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Open Access
Impact of bioagents and soil amendments on the performance of patchouli (pogostemon patchouli pellet.)
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2004) Smilu, Babu; KAU; Asha Shankar, M
An experiment entitled "Impact ofbio agents and soil amendments on the performance of patchouli" was conducted at the Department of Plantation crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2002-04 to elucidate the effect of application of bioagents, soil amendments and bioregulators on growth, yield and oil quality of patchouli. The study was also aimed at refming vegetative propagation technique to generate disease free quality planting materials. The investigations were conducted in two experiments. Results of the first experiment, " Impact of bioagents on the production of quality planting materials in the nursery "revealed that bioagents had a significant influence on the growth characters of the crop in the nursery stage wherein significant differences were observed among the treatments with respect to characters such as number of leaves, number of roots, length of roots and root volume. Root characters were markedly influenced by bioagents and bioregulators. Root length and root volume were found the highest for the treatment receiving combined application of Trichoderma and Pseudomonas fluorescens at the rate of 2 g each at the time of planting. This treatment also recorded earliest sprout emergence in 6.3 days after planting the terminalcuttings in the nursery. Terminal cuttings which were treated with IBA at the rate of 1000 ppm at the time of planting came to rooting earlier in 8 days after planting in the nursery. Root number was also recorded the highest with the same treatment. The highest leaf number in 45 days old patchouli plants was recorded in nursery with the incorporation of Trichoderma at the rate of 2 g per bag. This treatment also recorded the highest sprout length of 0.45 cm. Earliness in sprouting, length of sprout and earliness in rooting were not found influenced by bioagents in nursery experiment. Plants raised in the nursery by the combined application of Trichoderma and Pseudomonas fluorescens rated the best in the nursery were selected for main field experiment. Impact of bioagents and soil amendments on growth, yield and oil quality were studied in the main field and results obtained revealed that treatments ~----.-.- .. -- involving combined application of bioagents and soil amendments significantly influenced the growth and yield parameters of the crop plant .. Plant height was the highest with the combined application of lime, neem cake, Trichoderma and Pseudomonas fluorescens along with the application of recommended doses of FYM and NPK both in main crop and regenerated crop. Compared to control, this treatment also improved vegetative characters like number of leaves and yield attributes like fresh herb yield and fresh leaf yield both in main crop and regenerated crop. Combined application of control, lime, neem cake and Pseudomonas fluorescens along with the recommended doses of FYM and NPK recorded highest number of branches and greatest plant spread. Leaf area also was found varying significantly among treatments. Application of neem cake, Trichoderma and Pseudomonas fluorescens in addition to the recommended doses of FYM and NPK recorded the highest leaf area. Dry leaf yield recorded was also the highest with the same treatment. Oil yield and oil content in the plant were found to be significantly influenced by bioagents and soil amendments. The plants treated with a combination of neem cake + Trichoderma + Pseudomonas fluorescens along with the recommended doses of FYM and NPK recorded highest values of oil yield and oil content. Physicochemical properties of the essential oil of patchouli were analysed wherein it was, observed that specific gravity of oil between 0.940 and 0.953 and refractive index was recorded between 1.5032 and 1.5150 at 31 Qc. Gas chromatographic profile of oil samples were analysed and significant variation with respect to the application of various treatments was observed. Number of components present in the oil sample varied significantly among treatments. It is observed that when the number of peaks increases, the percentage of major components in the oil decreases. Treatments receiving neem cake along with NPK and FYM recorded maximum number of components in the oil sample. It is found that neem cake can add optimum level of nutrients to the soil at a slow and steady rate which finally resulted in the increment of oil components.
