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Open Access
Evaluvation of China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees.] for cultivation in tropical plains
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Alfin, Santhosh; KAU; Anupama, T V
China aster [Callistephus chinenesis (L.) Nees.] is one of the most important annual flower crops grown in India for cut flower as well as loose flower purposes. It ranks third next to chrysanthemum and marigold among the annual flowers and has gained popularity due to ease of cultivation, diversity of colours and good vase life. It is also used for bedding purpose in landscapes and as pot plants. In Kerala, the demand for annual flower crops is on the rise, however the cultivation is limited. China aster due to its hardy nature can be grown as a pure crop as well as intercrop in coconut gardens. The investigation entitled ‘Evaluation of China aster [Callistephus chinenesis (L.) Nees.] for cultivation in tropical plains’ was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping during 2018-2019 with an objective to evaluate the performance of China aster for cultivation in tropical plains. Ten varieties of China aster viz. Arka Kamini, Arka Shashank, Arka Archana, Phule Ganesh White, Phule Ganesh Violet, Phule Ganesh Pink, Phule Ganesh Purple, AAC-1, Local Pink and Mat White were evaluated for vegetative, floral and post harvest characters. The varieties showed significant variation for vegetative characters. In all the varieties, leaf dentation was present and leaf shape was ovate for all varieties except Arka Shashank which had linear leaf shape. Stem colouration and leaf mid rib colouration were absent in varieties such as Arka Shashank, Arka Archana, Phule Ganesh White and Mat White and the rest of the six varieties showed the presence of purplish stem and mid rib colouration. The variety Phule Ganesh Pink was superior in plant height (68.86 cm) at 3 months after planting. The characters like plant spread (50.08 cm), number of leaves (56.48), number of primary branches (14.25) and stem girth (11.09 cm) were also highest in variety Phule Ganesh Pink. Leaf area was the highest in variety Phule Ganesh White (34.31 cm2). The variety Mat White was significantly inferior for all the vegetative characters observed. Floral characters showed significant variation among the varieties. Powderpuff flower type was observed in Arka Shashank and all the other varieties had semi-double type flower. Days to bud initiation was minimum in variety Arka Shashank (44.40 days) and maximum in Phule Ganesh White (73.67 days). The same trend was observed for days to complete flower opening and days to 50 per cent flowering. The variety Local Pink had the highest duration of flowering (62.40 days) and variety Mat White (45.20 days) had the lowest duration of flowering. The variety Arka Shashank produced highest number of flowers per plant (20.20). The flower stalk length (21.13 cm), flower weight (6.94 g) and flower diameter (7.07 cm) were the highest in the variety Phule Ganesh Pink. The variety Phule Ganesh White was superior in terms of number of disc florets per head (251.00) whereas Phule Ganesh Pink had the highest number of ray florets per head (201.20). The flower yield per plant was highest in variety Phule Ganesh Pink (55.99 g). The variety Phule Ganesh White recorded the highest seed yield per flower (1.27 g) and seed germination (65.27 %). Longest shelf life was observed in variety Phule Ganesh Pink (3.67 days) which was on par with Phule Ganesh White (3.33 days) and physiological loss of weight was recorded highest in Phule Ganesh White (35.70 %). The variety Phule Ganesh Pink had the longest vase life (13.93 days) and total water uptake was also maximum in variety Phule Ganesh Pink (20.27 ml). Anthocyanin content of flowers was recorded highest in the variety Phule Ganesh Violet (51.87 mg/g) followed by Arka Kamini (48.62 mg/g). Dendrogram based on D2 statistics considering qualitative and quantitative characters indicated that high amount of variability is present among the varieties. Correlation and path analysis revealed that the characters such as number of primary branches (0.978), plant spread (0.894), leaf area (0.796) and flower weight (0.933) were having significant positive correlation with flower yield per plant with a direct effect of 0.150, 0.199, 0.281 and 0.498 respectively. Ranking of varieties was done individually for loose flower and cut flower types. In ranking for loose flower types, variety Phule Ganesh Pink scored first position which was followed by Phule Ganesh White and Local Pink. When varieties were ranked for cut flower types, first position was scored by Phule Ganesh Pink while second position was shared by Phule Ganesh White, Phule Ganesh Purple and Local Pink. In overall ranking the variety Phule Ganesh Pink occupied first position followed by Phule Ganesh White and Local Pink and these can be recommended for commercial cultivation in tropical plains of Kerala during winter season.
