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Open Access
Varietal evaluation of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) for yield growth and quality
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2020) Hasna, P M; KAU; Meera Manjusha, A V
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L. Family: Amaryllidaceae) is one of the most popular tropical ornamental bulbous flowering plant grown on a commercial scale throughout different states of India. They are much adored by the aesthetic world for their colour, elegance and fragrance. As the commercial cultivation of tuberose is gaining importance, introduction and identification of high yielding varieties is necessary. The quality and production of any crop or variety largely influenced by its genetic makeup and climatic condition under which they are grown. Therefore, in order to select suitable and high yielding cultivar for a particular region it is very much necessary to collect and evaluate all the available genotypes. The study entitled “Varietal evaluation of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) for growth, yield and quality” was carried out at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasaragod and RARS Pilicode during 2019-2020. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications. The varieties were screened for vegetative, floral, quality and post- harvest parameters. The study clearly indicated that genotypic differences among varieties and variation in environmental factors significantly influence vegetative and floral characters of tuberose. Minimum number of days to 50 % flowering (108.38 days), longest spike (111.80 cm) and maximum diameter of peduncle (3.05 cm) was recorded in variety Arka Prajwal. Variety Arka Suvasini recorded maximum value for rachis length (47.60 cm), longevity of spike (13.60 days), days to complete opening of spikes (26.15 days), diameter of floret (3.53 cm), weight of 100 florets (235.43 g), loose flower yield (131.31 g) and fresh weight of spike (133.52 g). Variety Arka Vaibhav recorded maximum number of florets per spike (63.00). Longest floret was observed in variety Culcutta Single (7.03 cm). Variety Culcutta Double found to be superior in terms of vase life (8.53 days) of spike. Concrete recovery found maximum in single petalled cultivars than semi double and double type cultivars. Stage of harvest, growing environmental condition, season and method of extraction have significant influence on the recovery of concrete. In the present study concrete recovery ranges from 0.012 to 0.117 % and maximum concrete obtained for the variety Arka Sugandhi. Out of the ten genotypes of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) comprising single, semi- double and double petalled cultivars, the variety Arka Prajwal, Arka Shringar, Arka Sugandhi and Culcutta Single among single petalled type, Arka Vaibhav the only semi petalled type and variety Arka Suvasini and Culcutta Double among double petalled type were found to be superior in terms of growth, yield and quality of flower under northern Kerala condition. Among these Arka Prajwal can be recommended for loose flower production, Arka Suvasini for cut flower production and Arka Sugandhi for oil extraction purpose.
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
Standardization of production technology for African marigold(Tagetes erecta L.)
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Jeevan, U; KAU; Sreelatha, U
Marigold (Tagetes spp.), one of the commercially grown flower crops in India, is of multipurpose uses in floriculture, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and dye industries. The present investigation entitled “Standardization of production technology for African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) was undertaken in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, during the year 2018-2020. The research programme consisted of five experiments. The first experiment was ‘Performance evaluation of African marigold and evaluation of other Tagetes spp. against bacterial wilt’. Thirty two marigold genotypes from three different species of Tagetes viz., T. erecta, T. patula and T. tenuifolia were evaluated in a wilt sick plot, for assessing bacterial wilt incidence during rainy (June-September) and winter (October–January) seasons. Genotypes of T. erecta M-1 and M-2 did not show bacterial wilt incidence during both seasons and these genotypes were categorised as completely resistant to bacterial wilt. Wilt incidence in other genotypes ranged from 4.16 per cent to 87.50 per cent during rainy season while during winter, it ranged from 27.7 per cent to 100.00 per cent. Compared to rainy season (43.00%), bacterial wilt incidence was more severe during winter season (70.00%). Days to wilt was also very early during winter (26.00 days) than rainy season (71.00 days). Significant