Open Access
Performance analysis of clove bean ipomoea muricata (L) jacq. genotypes
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Malsawmkimi; KAU; Salikutty, Joseph
An experiment was carried out in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during August 2007 - January 2008 to analyze the performance of different accessions of clove bean Ipomoea muricata (L.) Jacq. The major objectives of the study were to genetically catalogue the germplasm and to assess the genetic variability, divergence, heritability, genetic gain and correlation of different traits with yield. Twenty five accessions collected from different parts of Kerala were grown in randomized block design with three replications. Cataloguing of the germplasm evidenced significant differences for the characters like vine length, days to first flower production, days to first harvest, length and weight of pedicel, length of fruit, yield per plant, duration of the crop, number of harvests and contents of vitamin C, calcium and crude fibre. There was also much variability in the germplasm with regard to colour shades of vine, flower and fruit. The accession IM-14 was found to be the highest yielder (4.24kg/plant) coupled with maximum length (3.675cm), girth (4.49cm) and weight of pedicel (93.27g) and length (2.8cm), girth (6.61cm) and weight of fruits (3.27g). Maximum vine length was observed in IM-7 (414.48cm). The accession IM-15 was the second best yielder (4.13 kg/plant) with superior yield contributing characters. Among quality attributes, protein content was found to be highest in IM-21, phosphorus in IM-2 and crude fibre in IM-10 and IM-3. The iron content ranged from 0.13mg/100g to 0.19mg/100g, vitamin C ranged from 24mg/100g to 48 mg/100g and calcium content ranged from 230.67mg/100g to 209.79mg/100g. Highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were observed for weight of pedicel, yield per plant and crude fibre content. High heritability coupled with genetic gain was observed for yield per plant. The 25 accessions were grouped into six clusters and no parallelism between geographical distribution and genetic diversity was observed. Strong association was revealed between yield and length, girth and weight of pedicel and weight of fruit. Highest positive direct effect on yield was contributed by weight of individual fruits. A selection model was also formulated using characters like length, girth and weight of pedicel, length and girth of fruit, days to first flower production, vine length, protein, phosphorus, iron, ascorbic acid and crude fibre. Based on selection index accession IM-14 was identified as the best performer followed by the accessions IM-15, IM-12 and IM-11
Open Access
Evaluation of ornamental bananas and bromeliads for tropical landscapes
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Hazmin, H; KAU; Valsalakumari, P K
Performance of Bromeliads and ornamental bananas was evaluated at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from 2005-2007. The objective of study was to evaluate their suitability under different shade levels and to recommend them for tropical landscapes, interior plantscapes and explore the possibility of production of novel varieties by irradiation and hybridization. Nine Bromeliads and six ornamental bananas were selected for the study. Results of the investigation revealed that among the Bromeliads, Aechmea fasciata, Ananas bracteatus, Bromelia balansae and Dyckia brevifolia can be grown under both open and 50 per cent shade. Aechmea fasciata looked more attractive under shaded condition, but flowering was observed under open condition only. When the temperature was above 34°C, sun scorching was observed on leaves. In Ananas bracteatus the colour of the leaf was more pronounced under open condition but the number of leaves and length and breadth of leaves were more under 50 per cent shade. In Dyckia brevifolia the number of leaves and suckers produced was more under open condition. Though maroon colour was more pronounced under open condition it developed an acceptable colour under shade also. Bromelia balansae looked attractive both under 50 per cent shade and open. Ananas nanus, Billbergia pyramidalis, Cryptanthus zonatus, C.bivittatus and C. bromelioides are suited only under shade with respect to their vegetative and floral characters. In Ananas nanus and Billbergia pyramidalis, longer inflorescences were produced under shaded condition. In Billbergia pyramidalis, it was a desirable character but in Ananas nanus it leads to toppling down of the inflorescence. Performance of Cryptanthus species was better under 50 per cent and 75 per cent shade with respect to the vegetative characters and attractiveness of the plant. The plant looked attractive only under shaded condition. Under open condition sun scorching was observed. Pitcarnea flammea and Tillandsia stricta are suited for open condition than under 50 per cent shade. Pitcarnea flammea flowered only under open condition. The plant is attractive with its flowers only. In Tillandsia stricta the vegetative characters and the colour of the leaves were better under open condition. Flowering was also observed only under open condition. Performance of Bromeliads like Billbergia pyramidalis and Pitcarnea flamea under different media revealed that the growth was better in the media containing equal proportion of sand + vermicompost + cocopeat and coarse sand + sand + vermicompost + cocopeat. These media containing organic matter supplied nutrients and coarse sand provided good drainage revealed that Bromeliads responded well if grown under suitable media. It can also be grown in coconut husk, for display in hanging baskets. Under 50 per cent shade the ornamental bananas looked lanky, less robust with reduced leaf size. Ornamental bananas like Musa oranata, Musa laterita and Ensete ventricosum can better be grown in pots under open condition than under shade. Ensete