Open Access
Standardization of growing media and growth regulators for rose (Rosa ssp.) under top ventilated rain shelter
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Sijo, John; KAU; Mini, Sankar
Rose is acclaimed as ‘Queen of flowers’ because of its colour, fragrance and elegance. Cut roses are having very high demand in domestic as well as international market due to versatile uses. Roses can be successfully cultivated under top ventilated rain shelters in Kerala. Soilless media consist of vermiculite, perlite, and rockwool are popularly used for commercial production of rose under protected condition. These are costly and not easily available to farmers. Thus, there is a need to develop a cost effective growing media with locally available materials. Exogenous application of plant growth regulators improves the yield and quality of cut flowers by manipulating hormonal regulations in the plant system. Even though commercial formulations of different growth regulators are available in the market, the type and precise concentration of growth regulators are to be standardised. Hence the present study entitled “Standardization of growing media and growth regulators for rose (Rosa spp.) under top ventilated rain shelter” was carried out in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2018-2019. Objective of the study was to standardize growing media and growth regulators for commercial production of cut roses in agroclimatic conditions of Kerala. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments, which included different combinations of three growing media viz; soil + M-sand + cocopeat + FYM (M1), soil + M-sand + cocopeat + vermicompost (M2) and soil + M-sand + cocopeat + poultry manure (M3) in 2:1:1:1 ratio and two levels each of two growth regulators viz; Benzyl adenine (BA) and Gibberellic acid (GA) at 200 and 250 ppm. Six months old grafts of rose variety ‘Tajmahal’ was used for the study. Observations on growth characters, yield, post harvest aspects as well as nutrient status of the growing media were recorded. With regard to vegetative characters, growing media, growth regulators and interaction between growing media and growth regulators had significant influence during the period of observation. Growing media containing FYM (M1) recorded the greatest plant height and was on par with growing media containing vermicompost (M2). Among growth regulators, GA 250 ppm was found to be superior in terms of plant height. With respect to interaction effect, greatest plant height was observed under the media containing FYM (M1) and GA at 250 ppm. Plant spread was highest under medium containing FYM (M1). Growth regulators had significant influence on plant spread and BA at 200 and 250 ppm were superior and on par in terms of this parameter. Regarding interaction, growing media containing FYM (M1) along with 200 ppm BA was observed to have the highest plant spread during the growth period. Media containing FYM (M1) as well as vermicompost (M2) were found to produce more number of branches and among growth regulators, BA at 200 and 250 ppm were on par and superior with respect to this parameter. Regarding interaction effect, highest number of branches was observed under growing media containing FYM (M1) and BA at 200 ppm. Significant effects of growing media could be observed on floral characters and media containing FYM (M1) was found to be superior with respect to floral characters viz; length of flower bud (3.37 cm), diameter of flower bud (2.16 cm), number of flowers /plant (5.04), number of petals/ flower (51.92), stalk length (47.94 cm) and flower diameter at fully opened stage (8.44 cm). Growing media containing FYM (M1) and growing media containing vermicompost (M2) were on par in terms of other floral characters viz; length of flower shoot, neck girth and stalk girth of flower. With respect to the influence of growth regulators on floral characters, a greater number of flowers/plant (5.38 and 5.10) as well as largest flowers at fully opened stage (8.33 and 7.99 cm) were observed under BA at 200 and 250 ppm. Stalk length of the flower was found to be maximum under GA at 200 ppm (47.92 cm). Highest length of flower shoot was observed in GA at 200 ppm and BA at 200 ppm which were on par with each other (38.79 and 36.94 cm respectively). Growing media and growth regulator interaction had significant influence on floral parameters viz; stalk length and number of petals per flower. Media containing FYM (M1) with GA 200 as well as 250 ppm were found to have maximum stalk length (52.48 and 50.09 cm respectively). Highest number of petals were observed under media containing FYM (M1) along with BA 200 and 250 ppm, media containing FYM (M1) along with GA 200 and 250 ppm, media containing vermicompost (M2) along with BA 200 ppm and GA 200 ppm as well as media containing poultry manure (M3) along with BA 200 ppm. Early initiation of flower bud was observed under media containing FYM (M1) along with BA 250 ppm (119.22 days). Regarding post harvest characters, media containing FYM (M1) was superior in terms of fresh weight of flower (16.36 g), total water uptake (49.48 ml) and vase life (8.46 days). Among growth regulators BA 200 ppm had longest vase life which was on par with GA at 200 ppm. Maximum fresh weight was observed under BA 200 ppm (15.17g). With regard to interaction effect, treatment combination of FYM + BA at 200 was found to have maximum vase life and fresh weight of flower (9.38 days and 18.71g respectively). Considering overall performance, growing media combination of soil + M-sand + cocopeat + FYM (2:1:1:1) along with monthly application of BA at 200 ppm can be recommended for commercial cultivation of rose under protected condition in Kerala.
Open Access
Response of Papaya (Carica Papaya L.) to Major Mineral Nutrients
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2003) Bindu, B; KAU; Jayachandran Nair, C S
An experiment was conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2001-2002, to study the response of major plant nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on growth, yield and quality of papaya under Kerala conditions and to standardise the optimum dose of these nutrients. The experiment was conducted in 33 confounded factorial RBD, confounding NPK in replication 1 and Np2K2 in replication 2. The present study revealed that application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increased plant height, girth and number of leaves. The highest plant height was obtained with the combined application of 200 g N, 300 g P and 500 g K plan' year-', while the highest plant girth was obtained with application of 250 g N, 300 g P and 500 g K. Combined application of 300 g N, 250 g P and 500 g K p lant' year-' resulted in the maximum number of leaves. Plants receiving a dose of nitrogen at 250 g, 300 g phosphorus and 500 g potassium plant" took the shortest time for flowering. Combined application of nitrogen at 250 g plant.", phosphorus at 250 g plant" and potassium at 500 g planr' considerably shortened the time for harvesting the first fruit. Fruit weight, number of fruits plant", yield planr' and papain yield increased by application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Application of 250 g N, 250 g P and 500 g K planr' year-' gave highest yield. Maximum fruit girth was obtained from 200 g N, 200 g P and 500 g K, whereas maximum fruit volume and pulp percentage was obtained from 250 g N, 250 g P and 500 g K. Levels of nitrogen and phosphorus tried had no significant influence on TSS and ascorbic acid content of fruits. Nitrogen at 200 g, phosphorus at 250 g planr' produced. fruits of low acidity, while potassium had no significant influence. The combination of 200 g nitrogen, 300 g phosphorus and 500 g potassium plane 1 year" increased carotenoids, total sugars, reducing sugars and organoleptic qualities of fruits. Most of the treatments had light yellow peel colour, orange pulp colour and firm flesh. Nitrogen at 200 g, phosphorus at 250 g and potassium at 500 g plant" was found to increase the shelf life of fruits. Application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increased soil and leaf petiole content of the respective elements. Highest benefit: cost ratio was obtained from the combination of 250 g N, 250 g P and 500 g K I -I -I P ant year . Over all assessment indicated that application of N, P and K at the rate of 250 : 250 : 500 g plant" year-I in six equal splits was economically viable and improved growth, yield and quality of papaya.
