as foliar spray under field circumstances. A modified preparation of 'Dashparni extract', was developed using leaf extracts of Vitex negundo, Aristolochia sp., Carica papaya, Tinospora cordifolia, Annona squamosa, Pongamia pinnata, Ricinus communis, Nerium indicum, Calotropis procera, Green chilli paste, Garlic paste applied to regulate growth and development of pomegranate saplings. The Dashaparni extract proved to be more effective than all other tests conducted as well as control (distilled water spray). The extract boosted overall growth of plantlets and disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]