negative correlation was observed between flavonoid content (leaves and petals) and bacterial wilt incidence. The causal organism of marigold wilt was characterized and identified as Enterobacter cloacae and this is first report of the bacterium in marigold. The 16SrDNA sequence data were deposited in NCBI (MT649902 and MT649903). From the performance evaluation, it could be observed that the genotypes viz., Bhagwati, Royal Orange, Maria-91, Rupa and P-4 were superior with respect to morphological characters. These F1 hybrids also recorded greater flower weight as well as petal weight. Genotypes P-4, Maria 91 and Bhagwati recorded significantly greater number of flowers per plant (59.10, 52.07, 51.23, respectively), and yield per plant (476.80g, 355.17g, 319.73g respectively). The highest carotenoid content was recorded in the genotype Bhagwati (0.105 mg/g). In the second experiment, twelve genotypes which were categorized as resistant as well as moderately resistant during field evaluation, were subjected to artificial inoculation studies. The genotypes M-1 and M-2 were found to be completely wilt resistant in artificial screening. Among other genotypes, Bhagwati showed a lower bacterial wilt incidence of 26.00 per cent. The third experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate rootstocks for T. erecta. Two resistant genotypes viz., M-1 and M-2 were used as rootstocks for grafting nine susceptible genotypes which consisted five F1 hybrids (Bhagwati, Maria 91, Sakuara 031, Suvarna Orange and Suvarna Yellow) and four varieties (Pusa Narangi Gainda, Pusa Basanti Gainda, Double orange and Double Yellow). F1 hybrids recorded better graft survival compared to varieties. Significantly greater graft survival was recorded in Bhagwati and Maria 91, grafted on M-1 rootstock (60% and 54%, respectively) and M-2 rootstock (54% and 50%, respectively). The fourth experiment was conducted during rainy, winter and summer seasons under precision farming system using two selected genotypes viz., Bhagwati and M-1. Irrigation was given @ 75 and 100 per cent Epan and fertigation was given at 75, 100 and 125 per cent of IIHR recommendation (90:90:75 kg/ha) for marigold. During rainy season, fertigation @ 75 per cent RDF (F1) recorded a yield of 35.00 t/ha for Bhagwati and 13.00 t/ha for M-1 which were double the yield in the control treatments of respective genotypes. During winter and summer seasons, irrigation @ 100 per cent Epan along with fertigation @ 125 per cent RDF (I2F3) recorded the greatest yield of 12.50 and 10.00 t/ha respectively in Bhagwati. WUE was the highest in the treatment I2F3 for Bhagwati and M-1 during winter (10.92 kg/ha mm-1, 10.11 kg/ha mm-1) and summer (6.79 kg/ha mm-1, 7.02 kg/ha mm-1) seasons. The fifth experiment was conducted to study the effect of growth regulators on plant growth and yield by using F1 hybrid Bhagwati during rainy and winter season. Spraying growth retardant CCC @ 1000 mg/L during rainy season at 30 and 45 days after transplanting (DAT), was proved to be the best treatment for reducing the plant height (24%) and improvement of yield (14%). CCC @ 1000 mg/L delayed flowering by 12 days compared to control. During winter, spraying growth promoter GA3 @ 300 mg/ L (30 and 45 DAT) was the best for enhancing vegetative growth and yield (28.00%) over control. The study could identify a new wilt causal organism of bacterial wilt in marigold and it was identified as Enterobacter cloacae. Among the thirty two genotypes evaluated, two genotypes viz., M-1 and M-2 were identified as bacterial wilt resistant types. With regard to Tagetes erecta, among the F1 hybrids, Bhagwati, Maria- 91, P-4, Sakura 031 showed better performance in terms of flower yield whereas among the varieties, Double Orange, and Arka Agni and Arka Bangara-2 showed better performance with respect to floral parameters and flower yield. F1 hybrids with good yield but highly susceptible to bacterial wilt can be grafted on resistant rootstock genotypes. F1 hybrids showed better graft survival compared to varieties. Greater graft survival (60%) was recorded for Bhagwati on M-1 rootstock. During rainy season 75 % RDF (90:90:75) was the best with respect to the yield and quality parameters. During winter and summer I2F3 (100% Epan along with 125% RDF) was performing best. Hybrid Bhagwati was performing well during all the seasons studied, with the highest B:C ratio. Genotype M-1 can be suggested as an alternate variety during winter season. During rainy season spraying CCC @ 1000 mg/L (30 and 45 DAT) was found the best treatment for reduction in plant height (24%) and increased yield (14%) over control. CCC @ 1000 mg/L can also be used for delaying flowering in marigold. During winter, spraying GA3 @ 300 mg/L or 200 mg/L (30 and 45 DAT) enhanced the plant height (15%, 11% respectively) and yield per plant (28%, 22% respectively) over control.