Open Access
Micropropagation and crop improvement of Cordyline (Cordyline terminalis (L.) Kunth)
(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2000) Lavanya, R; KAU; Rajeevan, P K
Investigations on micropropagation and crop improvement of cordyline were carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1998-2000. The main objectives were to study the response of various explants and to identify the most suitable explant and media combination for in vitro propagation. Attempts were also made to find out the optimum dose of y - irradiation, for inducing variation. The shoot tips and nodal segments of cordyline were found to be ideal explants for the enhanced release of axillary buds and for indirect organogenesis. The best sterilization treatment was wiping with 70 per cent ethyl alcohol, followed by a dip in 0.1 per cent mercuric chloride for 18 min. for shoots, nodal segments and axillary buds. For leaf segments, treatment with 0.1 per cent mercuric chloride for ten minutes alone was enough. The nodal segment explants collected in the drier months, namely; January, March, November and December showed no contamination. Survival percentage was the highest in the months of November and December. The shoot tip explants showed least contamination when collected during August to April. Early release of buds (4.4 days after inoculation) and further growth of buds was better in MS medium supplemented with BAP 3.0 mg r'. Maximum shoot proliferation was observed in MS medium with 2.0 mg rI BAP. In the case of shoot tips MS medium having Kin 3.0 mg r' showed less time (5.5 days) for bud emergence. Maximum number of shoots (2.5) was also obtained when MS medium was supplemented with 3.0 mg rl KIN. MS medium supplemented with BAP in combination with NAA also proved better for culture establishment of nodal segments and shoot tips. Maximum number of shoots was observed in MS medium with NAA 0.5 mg r' + BAP 1.0 mg l". Of the different media tried, MS medium was found to be the best for early release of buds in nodal segments and shoot tips. Number of shoots produced did not differ significantly in all the three media. The elongated buds from Stage 1 showed very high rate of axillary bud production when inoculated in MS medium containing BAP 1.0 mg r' + NAA 0.5 mg r' and BAP 2.0 mg r' + NAA 0.5 mg r'. Among MS, SH and WPM media, full strength MS medium gave very high rate of axillary bud production within a short time (12.2 days). High rate of callus production was observed in MS medium having 1.0 mg r' BAP + 1.0 mg rl NAA and 2.0 mg rl BAP + 1.0 mg rl NAA. The rate of axillary bud production and callusing was less with KIN in combination with NAA. Irrespective of the media, rhizogenesis was observed when higher levels of 2ip was incorporated in to the media. Elongation of the multiple axillary buds with normal shoot and root growth was recorded in full strength MS medium devoid of growth regulators. None of the media supplements (activated charcoal, adenine sulphate, coconut water and casein hydrolysate) induced multiple axillary bud elongation. Among the three basal media tried, MS medium was superior with respect to the number of lengthy roots and the time taken for root initiation. Among the auxins, iliA was superior for root induction. Callus formation was observed at the base when NAA was incorporated in the media. Maximum percentage of rooting, early rooting and more number of lengthy roots were obtained in full strength MS basal medium. Addition of activated charcoal in the medium did not affect root number and root length, but reduced the number of days taken for root initiation. Triadimefon in the rooting medium slightly increased the number of days taken for root initiation and decreased the number of roots/culture and length of roots. It also increased the survival percentage during hardening. Maximum survival percentage of the plantlets was obtained when the plantlets rooted in the medium containing Triadimefon 1.0 mg r' + iliA 5.0 mg l' were treated with 0.1 per cent Bavistin for 30 minutes soon after removal from the culture vessels and subjected to a post planting treatment with triadimefon (20 mg rl) drenching at weekly intervals and kept in a net house having 50 per cent shade. Plant height was the maximum when the plantlets after planting out were supplied with 0.75 g 17: 17: 17 NPK mixture per week as soil drench. Among the various explants tried for somatic organogenesis, nodal segments and shoot tips were the most ideal for callus initiation, growth and differentiation. Callus intensity was maximum in the leaf segments when bottom portions of the immature leaves with midrib were cultured. Best response to callusing and callus intensity was obtained with the adaxial surface of the leaf touching the medium. Direct organogenesis could not be obtained in different treatment combinations or explants. Shoot tips and nodal segments produced higher percentage of callus and showed maximum callus index when MS medium was supplemented with lower levels of 2, 4 D (0.5 mg rl) and BAP (0.5 mg r'j, both in 12 h photoperiod. No positive response was observed with the addition of coconut water on callus induction and differentiation. Earliest differentiation of callus derived from nodal segment and shoot tip explants was possible in MS medium supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg r' + KIN 2.0 mg r': Very high rate of shoot production was observed in the medium supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg rl + KIN 2.0 mg r'. A combination of BAP + KIN gave high rate of shoot production, compared to BAP + 2ip combination. Various treatment combinations failed to induce morphogenesis in leaf derived callus, but additon of activated charcoal prevented browning of callus upon subculturing. Higher concentration of cytokinins prevented rhizogenesis. In vitro mutagenesis was attempted to know the optimum dose and correct stage for induction of variation. Of all the doses of y-irradiation, a dose of 10 Gy at culture establishment stage produced plants having narrow yellow leaves with green line at the centre, but after planting out the plantlets reverted to normal behaviour.