ventricosum was the best suitable for growing in pots because of its paddle shaped, attractive, glossy green leaves with pink midrib. Under open condition the performance of Musa ornata, M. laterita and Ensete ventricosum were good with respect to vegetative characters. The plants looked robust and flowering was also observed in Musa ornata and M. laterita. The number of bracts and size of the male and female flowers were more for Musa ornata compared to M. laterita, but the number of male flowers was produced more in Musa laterita. M. ornata, M. laterita and Ensete ventricosum can be recommended as landscape plants under tropical areas. Under indoor condition Billbergia pyramidalis performed better compared to Pitcarnea flammea and Tillandsia stricta. It can be kept as potted foliage plant for a period of 47 days. Maximum vase life was recorded for Ananas nanus followed by Pitcarnea flammea and minimum for Billbergia pyramidalis. Musa ornata recorded a vase life of two days. Among these Ananas nanus can be used in flower arrangements, since it has substantially long vase life (19 days). With a view to explore the possibility of improvement by hybridization, pollen fertility and compatibility studies were conducted in Musa sp. The viability of pollen grains was more for Musa ornata (84.0%) compared to Musa laterita (77.0%). They were also compatible and hybrid seedlings were also produced which revealed that new varieties can be evolved and they have great potential for use as landscape plants under tropical areas. Irradiation studies were conducted in Bromeliads and Musa sp. for induction of variability. In Bromeliads, suckers of Billbergia pyramidalis subjected to gamma rays @ 25 Gy gave rise to plants with lesser height, leaf length and leaf breadth. Suckers of Tillandsia stricta did not sprout and all remained healthy. Induction of gamma rays @ 20 Gy on seeds of ornamental bananas resulted in earlier germination. The rhizomes subjected to irradiation did not sprout and all remained healthy even eight months after the treatment. Table 13b. Visual scoring of Bromeliads Sl. No. Name Characters (Score out of 10) Colour and pigmentation of leaves Symptoms of sun scroaching Overall appearance Total score 50% shade Open 50% shade Open 50% shade Open 50% shade Open 1 Aechmea fasciata 7.0 5.0 10.0 2.0 9.0 5.0 26.0 12.0 2 Ananas nanus 8.0 8.0 10.0 10.0 3.0 8.0 21.0 26.0 3 Ananas bracteatus 7.0 8.0 10.0 10.0 7.0 9.0 25.0 27.0 4 Billbergia pyramidalis 8.0 5.0 10.0 5.0 9.0 6.0 27.0 16.0 5 Bromelia balansae 9.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 7.0 7.0 26.0 26.0 6 Cryptanthus zonatus 4.0 3.0 2.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 8.0 3.0 7 Cryptanthus bivittatus 7.0 2.0 10.0 1.0 9.0 1.0 26.0 4.0 8 Cryptanthus bromelioides 7.0 2.0 10.0 1.0 9.0 1.0 26.0 4.0 9 Dyckia brevifolia 9.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 9.0 9.0 28.0 28.0 10 Pitcarnea flammea 7.0 9.0 10.0 9.0 4.0 8.0 21.0 26.0 11 Tillandsia stricta 6.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 5.0 10.0 21.0 29.0
Open Access
Physio chemical properties of jackfruit (artocarpus heterophyllus lam.) seed flour and its prospects for use in cattle feed
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Sri, Krishna G; KAU; Sheela, K B
The study on "Physio chemical properties of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) seed flour and its prospects for the use in cattle feed" was undertaken at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University for evaluating the physio chemical characters of jackfruit as well as seed and utilization of seed flour for compounded cattle feed. Significant variation existed between thirty fruit samples collected from different locations in Kerala for physical characters of fruit. The contribution of edible bulbs, rind and perigones, core and seed to the fruit were 21.3 - 29.7, 42.6- 52.3, 12.4-19.8 and 8.4-16.2 per cent respectively. The samples also differed significantly with respect to chemical constituents of seed. Total carbohydrates, crude fibre, digestible carbohydrates, total minerals and fat content were found to be in the range of 54.7 to 79.8 per cent, 1.5 to 3.9 per cent, 5l.8 to 76.4 per cent, 1.3 to 5.0 per cent and 0.2 to 1.9 per cent respectively. Seed flour stored in different packaging materials differed significantly with respect to weight loss or gain, moisture content, carbohydrate content and organoleptic qualities during storage. Seed flour stored in glass bottles, aluminium foil and polythene cover registered less weight gain, least moisture ingress and minimum variation in carbohydrate content and also had better colour and flavour retention, low caking and less insect infestation during the storage as compared to other packaging materials. Polyethylene cover was found to be the most cost effective packaging material for storage of seed flour. The product, chapatti was prepared by blending wheat flour (WF) and jackfruit seed flour (JSF) in different proportions viz., 90: 1 0, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40. Organoleptic evaluation revealed that jackfruit seed flour can be blended ; with the wheat flour up to the extent of 20 per cent without effecting of quality of chapatti with respect to colour, flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability. A feeding trial on dairy cows was conducted at University livestock farm, Mannuthy to study the feasibility of utilizing jack seed flour in the compounded cattle feed by replacing part of maize in the concentrate mixture. No significant difference in milk production and milk composition (fat percentage, total solids and solids not fat) between the animals receiving Ration 1 (20 per cent level JSF) and Ration II (40 per cent level JSF) was observed indicating that JSF can be incorporated up to 40 per cent in the feed concentrate without adversely affecting the milk production and milk quality.