Open Access
Spacing and nutrient management for Gomphrena globosa L.
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Reshma, Shaji; KAU; Sobhana, A
Gomphrena globosa L. is a charming ornamental annual plant, commonly known as globe amaranth or bachelor’s button. Gomphrena is native to tropical and sub-tropical countries including India. It belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. Colourful and globular flower heads add colour and beauty to the garden and the flowers are suitable for cut and dried floral arrangements. Gomphrena is also an excellent choice for beds, borders and rock gardens. Among the various factors responsible for high crop yield, optimum spacing coupled with supply of appropriate quantity of nutrients at appropriate time plays a vital role in enhancing the productivity and the quality of the crop. For the commercialization of this crop, there is need to standardize optimum plant spacing and fertilizer levels. In this context, the study “Spacing and nutrient management for Gomphrena globosa L.” was carried out in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2019- 2020. Objective of the study was to standardize the spacing and fertilizer requirement of Gomphrena globosa for cultivation in Kerala. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments comprising two levels of spacing i.e., 30x30 cm and 45x45 cm and three levels of fertilizers viz; NPK @ 50:25:50 kg/ha, 75:50:75 kg/ha and 100:50:100 kg/ha. Observations on growth characters, yield, post-harvest parameters, nutrient status of the soil, plant nutrient content and uptake were recorded. Among the growth characters, plant height was found significantly higher in the treatment with closer spacing of 30x30cm compared to 45x45cm spacing. Other growth characters including plant spread, number of branches per plant and dry matter production per plant showed significant improvement when grown under wider spacing (34.92 cm, 14.83, 52.53 g/plant respectively). However, dry matter production per unit area (4 t/ha) was found the highest under closer spacing. Different fertilizer doses were found to be on par with one another with respect to plant height and were superior over control. Similar trend was found in plant spread, number of branches per plant and dry matter production. There was no significant interaction effect of spacing and nutrients on growth parameters. Early bud initiation (46.81 days) and minimum number of days to 50% flowering (50.58 days) was observed under closer spacing of 30x30cm. Wider spacing of 45x45 cm produced greater number of flowers per plant (42.64), flower yield (40.90 g/plant) and seed yield per flower (0.29 g). The flower yield per hectare was found to be highest in closer spacing (2.50 t/ha). The different nutrient doses had significant effect on flower yield (g/plant). Application of N:P2O5:K2O @ 50:25:50 kg/ha produced greater flower yield (40.41 g/plant) which was on par with N:P2O5:K2O @ 75:50:75 kg/ha (35.11 g/plant) and superior over control treatments without fertilizers. The earliest bud initiation was observed in plants applied with N:P2O5:K2O @ 50:25:50 kg/ha along with closer spacing of 30x30 cm (42.78 days). Other floral characters and post-harvest parameters were not significantly influenced by spacing and fertilizer treatments. Nutrient content in the plants was found the highest in wider spacing (45x45 cm) and the content in the plant increased as the dose of nutrient applied increased. However, the nutrient uptake by the plants (kg/ha) was found to be the highest in plants grown under closer spacing (30x30 cm) and the uptake of the nutrients also increased with increase in fertilizer dose. Results showed that higher dose of fertilizers (N:P2O5:K2O @ 100:50:100 kg/ha) and wider spacing (45x45 cm) promoted vegetative growth of plants. Plants spaced at 30x30 cm and fertilized with N:P2O5:K2O @ 50:25:50 kg/ha produced more flowers and higher flower yield and can be recommended for improving the growth and flowering of gomphrena plants.