Open Access
Somatic Embryogenesis in Musa (AAB) Nendran
(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2002) Beena, R; KAU; Aravindakshan, K
Open Access
Ecophysiology and Screening for climate change resilience in Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Genotypes
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2019) Aswini, A; KAU; Jyothi Bhaskar
The study on “Ecophysiology and screening for climate change resilience in mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes” was conducted with the objective of getting basic information on eco physiological responses among selected genotypes of mango on flushing, flowering and fruit development with a view to identify climate resilient genotypes that are suitable for future climate change scenario in Kerala. The study comprised of three experiments viz., evaluation of mango genotypes under normal planting system, evaluation of selected mango genotypes in high density planting system and development of a crop weather model for mango and screening of genotypes for climate resilience with developed crop weather models. Experiment on evaluation of mango genotypes under normal planting system was conducted with trees of same age group (23 years). Wide variation was observed among the morphological characters, physiological characters, biochemical characters and quality attributes of different mango genotypes. From the observations on tree characters, the plant height varied from 9.78 m (H 151) to 12.49 m (Chandrakaran), the trunk circumference ranged from 91.63 cm (Muvandan) to 196.53 cm (Swarnarekha), and the crown diameter varied from 7.07 m (H 151) to 13.46 m (Mulgoa). The qualitative data on morphological characters viz., tree, leaf, inflorescence, fruit, stone and seed characters were grouped into clusters based on the IBPGRI descriptor. The observation on leaf characters revealed that the leaf blade length varied from 19.78 cm (Chandrakaran) to 29.32 cm (Amrapali), leaf blade width ranged from 4.77 cm (Kalepady) to 8.12 cm (Vellaikolumban), and the petiole length varied from 1.56 cm (H 45) to 3.70 cm (Amrapali). Based on the observations on inflorescence character the inflorescence length varied from 12.58 cm (Dashehari) to 34.42 cm (Bennet Alphonso), the inflorescence width ranged from 9.32 cm to 3.40 cm (Vellaikolumban), the hermaphrodite flowers in the inflorescence varied from 14.00% (Mulgoa) to 67.83% (Neelum), and the number of stamens per flower ranged from 4 to 5. From the observations on fruit characters the fruit length varied from 7.60 cm (Chandrakaran) to 20.08 cm (Mulgoa), fruit diameter ranged from 17.05 cm (h 151) to 32.50 cm (Arka Aruna), the fruit weight ranged from 123.10 g (Chandrakaran) to 738.97 g (Mulgoa), the fruit yield varied from 9.75 kg/tree (Arka Aruna) to 52.13 kg/tree (Muvandan) and the shelf life ranged from 3.83 days (PKM 2) to 7 days (H 151). From the observations on stone characters stone length, varied from 5.60 cm (Muvandan and Neelum) to 14.05 cm (Mulgoa), stone width ranged from 3.17 cm (Muvandan) to 12.07 cm (H 45 ), the stone thickness varied from 1.20 cm (Muvandan) to 3.15 cm (Neelgoa) and the stone weight ranged from 15.93 g (Bennet Alphonso) to 47.13 g (Mulgoa). Based on the seed characters the seed length varied from 4.28 cm (Bennet Alphonso) to 11.22 cm (Mulgoa), the seed width ranged from 2.25 cm (Sindhu) to 8.88 cm (Banganapalli) and the seed weight ranged from 8.58 g (Vellaikoamban) to 28.98 g (Mulgoa). The results from the analysis of quality attributes of different genotypes indicated that the acidity ranged from 0.02 % (Kalepady and H 151) to 0.12 % (Himayuddin), the ascorbic acid ranged from 12.17 mg 100g-1 (Arka Aruna) to 72.49 mg 100g-1 (Muvandan), carotenoids varied from 0.16 mg 100g-1 (Neelum) to 8.47 mg 100g-1 (Alphonso), ß carotene ranged from 9.75 mg 100g-1 (Mulgoa) to 45.06 mg 100g-1 (Dashehari), the total sugar varied from 12.55 % (Tholikkaipan) to 27.81 % (Swarnarekha), the reducing sugar ranged from 5.37 % (Swarnarekha) to 10.38 % (Tholikkaipan), the crude fibre varied from 2.67 % (Alphonso) to 16.50 % (Arka Aruna) and the TSS ranged from 16.16 oBrix (Kalepady) to 27.68 oBrix (Himayyudin). The results from sensory evaluation indicated that Mallika secured the highest rank for appearance, flavour, sweetness and texture, whereas Ratna secured the highest rank for clour and taste. The studies on pollen characters showed that the pollen length varied from 26.40 μm (Neelgoa) to 45.72 μm (Himayuddin), the pollen breadth ranged from 22.92 μm (Muvandan) to 38.34 μm (Arka Aruna), the pollen fertility ranged from 82.70 μm (Mulgoa) to 93.60 μm (Tholikkaipan) and the pollen production varied from 299.00 (H 151) to 541.83 (Prior). The pollen shapes of different mango genotypes observared were oblong, oval and round. The pollen storage was standardized using the pollen grains of Mallika and it was found that keeping under refrigerated conditions at 4OC was ambient. In vitro pollen germination were tried by hanging drop technique in different concentrations of sucrose solution with 1% agar and 0.001% boric acid but no germination was observed. The studies on physiological characters of different mango genotypes revealed that the relative water content varied from 19.00% (Ratna) to 35.82% (Neelum), radiation interception varied from 0.68 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Tholikkaipan) to 0.92 m-2 s-2 (Mulgoa), stomatal index varied from 15.59 (Prior) to 22.44 (Mallika), the stomatal frequency ranged from 65.22 to 88.78 (Banganappalli), the variation on stomatal conductance among the mango genotypes was found to be non significant, the stomatal resistance ranged from 5.33 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Dashehari) to 37.92 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Swarnarekha), the photosynthetic rate varied from 7.57 μ mol m-2 s-2 (H 151) to 17.91 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Tholikkaipan), the transpiration rate varied from 1.41 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Vellaikolumban) to 4.15 μ mol m-2 s-2 ( Dashehari), the leaf area index varied from 0.69 ( Dashehari) to 2.07 (Muvandan), and atmospheric pollution tolerance index ranged from 42.07 (Muvandan) to 68.53 (Mallika). The biochemical studies revealed that total phenol content varied from 4.54 mg g-1 to 19.07 mg g-1 (Ratna), soluble protein varied from 8.60 mg g-1 (Prior ) to 20.04 mg g-1 (Muvandan), the ascorbic acid content varied from 63.29 mg g-1 (Swarnarekha) to 97.21 mg g-1 (Ratna), the leaf pH ranged from 5.14 (Muvandan) to 6.45 (PKM 2), the chlorophyll a content varied from 0.82 mg g-1 (Chandrakaran) to 1.31 mg g-1 (Sindhu), the chlrophyll b content ranged from 0.13 mg g-1 (Banganappalli) to 0.26 mg g-1 (Tholikaippan), and the total chlorophyll ranged from 0.99 mg g-1 (Chandrakaran) to 1.48 mg g-1 (H 45). For the study on evaluation of mango genotypes under high density planting the trees of same age group (5 years) were selected. The observation on tree characters indicated that the trunk circumference ranged from 20.51 cm (Prior) to 31.29 cm (Chandrakaran), crown diameter ranged from 2.39 m (Ratna) to 3.09 m (Vellaikolumban). The qualitative data on morphological characters viz., tree, leaf, inflorescence, fruit, stone and seed characters were grouped into clusters based on the IBPGRI descriptor. The observation on leaf characters revealed that the leaf blade length varied from 19.17 cm (Muvandan) to 25.40 cm (Ratna), leaf blade width ranged from 4.84 cm (Muvandan) to 7.68 cm (Vellaikolumban) and leaf petiole length varied from 2.29 cm (Chandrakaran) to 4.18 cm (Vellaikolumban). Based on the inflorescence characters, the inflorescence length varied from 22.14 cm (Prior) to 36.47 cm (Vellaikolumban), the hermaphrodite flowers