Open Access
Male sterility and its utilization for crop improvement in ridge gourd Luffa acutangula (L.)Roxb.
(Department of Olericulture, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Vijeeth, C.Hegade; KAU; Predeepkumar, T
The present investigation on male sterility and its utilization for crop improvement in ridge gourd is undertaken with the objective of investigating the stability of male sterility in ridge gourd Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. and expression of male sterility on combinations with different pollen parents of diverse groups. Micropropagation was effective in maintaining the male sterile line. Standardized protocol was followed for in vitro maintenance of male sterile line. In vitro regenerated plants exhibited stable male sterility all round the flowering season. Pollen fertility found to be zero in all the male sterile plants. Cytological analysis of pollen mother cells revealed normal meiosis in form of tetrad formation and pollen degradation found to be in post meiotic stage. Fourteen ridge gourd genotypes were collected from different parts of the country and evaluated for variability with respect fourteen traits. The genotypes exhibited significant variability for the characters studied. Genotypes were grouped into five clusters based on Mahalanobis’s D2 statistics. Five pollen parents from diverse groups were selected for hybridization with the male sterile female parent. Heterosis values were estimated over mid, better and standard parents. Out of five hybrids, four were male sterile and one was partially fertile. Inheritance of male sterility and restoration of fertility is a complex mechanism and the available information on male sterility is not sufficient to explain this unique mechanism. Available result points towards the presence of partial dominant gene action in controlling male sterility. The pattern of inheritance of male sterility and restoration of fertility can only be explained by studying the F2 and back cross generations and the three way cross involving male sterile hybrids and the pollen parent which restores the fertility.
Open Access
Evaluation of aquatic plants for water gardening
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Deviprasad, B P; KAU; Sudhadevi, P K
The present investigation on the Evaluation of aquatic plants for water gardening was carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 2006 – 2008 with the objectives of evaluating the aquatic plants suitable for water gardening and standardizing the growing media for three species of water liliy, viz., Nymphaea rubra, N. alba and N. stellata. Survey was conducted across Thrissur, Kozhikode and Palakkad districts and 42 aquatic plants were collected. Evaluation of the collected aquatic plants revealed that, wide variation existed in the vegetative and floral characters. Based on their growth habit these plants were classified into deep water aquatics, shallow water aquatics, submerged or oxygenator plants, floating plants, marginal plants and bog plants. Twenty two aquatic plants suitable for water gardening at different levels were identified. Angelonia salicariaefolia, Crinum viviparum and Limnocharis flava were found suitable to be grown as bog plants. The marginal areas of the water gardens can be planted with Ipomoea aquatica and Hygroriza aristata etc. Aponogeton monostachyon, Nymphaea alba, Nymphoides indica and Nymphoides peltata are suitable for deep water areas. In shallow water areas Nelumbo nucifera can be used. Azolla pinnata, Lemna minor, Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Trapa natans could be used as free floating plants. Utricularia australis, Najas minor, Limnophila indica, Cabomba caroliniana, Ceratophyllum demersum, Elodea canadensis and Hygrophila difformis can be grown as submerged plants. They can also be used as aquarium plants. Studies on three Nymphaea spp. revealed that Nymphaea stellata was superior to the other two in all the vegetative parameters, except leaf length and leaf longevity which were higher in Nymphaea rubra. Early flowering and maximum flower production were also observed in Nymphaea stellata in which the duration