Open Access
Standardization of alternate media for potted ornamental foliage plants for export purpose
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Rashida, C K; KAU; Mini, Sankar
The investigation entitled “standardization of alternate media for potted ornamental foliage plants for export purpose” was carried out in Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara from June, 2019 to June, 2020. The objectives of the study were to standardize alternate media for potted ornamental foliage plants for export purpose and to work out the economics. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with ten treatments and four replications. Treatments included ten different growing media containing soil, sand, FYM, cocopeat, vermicompost, rice husk, biochar, perlite and vermiculite in various proportions viz., T1 : soil, vermicompost and sand in 3:2:1, T2 : soil (75%) + vermicompost (15%) + sand (10%), T3: soil (50%) + cocopeat (25%) + vermicompost (15%) + sand (10%), T4 : soil (25%) + cocopeat (50%) + vermicompost (15%) + sand (10%), T5 : cocopeat (70%) + rice husk (10%) + vermicompost (10%) + sand (10% ), T6 : cocopeat (50%) + rice husk (25%) + vermicompost (15%) + sand (10%), T7 : cocopeat (50%) + biochar (25%) + vermicompost (15%) + sand (10%), T8 : cocopeat (25%) + biochar (25%) + vermicompost (25%) + sand (15%) + perlite (10%), T9 : soil: FYM : sand (1:1:1) (Control) and T10 : cocopeat (50%) + vermicompost (20%) + perlite (15%) + vermiculite (15%). Popular herbaceous foliage plant Aglaonema commutatum var. ‘silver frost’ was used for the study. Significant improvement in growth parameters viz., plant height and plant spread was observed in all soil based media (T1, T2, T3 and T9) as well as in two cocopeat based media (T4 and T5) during the study period. However, the treatment T10 [cocopeat (50%) + vermicompost (20%) + perlite (15%) + vermiculite (15%)] was found to satisfy the height (48.89 cm) and plant spread (50.78cm) as per the recommended grades and standards for potted aglaonema (FMA and FNGA, 1994). Even though significant improvement with respect to number of leaves was observed in various treatments during the period of experiment, T10 was found to have consistent performance confirming to the standards of potted plants. The treatments T4, T5 and T6 which were cocopeat based treatments showed more leaf width throughout the period of observation (7.89-7.29 cm). Composition of growing media significantly influenced the leaf area. T1, T7, T10 and T4 were found to have maximum leaf area (8091.26 - 8982.67 cm2) at the end of experiment. As the foliage enhances the beauty of potted plants, production of leaves at frequent intervals is a desirable character. In the present study, minimum interval for the production of successive leaves was observed in treatments T4, T10, T9, T5 and T3, whereas T8 was found to have more time interval between the production of leaves. Early emergence of first sucker (94.79 days) was observed in T8 [cocopeat (25%) + biochar (25%)+ vermicompost (25%)+ sand (15%) + perlite (10%)], whereas T2 [soil (75%)+ vermicompost (15%) + sand (10%)] took more time for emergence of first sucker (155.33 days). Number of suckers decides the fullness of the pot at the base and the medium composed of cocopeat (50%), vermicompost (20%), perlite (15%) and vermiculite (15%) (T10) was superior with regard to this parameter (6.10). The lowest shoot length will provide a compact appearance to the potted plants. The treatments T8 [cocopeat (25%), biochar (25%), vermicompost (25%), sand (15%) and perlite (10%)], T10 [cocopeat (50%)+ vermicompost (20%)+ perlite (15%)+ vermiculite (15%)], T7 [cocopeat (50%)+ biochar (25%)+ vermicompost (15%)+ sand (10%)] and T6 [cocopeat (50%)+ rice husk (25%)+ vermicompost (15%)+ sand (10%)] showed lowest shoot length. Fresh weight of leaves is an indication of quality of foliage and this parameter was found to be highest in media T1, T9, T4, T8 and T10. T5 was superior with regard to dry weight of leaves. With regard to root parameters, T4 and T5 were superior in terms of fresh weight of roots. Number of lateral roots was observed to be highest in T9, T1, T5, T4 and T2. Even though improvement in growth characters and root parameters was observed due to various treatments, potted ornamental foliage plants should satisfy certain quality criteria for export purpose. As per the recommended grades and standards for potted aglaonema for export, it should possess height and spread within the range of 40.64 cm to 50.80 cm and there should be 6-12 suckers per pot. The medium should be light in weight and it should have more water holding capacity so as to avoid irrigation at frequent intervals. In the present study, the medium composed of cocopeat (50%), vermicompost (20%), 6perlite (15%), vermiculite (15%) (T10) was found to possess all these characteristics and also it was superior with respect to number of leaves as well as number of suckers, which are the desirable characters for potted foliage plants for interiorscaping. In addition to this, the medium was found to have high porosity, low bulk density and high water holding capacity which helps to reduce irrigation requirement of potted plants. Hence this medium can be recommended as a medium for export purpose of potted ornamental foliage plants.