ranged from 33.40% (Muvandan) to 85.80% (Chandrakaran) and the number of stamens varied from 3 to 4. The observation on fruit characters revealed that the fruit length varied from 7.49 cm (Chandrakaran) to 18.71 cm (Mallika), the fruit diameter ranged from 13.18 cm (Chandrakaran) to 25.25 cm (Mallika), the fruit weight ranged from 8.93 g (Muvandan) to 24.69 g (Mallika), the yield per tree ranged from 8.93 kg/tree (Muvandan) to 24.69 kg/tree (Mallika), and the shelf life of fruits varied from 4 to 6 days. The observations on stone and seed characters revealed that chandrakaran recorded the lowest stone length (5.58 cm), stone width (3.36 cm), stone thickness (1.23 cm), stone weight (17.79 g) and seed length (4.05 cm). The lowest seed width and seed weight was recorded by Prior (3.07cm) and Vellaikolumban (9.44 cm). The highest stone length was recorded by Mallika (11.67 cm), stone width by Ratna (8.67 cm), stone thickness by Vellaikolumban (2.19 cm), stone weight by Mallika (44.33 g) , seed weight by Prior (22.22 g) and seed length and width by Ratna (7.91 cm and 8.47 cm respectively). Based on the analysis on quality attributes on different mango genotyped under high density planting the TSS ranged from 14.78 oBrix (Muvandan), acidity varied from 0.02 % (Mallika) to 0.07 % (Muvandan), ascorbic acid varied from 28.26 mg 100g-1(Vellaikolumban) to 79.68 mg 100g-1 (Chandrakaran), carotenoids ranged from 1.40 mg 100g-1(Vellaikolumban) to 4.80 mg 100g-1(Ratna), and ß carotene ranged from 13.54 mg 100g-1(Vellaikolumban) to 39.93 mg 100g-1(Ratna). The results on sensory evaluation revealed that Ratna recorded the highest rank for colour, flavour, sweetness, texture and taste, whereas Mallika recorded the highest rank for appearance. The pollen studies indicated that the pollen length varied from 24.80 μm (Muvandan) to 44.00 μm (Prior), pollen breadth ranged from 22.62 μm (Muvandan) to 33.35 μm (Chandrakaran), pollen fertility ranged from 59.47% (Prior) to 79.29% (Mallika) and the pollen production ranged from 194.50 (Muvandan) to 306.10 (Vellaikolumban). The studies on physiolological characters showed that the radiation interception ranged from 0.77 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Ratna and Chandrakaran) to 0.61 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Prior), the stomatal index ranged from 17.87 (Mallika) to 21.37 (Ratna), the stomatal frequency varied from 63.73 (Mallika) to 81.40 (Ratna), stomatal conductance ranged from 0.09 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Prior) to 0.19 μ mol m- 2 s-2 (Muvandan), stomatal resistance ranged from 7.31 μ mol m-2 s-2 ( (Muvandan) to 19.79 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Prior), the photosynthetic rate varied from 3.17 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Chandrakaran) to 11.68 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Vellaikolumban), transpiration ranged from 2.44 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Chandrakaran) to 4.19 μ mol m-2 s-2 (Muvandan) and atmospheric pollution tolerance index ranged from 54.42 (Vellaikolumban) to 68.34 (Ratna). The studies on biochemical character revealed that total phenol content varied from 4.81 mg g-1 (Vellaikolumban) to 10.66 mg g-1 (Prior), soluble protein varied from 12.72 mg g-1 (Ratna) to 20.75 mg g-1 (Chandrakaran), ascorbic acid content ranged from 67.74 mg g-1 (Vellaikolumban) to 92.34 mg g-1 (Ratna), leaf pH varied from 5.57 (Ratna) to 6.15 (Muvandan), chlorophyll a content ranged from 1.09 mg g-1 (Muvandan) to 1.29 (Prior), chlorophyll b varied from 0.22 mg g-1 (Muvandan) to 0.29 mg g-1 (Chandrakaran) and total chlorophyll varied from 1.30 mg g-1 (Muvandan) to 1.55 mg g-1 (Prior). Future climate change projection for 2030, 2040 and 2050 based on RCP 4.5 was generated using ECHAM model and the performance of the various genotypes under projected climatic conditions was evaluated using the developed model. Correlation among different meteorological and phenological characters of mango genotypes were done for yield, regression equations were derived and the yield was predicted from the scenario. Three phenophases viz., flower initiation, fruit initiation and fruit maturation were taken for the study. In each phenophase, weather parameter for seven, fifteen and thirty days prior to date of expression were averaged individually for correlation. Sindhu, Vellaikolumban, Prior, Alphonso, Kalepady and Tholikaippan showed an increase in the predicted yield in spite of an increase in temperature in flowering phenophase under normal planting system. The predicted yield increased in spite of a decrease in solar radiation in H 45, Mulgoa and Tholikaippan,. The predicted yield increased in spite of a decrease in rainfall in Dashehari, Neelum and Muvandan. Amrapali, PKM 1, Alphonso, Himayuddin, Swarnarekha and Mulgoa showed an increase in predicted yield in spite of an increase in rainfall. Amrapali, PKM 1, Sindhu, Neelum, Himayyudin, Bennet Alphonso, Kalepady, Muvandan, Tholikaippan, Vellaikolumaban, Banganapalli and Prior, recorded an increase in predicted yield in spite of an increase in temperature in fruit initiation phenophase under normal planting system. The predicted yield increased in spite of a decrease in rainfall in PKM 1, Amrapali, H 151, H 45, Bennet Alphonso, Mulgoa, Tholikkaipan, Chandrakaran and Muvandan. Dashehari showed an increase in predicted yield in spite of an increase in rainfall. H 151, Kalepady and Swarnarekha showed an increase in the predicted yield in spite of an increase in rainfall in fruit maturation phenophase under normal planting system. Based on the performance of genotypes in all three phenophases, H 45 can be recommended for regions with lower rainfall and lower solar radiation among the hybrids under normal planting system, whereas, Amrapali and PKM 1 can be recommended for areas with higher temperature and for both higher and lower rainfall regions. Among the parents of the hybrids, Mulgoa can be recommended for regions with lower solar radiation and for both lower and higher rainfall regions. Among the local types, Tholikaippan can be recommended for the regions with higher temperature, lower rainfall and lower solar radiation. Vellaikolumban, Ratna and Muvandan showed an increase in the predicted yield in spite of an increase in temperature in flowering phenophase under high density planting system. Prior, Chandrakaran, Muvandan, Vellaikolumban, Ratna and Mallika recorded an increase in the predicted yield in spite of an increase in temperature in fruit initiation phenophase under high density planting system. Prior, Chandrakaran, Mallika, Ratna and Muvandan, showed an increase in the yield in spite of an increase in temperature in fruit maturation phenophase under high density planting system, whereas the predicted yield increased in spite of a decrease in rainfall in Mallika, Vellaikolumban and Ratna. Based on the performance of genotypes in all the three phenophases, all studied genotypes can be recommended for higher temperature regions under high density planting system. In conclusion, climate change may have a profound impact on mango genotypes since the flower initiation, fruit initiation and fruit maturation phenophases are strongly influenced by the environment. The projected scenario for 2030, 2040 and 2050 indicate that the temperature will tend to increase and the rainfall will decrease from the present condition leading to altered phenophases which necessitate changes in spectrum and distribution of varieties currently being grown. H 45, PKM 1, Amrapali, Mulgoa and Tholikaippan are the climate resilient genotypes for the normal planting systems and Mallika, Ratna, Muvandan, Vellaikolumban and Prior are the climate resilient genotypes for high density planting systems.