from bud emergence to complete flower opening was the minimum. Length of the bud, flower size and longevity of flower were found to be the maximum in Nymphaea rubra. Among the media combinations studied, M1 [sand + clay (1:2)] was superior over others with respect to all vegetative parameters, except leaf length, which was maximum in M2 [sand + soil +clay (1:1:1)]. When the floral characters were studied it was found that M2 [sand + soil +clay (1:1:1)] was superior to the other media combinations. M3 [coir pith +soil + clay (1:1:1)] produced the maximum number of propagules. The study on the interaction effect of Nymphaea spp. and media revealed that Nymphaea rubra in M2 [sand + soil +clay (1:1:1)] recorded the maximum leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area, pedicel length, bud length and flower spread. In Nymphaea stellata, M1 [sand + clay (1:2)] recorded maximum petiole length and M2 [sand + soil +clay (1:1:1)] recorded maximum flower production. In Nymphaea rubra the time for complete unfurling of leaf and leaf longevity was maximum in M3 [coir pith +soil + clay (1:1:1)] but, the flower longevity were maximum in M4 [coir pith +clay (1:2)].
Open Access
Performance of spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.)under different shade regimes
(Department Of Plantation Crops & Spices,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2008) Appukuttan, J; KAU; Sulekha, G R
The studies on the “Performance of spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) under different shade regimes” were carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2004-2006. The objectives were to evaluate the adaptability and performance of Eryngium foetidum L. under varying levels of shade and plant population densities and also to study the feasibility of cultivating Eryngium foetidum L. under the homestead conditions of Kerala. Its use, both as a flavouring agent and herbal medicine, and also as a home remedy for various ailments point towards its inclusion as an important item in Kerala homesteads. The performance of Eryngium foetidum was studied at three levels of shade (25, 50 and 75%) and four spacings (10cm  15cm, 15cm  15cm, 20cm  15cm and 30 cm  15 cm). High Density Poly Ethylene shade nets of appropriate mesh size were used for providing the required shade levels. Observations on growth parameters, physiological characters, growth analysis, yield characters, bio-chemical analysis, storage studies etc., were taken and the benefit: cost ratio was worked out. From the experiment, it was found that the crop performed best under 75 per cent shade level in most of the characters studied. Maximum yield (1411.04 g/plot of size 120  150 cm) was recorded under 75% shade level and also at a closer spacing of 10x 15cm (1131.41 g/plot). But the interaction effect of shade and population density on total herbage yield was not significant. On analysis, no measurable quantity of volatile oil could be estimated. The highest NVEE of 0.86 per cent was obtained from the plants grown under 75 per cent shade and a spacing of 30 × 15cm. From the storage studies it was concluded that under ambient temperature the leaves could be stored for a maximum of 5.2 days and 4.8 days when grown under 50 per cent and 75 per cent shade respectively, whereas under cold storage, the leaves from 75% shade could be stored for a maximum of 109.65 days without any deterioration. Maximum benefit: cost ratios of 1.28, 1.27 and 1.21 were obtained in the treatments 75% shade and 15cm × 15 cm spacing, 75% shade and 10cm  15 cm and 75% shade and 20cm  15 cm spacing, respectively. In general, as the intensity of shade increased, performance of the crop was better. Since the highest level of shade (75%) was found to be the best for the growth and yield of Eryngium foetidum, a higher level of shade, can be studied. Further studies on intercropping Eryngium foetidum under the existing homestead farming situations and other shaded situations like coconut, rubber, oil palm and other perennial tree crops are necessary. Popularization of the crop and development of appropriate marketing strategy are necessary for making the crop more remunerative.