Open Access
Effect of time of planting and growth regulators on flowering and vase life of Gerbera jamesonii
(Department of Pomology and floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture,Vellanikara, 1993) Suma, P; KAU; Lila Mathew, K
Studies were carried out in the Department of pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, during 1991 – 93 to examine the effect of time of planting and growth regulators on flowering and vase life of gerbera. Four varieties, namely , Eoliet, Presley, Pritty and Sunbird and five treatments, viz., GA 50 ppm, GA 100 ppm, CCC 500 ppm, CCC 750 ppm and control, were tried. Varieties were found to have significant influence on both vegetative as well as the floral characters whereas the treatments did not have any significant effect on vegetative characters of the Gerbera cultivars in general, when evaluated in the first season. In the second season both varietal and treatment effects were not consistent. Variety Presley was found to be early flowering while Eoliet was late flowering. GA 50 ppm and GA 100 ppm hastened flowering whereas CCC 500 ppm and CCC 750 ppm delayed it. In general the longevity of flowers was maximum in varieties Eoliet and Sunbird. Variety Presley had the least longevity. Among the treatments, CCC 750 ppm and GA 50 ppm increased the longevity of flowers in field. Maximum number of blooms was produce by Presley and the minimum by Eoliet. In general GA 100 ppm and CCC 750 ppm increased the number of blooms. In general CCC 750 ppm, GA 50 ppm and GA 100 ppm had a significant positive influence on flower diameter. In general variety sunbird had the maximum stalk length and diameter, while Pritty produced the shorest stalks. CCC 500 ppm and CCC 750 ppm had the best effect on stalk length. Vase life was found to be significantly increased by GA 100 ppm and CCC 750 ppm treatments given to the plants. Five per cent sucrose + 20 ppm AgNO3 significantly increased the longevity of flowers in vase. Planting in June was found to be better than October planting with respect to vegetative as well as floral characters, especially for number of flowers and flower diameter. Among the varieties, with respect to growth and number of flowers, Presley was found to be superior. In the correlation studies flower number was found to have positive and highly significant correlation with plant height and leaf area whereas flower diameter had significant negative correlation with leaf area and stalk length. Petiole length, stalk diameter and leaf number had positive correlation with this character. Vase life had significantly positive correlation with fresh weight of flowers.