Open Access
Response of Ascocenda orchid to growth regulator and micronutrients
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Jesabel George; KAU; Shobhana, A
A study entitled ‘Response of Ascocenda orchid to growth regulator and micronutrients’ was carried out at Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, from May 2018 to May 2019. Ascocenda is a monopodial, epiphytic, bigeneric hybrid, which is mainly grown as pot plant in hanging baskets using bricks, charcoal, coconut husk pieces etc. as growing media. The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of foliar application of different micronutrient treatments on growth and yield of Ascocenda orchid. The experiment was conducted with eleven treatments viz., 0.01% zinc + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T1), 0.025% zinc + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T2), 0.01% manganese + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T3), 0.025% manganese + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T4), 0.01% boron + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T5), 0.025% boron + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T6), 0.01% iron + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T7), 0.025% iron + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T8), 0.01% molybdenum + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T9), 0.025% molybdenum + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T10), 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T11 – control). Three month old tissue cultured plants of Ascocenda var. Big Suksamran were used for the study. The micronutrients were applied at fortnightly intervals and benzyl adenine was applied at monthly intervals. Application of NPK (3:1:1) weekly twice @ 0.2% and cow dung slurry (1:5) at monthly intervals was given to all treatments as per PoP recommendation of KAU. Observations were taken at monthly intervals. The results indicated that foliar application of 0.025% manganese along with 150 ppm BA and recommended dose of NPK (T4) was best for improving plant height. The maximum plant height obtained at 12MAP was 8.86 cm. This was followed by T5 (8.81 cm) and T3 (8.63 cm) which were statistically on par with T4. The maximum shoot diameter was observed in T5 (10.20 mm) at 12 MAP which was on par with T4 and T3 (9.96 mm and 9.84 mm respectively). The treatment T3 was superior in terms of leaf characters like leaf length and leaf area up to 7 MAP and thereafter these parameters were highest in treatment T5. However, there was no significant difference between T5 and T3 in terms of leaf length at 12 MAP (16.70 cm and 16.48 cm respectively). The highest leaf area at 12 MAP was observed in T5 (23.17 cm2) followed by T3 (22.73 cm2). Number of leaves and leaf breadth were found highest with the application of 0.01% boron along with 150 ppm BA and recommended dose of NPK. A maximum of 13.69 leaves were observed in T5 at 12MAP. The maximum leaf breadth observed in T5 after 12 months of planting was 1.52 cm, which was closely followed by T3 and T4 (1.51 cm each), and no significant difference between these three treatments could be noticed. Regarding interval of leaf production, only 4 treatments (T3, T4, T5, and T11) could produce the highest number of eight leaves, within a period of 386 days. Among these, T4 took the shortest period of 337.45 days to produce the 8th leaf. T10 produced only five leaves within a period of 386 days. Among the root parameters, highest root length was observed in T3 (0.01% manganese + POP + 150 ppm BA) at 12 MAP (26.59 cm) whereas the treatment T4 (0.025% Mn + PoP + 150 ppm BA) was superior in terms of number of roots and root diameter. The best treatment with respect to number of roots varied during initial months, even though, from 6 MAP onwards, highest number of roots was observed in T4 with a value of 10.28 at 12 MAP. In the case of root diameter, a highest of 2.91 mm was recorded in T4 at 12 MAP, which was on par with T8 (2.86 mm), T3 (2.84 mm) and T5 (2.82 mm). Among the eleven treatments, T3 (Mn 0.01% + PoP + 150ppm BA), T4 (Mn 0.025% + PoP + 150ppm BA), and T5 (B 0.01% + PoP + 150ppm BA)were found to be best for improving the vegetative characters of Ascocenda orchid, while application of Mo @ 0.025% (T10) at fortnightly intervals was inhibitory to the plants in terms of all the vegetative characters studied. The objective of studying the floral and postharvest characters could not be achieved since the plant did not bloom within the period of study.