Open Access
Floral biology and compatibility studies in heliconia
(Department of Pomology Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Sanjeev, S J; KAU; Sheela, V L(Guide)
The present study, “ Floral biology and compatibility studies in Heliconia” was undertaken to understand the Floral biology and to analyse the compatibility reaction of the selected genotypes of heliconia which would prove to be help in further breeding and crop improvement programmes. Floral biology of fifteen heliconia genotypes and their compatibility was assessed by taking one promising variety of heliconia (Lady Di) with seed set as female parent and crossing with other fourteen selected pollen parents. Variability studies indicated high phenotypic coefficient of variation for pollen fertility (97.97 %) .The variability of genotypic coefficient was highest for anthocyanin content (86.76 %) followed by number of flowers per bract. This reveals a great extend of variability for these characters. The character anthocyanin content and number of flowers per bract recorded high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. Number of days from first to last flower opening showed significant positive phenotypic correlation with number of days from emergence to male phase and pollen size. The number of days from emergence to male phase showed positive genotypic correlation with first to last flower opening and negative correlation with days from emergence to female phase. Length of inflorescence was negatively correlated to number of days from emergence to male and female phase. Peak anthesis time was found to be between 3 and 6 a.m for all the varieties except for variety Collinsiana where anthesis was found distributed between 8 p.m and 7 a.m. No flower opening was observed for varieties Petra Orange, Pedro Ortiz, Guyana, Golden Torch and Alan Carle. Pollen fertility (89.39 %) was found to be highest for Lady Di, which was on par with Parakeet. The lowest pollen fertility was for variety Guyana (23.23%). Anthocyanin content was the highest for Lady Di (58.38 mg/ 100 g). Selfing yielded the highest percent seed set (4.56 %) for Parakeet. Seed set was obtained for variety Sassy under open pollination and selfing. Compatibility analysis where Lady Di was used as female parent and other fourteen varieties as pollen parent yielded no seed set. Very high degree of incompatibility (84.76 %) where ovary dried without any visible post pollination changes was observed in the compatibility analysis. Lotens Sun Bird (Nectarina lotenia), Stingless Bees (Melipona iridipennis syn. Trigona iridipennis) and Ants were identified to be the possible pollinators of Heliconia. The present study reveals many cross compatibility barriers in hybridisation of heliconia which should be overcome with precise physical, mechanical or chemical means as there exists a wide variability and potentiality for this crop which can be exploited for further crop improvement programmes and evolution of newer attractive varieties with highly desirable characters.
Open Access
Refinement of management practices for jasmine (jasminum sambac L) in humid tropics
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Smisha, I S; KAU; Sobhana, A
Studies were conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, to find out the effect of month of pruning and fertilisers on vegetative and floral characters of J. sambac as well as post harvest trials on extending the keeping quality of flowers. Out of different months of pruning, plants pruned in October showed maximum plant height while those pruned in July showed maximum plant spread. Number of primary and secondary branches were highest in April pruned plants which was on par with July pruned plants. There was no significant difference in the number of productive shoots. Yield was highest for January pruned plants. Hundred flower bud weight and flower bud length were also maximum for these plants. The manurial trial included organic manures, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilisers. Plant height was maximum for treatment containing Azospirillum, phosphobacteria and AMF along with NPK 120:240:240.g/plant per year in the initial months but in later months treatments containing neem cake, groundnut cake and poultry manure showed maximum plant height. Plant spread was highest in treatment containing neem cake 100g, FYM 100g and ground nut cake 100g given at monthly intervals. Productive shoots were also maximum in treatments containing neem cake, groundnut cake and poultry manure. Flower yield was also maximum in treatment containing neem cake, groundnut cake and poultry manure. This was significantly superior to all other treatments. Nutrient analysis revealed that the treatment containing chemical fertilizers had maximum amount of available nitrogen and the treatment containing organic manures had maximum amount of phosphorous in soil. Potassium content was maximum for treatment containing Azospirillum and phosphobacteria. In vegetative stage leaf nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium contents were maximum in treatment containing neem cake, ground nut cake and poultry manure. In flowering stage there was no significant difference among the treatments in the case of nitrogen. Treatment containing neem cake, ground nut cake and poultry manure showed maximum value in the case of phosphorous and potassium. Under post harvest studies packaging treatments containing polythene cover with four per cent perforation showed minimum physiological loss of weight followed by the flowers packed in polythene bag without perforation. Flower buds packed in polythene bag remained fresh up to 36 hours. In chemical treatments aluminium sulphate 25ppm delayed wilting by 42hours in both seasons. This was significantly superior to all other treatments. In chilling treatments time taken to wilt was maximum for flower buds kept at temperature of 200C followed by flower buds kept at temperature of 150C.

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