Open Access
Response of Gladiolus to Rapid Cloning Through in Vitro Techniques
(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1995) Sakkeer Hussain, C T; KAU; Geetha, C K
Investigations were carried out to study the response of gladiolus to rapid cloning through in vitro techniques at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture and Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of All India Co-ordinated Floriculture Improvement Project, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 1992-94. The main objective was to identify the most suitable explant and media combination for in vitro cloning. The explants used were corm axillary buds, cormel tips, inflorescence nodal segments (for enhanced release of axillary buds), inflorescence internodal segments, flower buds, flower bud bracts, root segments (for somatic organogenesis) and leaf segments (for somatic embryogenesis). The best season for the collection of corm axillary buds and cormel tips was from September to May. Surface sterilization of the explants could be effectively done with 0.1 or o.2 per cent mercuric chloride and the duration of treatment varied from I to25 minutes. Culture establishment of the corm axillary bud, cormel tip explants were better in MS medium supplemented with BAP ranging from 1.0 mg 1 -1 to 4.0 mg 1-1. The concentration of BAP required varied according to the stage of development of corms and cormels. Higher levels of BAP was ideal during early stages of development of corm and cormels. Of the different media (White’s, SH and MS) tried, MS medium was found to be the best culture establishment (Stage 1) when supplemented with 3.0 mg 1-1 BAP. Elongated shoots of Stage I were subjected to shoot proliferation (Stage 2). Multiple axillary bud production was very high when the MS medium was supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg 1-1 and NAA 0.5 mg 1-1 or BAP 2.0 mg 1-1 and NAA 0.5 mg 1-1. Callus production from the base of the elongated shoots were observed when the concentration of NAA increased in the medium. Of the different cytokinins (BAP, kinetin and 2ip) tried, BAP was found to be the best in Stage 2. Frequent subculturing onto the MS medium containing BAP 2.0 mg 1-1 and NAA 0.5 mg 1-1 increased the production of multiple axillary buds. These when transferred to the MS medium devoid of growth regulators resulted in elongation of shoots. The elongated shoots produced maximum number of roots in the MS medium containing 1.0 mg 1-1 IBA under the exclusion of light. However, early rooting was obtained in MS liquid medium devoid of growth regulators. Plantlet survival was maximum when treated with 0.2 per cent Bavistin immediately after removing from the culture vessels, followed by treatment with 0.2 per cent mancozeb and norfloxacin at the time of transplanting and post planting treatment with 1/10 MS solution and drenching with triadimefon 20.0 mg 1-1 at three days interval inside improvised mist chamber. Direct organogenesis could be obtained from immature inflorescence segments in modified MS medium supplemented with 15.0 mg 1-1 NAA and 3.0 mg 1-1 BAP. Among the various explants tried for callus mediated organogenesis, callus index was the maximum (400) when immature inflorescence segments were inoculated to the modified MS medium supplemented with NAA 15.0 mg 1-1 in 16 h photoperiod and also in the medium supplemented with 15.0 mg 1-1 NAA + 2.0 mg 1-1 BAP and kept under exclusion of light. The callus derived from inflorescence segments differentiated into shoots in the MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg 1-1 BAP and also in the medium supplemented with 1.0 mg 1-1 BAP and 0.5 mg 1-1 NAA. Callus also could be obtained from flower buds and flower bud bracts. The callus derived from the corm axillary buds and cormel tip explants in Stage 2, differentiated in the basal MS medium devoid of growth regulators or supplemented with 20.0 ml 1-1 coconut water and also in the medium with 0.5 mg 1-1 BAP. The root segments (both in vitro and in vivo) produced callus in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg 1-1 NAA and the differentiation was obtained in the medium containing 3.0 mg 1-1 BAP an 1.0mg 1-1 NAA. Leaf segments failed to develop callus. However, the explants collected from the leaf covering the inflorescence boot leaf) when cultured in modified MS medium supplemented with 15.0 mg 1-1 NAA and 1.0 mg 1-1 BAP and incubated under darkness for three months developed somatic embryos. In vitro corm production was noticed in the cultures, if planting out was delayed. Earliest and large sized corm induction was made possible in elongated shoots of gladiolus from Stage 2 in Ms medium containing 5.0 per cent sucrose, 0.5 mg 1-1 NAA and 5.0 mg 1-1 triadimefon kept under etiolated condition. The size of the in vitro produced corms enlarged from 0.2 cm to 2.3 cm in the MS liquid medium containing 5.0 per cent sucrose and 3.0 mg 1-1 triadimefon.
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.

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