Open Access
Evaluation of propagation techniques and rootstock studies of mango (Mangifera indica L.)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Reshma, U R; KAU; Simi, S
An investigation entitled “Evaluation of propagation techniques and rootstock studies of mango (Mangifera indica L.)” was carried out during 2016– 2019 at Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The investigation aimed to screen local mango varieties/ collections for polyembryony, to study the pre-sowing treatments, sowing positions and age of stone after extraction from fruit on germination of mango stones, to screen local mango varieties for use as dwarfing rootstocks and to study the effect of two propagation methods in three modified environments on three varieties of scions. Out of twenty local mango varieties collected from different parts of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, seventeen were polyembryonic while three were monoembryonic. The mango var. Kappa Manga (T19) recorded the highest germination per cent (73.33 %), germination index (2.41) and seedling vigour index on growth basis (2795.20). The mean germination time (17.50 days) was the least in Vellari Varikka (T18). Kotookonam Varikka recorded the highest per cent polyembryony (65.13 %) and produced the highest number of plantlets per stone (5.00). Microsatellite analysis of all the plantlets from two varieties viz., Kotookonam Varikka and Kochu Kilichundan that exhibited the highest percentage of polyembryony were done using 20 SSR primers and the products were compared with their respective mother plants. All the seedlings obtained from the respective stones had identical SSR profile to the mother plant, which indicated nucellar origin of seedlings having similar genetic composition to the mother plant. The zygotic seedling might have degenerated at very early stage of growth and the remaining nucellar seedlings were all vigorous. To study the effect of pre-sowing treatments, sowing positions and age of stone after extraction from the fruit on germination of mango stones, an experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with 42 treatment combinations replicated thrice. The treatments comprised two sowing positions viz., flat (S1) and stalk end up (S2), three age of stones after extraction from fruit, viz., freshly extracted (A1), 10 days (A2) and 20 days after extraction (A3) and seven pre-sowing treatments viz., 100 ppm GA3 (T1), 200 ppm GA3 (T2), 1 ppm KNO3 (T3), 2 ppm KNO3 (T4), cow dung slurry(T5), water (T6), control [without treatment (T7)] and their combinations. The variety Kotookonam Varikka was utilized for the study. The stalk end up sowing method and freshly extracted stones proved to be the best with respect to germination and vigour of mango seedlings. The stones treated with 200 ppm GA3 required minimum number of days for initiation of germination (22.62 days), 50 % germination (31.78 days), exhibited the highest germination percentage (62.59 %), rate of germination (0.48), vigour index on growth basis (2310.02) and weight basis (657.09). Treatment with 100 ppm GA3 produced the highest seedling length (35.70 cm) and dry weight (10.39 g) at 4 month after sowing (MAS). Interaction effects also indicated that the freshly extracted stones sown by stalk end up method after treatment with 200 ppm GA3 for 24 hours resulted in significantly the highest germination rate (0.74) and the least number of days for initiation of germination (13.00 days). An attempt was made to identify the local mango varieties for use as dwarfing rootstock based on morphological, physiological and anatomical features. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with ten genotypes replicated thrice. At 4 MAS, the lowest seedling length (29.48 cm) was noticed in Kochu Kilichundan (T4), followed by Unda Varikka (T10) and the highest seedling length (56.11 cm) was in Kappa Manga (T8). Moreover, the germination percentage of Kochu Kilichundan (46.67 %) was on par with all the varieties except Kappa Manga (71.11 %) along with the lowest vigour index-I and vigour index- II was on par with Unda Varikka. However, the least dry matter of seedling (9.66 g) was recorded in Unda Varikka. At 6 MAS, majority of the morphological features were the highest in Kappa Manga. The highest starch content (8.53 %) was estimated to be in Kasthuri (T2). Kochu Kilichundan and Unda Varikka exhibited dwarfism with less plant height (38.77 cm and 40.20 cm respectively), but the former had the least internodal length (3.16 cm). The highest values for number of leaves (23.20), leaf length (12.59 cm), leaf width (4.07 cm) and average leaf area (22.57 cm2) were recorded in Unda Varikka compared to Kochu Kilichundan. However, the highest number of roots (28.53), root length (35.02 cm), dry weight of root (3.10 g), dry weight of shoot (1.46 g) and stomatal density (51.68) were recorded in Kochu Kilichundan while total leaf area of the two varieties were on par. Moreover, Kochu Kilichundan had the highest phenol content in apical bud (60.57 mg/g) and leaves (29.03 mg/g) and bark percentage of root (23.69 %) and shoot (34.02 %) of all the varieties. Membrane stability index, relative water content, transpiration rate and leaf temperature were non-significant. The anatomical studies revealed the highest phloem-xylem ratio both in stem (0.99) and root (1.35) and the least total conduit area of root (6.38 mm2) in Unda Varikka while the least total conduit area of stem (5.42 mm2) was in Kochu Kilichundan, indicating the dwarfing potential of both Kochu Kilichundan and Unda Varikka. To study the effect of propagation methods and modified environments on different varieties of scion, an experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with eighteen treatment combinations replicated thrice. The treatments comprised two propagation methods viz., epicotyl (P1) and softwood grafting (P2), three modified environments viz., climate controlled [fan and pad (M1)], humid chamber (M2) and natural shade [75 % shade (M3)] and three varieties of scions, Kalapady (V1), Neelum (V2) and Kotookonam Varikka (V3) and their combinations. The grafts produced by epicotyl grafting resulted in significantly higher scion length (15.80 cm), had the least number of days for leaf opening (15.07days) , first (12.19 days) and last sprouting (22.02), higher number of grafts sprouted at weekly intervals, higher initial success percentage (83.21 %), graft establishment percentage (72.22 %), number of leaves per graft (15.40), leaf length (15.27 cm), leaf width (3.36 cm), leaf area (41.69 cm2), number of nodes on scion (21.63), internodal length (5.20 cm), number of growth flushes per graft (1.76), lower number of days taken between grafting to first vegetative flush (26.06 days) as well as to second vegetative flush (44.98 days) and higher final survival of grafts (65.19 %). The micro climate controlled by fan and pad system produced most conducive conditions for vegetative growth of mango grafts. Among the different varieties of scions, Kotookonam Varikka recorded the highest girth of rootstock, girth of scion, length of scion, graft height, spread of plant in N-S direction and E-W direction, number of grafts sprouted at weekly intervals, initial success percentage, percentage of graft establishment, leaf width, number of nodes on scion, internodal length, number of growth flushes per graft and the lowest number of days taken between grafting and second vegetative flush. Kalapady recorded the least number of days for first and last sprouting, leaf opening and for first vegetative flushing. The greatest sprout length, number of leaves, leaf length and leaf area were recorded in Neelum. The scion did not influence the final survival of grafts. The treatment combinations had no influence on root length. Interaction effects also confirmed that epicotyl grafting method with Kotookonam Varikka variety as scion under controlled conditions using fan and pad system resulted in grafts with higher scion length (16.80 cm), sprout length (6.05 cm), more number of growth flushes per graft (2.33) and earlier second vegetative flush (40.87 days). Based on the above findings it could be concluded that the highest percentage of polyembryony was in Kotookonam Varikka and microsatellite analysis revealed the nucellar origin of plantlets and confirmed higher vigour of nucellar seedlings over sexual seedling. Stalk end up sowing of freshly extracted stones treated with 200 ppm GA3 for 24 hours recorded better germination and vigour of mango seedlings. The mango variety Kochu Kilichundan and UndaVarikka were identified as promising rootstocks to impart dwarfness and Kochu Kilichundan was superior in most of the morphological and physiological characters. The epicotyl grafts of Kotookonam Varikka under controlled climate by fan and pad system recorded better graft establishment, survival, vegetative and growth parameters.
Open Access
Evaluation of selected underutilized flowers of Kerala for commercial exploitation
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Sameera Sharief; KAU; Sudhadevi, P K
Floriculture industry is unique among agricultural industries where novelty is an important attribute. World floriculture is expanding rapidly and new innovations and introductions are in great demand to feed the ever hungry market needs. It is in this interest that neglected or underutilized flower crop species (NUS) comes to the picture from which we could identify and develop diversified uses of floriculture. Even the present day top charactered crops of the industry are nothing but just derived and developed only from wild germplasm resourses, the most prominent among them being rose, chrysanthemum, carnation, gerbera and what not, the orchids and anthurium. Thirteen underutilized plants of Kerala were evaluated for use as cut flowers, dry flower, for essential oil extraction and pigment extraction and identification of components in their essential oils and pigments using GC-MS by conducting both field studies as well as postharvest studies. Out of the 10 plants selected for studying their use as cut flower, none were found suitable. Five plants were selected for their suitability for dry flower production. Among them, Cassia fistula got the highest cumulative score followed byAntigonon leptopus,Calicopteris floribunda and Barleria obtusa. Least cumulative score was obtained for Clerodendrum paniculatum. In Antigonon leptopus and Clerodendrum paniculatum best method of drying was microwave oven drying. Press drying was selected as the best method for Barleria obtusa and Calicopteris floribunda. Embedded drying was found the most suitable method of drying in Cassia fistula. The fragrant flowers selected for extraction of essential oils were Gardenia jasminoides, Plumeria spp and Quisqualis indica.Maximum essential oil yield was observed in Gardenia jasminoides (0.61%). The components in the essential oils were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. In Gardenia jasminoides the components identified were Ascalbin (0.7%), Nonadecane (0.80%), Dendaralasine (0.96%), Alpha famesene (1.12%), Linalool (1.38%), Beta famesene (2.75%), Famesene (3.04%), Henecosane (5.26 %), n-Tricosane (6.91%), n-octacosane (10.43%), Pentacosane (13.19%), Monoethylhexyl phthalate (44.74 %). The volatile components identified in Plumeria were α-Farnesene (1.08%), Benzoic acid, [(E,E)-3,7,11-trimethyl- 2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-yl] ester (1.08%), 1,6,10-Dodecatriene, 7, 11- dimethyl- 3- methylene-E(1.17%), Cyclohexasiloxane, dodeca methyl (1.92%). Phenyl ethyl alcohol (2.20%), 1,3,6,10-Dodecatetraene, 3,7,11-trimethyl-(Z,E)(2.93%), Oxalic acid, decyl 2-phenyl ethyl ester (4.3%), Triphenyl phosphare (4.3%), Heptacosane (6.32%), Nonacosane(6.40%) and Z-14-Nonacosane (6.40%) and Z-14- Nonacosane(11.65%). The components responsible for fragrance in Quisqualis indica were 2 H- Pyran-3-ol, 6-ethenyl tetra hydro-2,2,6-trimethyl(1.24%), Heptacosane (1.44%), Cyclotetra siloxane, octamethyl (1.95), Triphenyl phosphate (2.30%), Nonacosane(2.89%) and 5-Isoquinoline carbonitr (12.5%). The flowers selected for extraction of pigments were Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Cassia fistula, Clerodendrum paniculatum and Delonix regia. Two methods of extraction selected were solvent extraction after fermentation and solvent extraction after pretreatment with NaOH. In the entire species pigment yield was higher for solvent extraction after pretreatment. Highest oleoresin yield was observed in Clerodendrum paniculatum (0.60g), which was followed by Delonix regia (0.5g) and Cassia fistula(0.39). The lowest yield was observed in Caesalpinia pulcherrima (0.38g). After fermentation, Clerodendrum paniculatum gave highest oleoresin yield (0.43g). This was followed by Delonix regia(0.4g), Cassia fistula(0.3g) and Caesalpinia pulcherrima(0.28g). Highest carotenoid yield was observed in Cassia fistula (70.04mg/ 100 g) and highest anthocyanin yield was in Clerodendrum paniculatum (574.76mg/100g)). In Caesalpinia pulcherima carotenoid content was recorded as 15.35mg/100g and anthocyanin 488.75mg/100g. Anthocyanin yield of Cassia fistula was 0.35mg. Clerodendrum paniculatum recorded 2.98mg of carotenoid. Delonix regia recorded carotenoid and anthocyanin yield of 60.2 mg and 510 mg respectively. In the present study none of flowers were found suitable for use as cut flower. Out of the 5 plants selected for studying for use as dry flower, Cassia fistulawas the most suitable one. All the species selected for essential oil extraction were suitable for the purpose .In pigment extraction, highest oleoresin yield was observed in Clerodendrum paniculatum (0.60g), which is followed by Delonix regia (0.5g) and Cassia fistula(0.39). Future line of work suggested in this aspect based on the light of results are evaluation of more underutilized ornamental flowers available in our locality with a view of their commercialisation for specific traits and further evaluation of extracted pigments for their use in food industry.

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