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Subject: Floriculture and Landscaping ×

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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of soilless medium and foliar nutrients for potted ornamental foliage plants
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Chaitra, K; KAU; Mini Sankar
    The study entitled “Standardization of soilless medium and foliar nutrients for potted ornamental foliage plants” was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture at the College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during 2020-21. The objective of the study was to standardize soilless medium and foliar nutrients for potted ornamental foliage plants and to work out the economics. Growing media combinations comprised of cocopeat, coco chips, vermicompost, neem cake, perlite and vermiculite in different proportions and foliar nutrients like NPK-19:19:19 and seaweed extract were evaluated to standardize the ideal potting medium and foliar nutrients for raising potted foliage plants. The experiment was laid out in CRD (factorial) with 5 different growing media viz., M1: cocopeat (50%) + vermicompost (30%) + perlite (10%) + vermiculite (10%), M2: cocopeat (50%) + vermicompost (20%) + neem cake (10%) + perlite (10%) +vermiculite (10%), M3: coco chips (50%) + vermicompost (30%) + Perlite (10%) + Vermiculite (10%), M4: coco chips (50%) + vermicompost (20%) + neem cake (10%) + perlite (10%) + vermiculite (10%) and M5: cocopeat (60%) + vermicompost (20%) + perlite (20%) and 2 different foliar nutrients viz., N1 : NPK-19:19:19 at 2 g/L and N2: seaweed extract (IFFCO-Sagarika) at 10ml/L with 10 treatment combinations viz., T1: M1 x N1, T2: M2 x N1, T3: M3 x N1, T4: M4 x N1, T5: M5 x N1, T6: M1 x N2, T7: M2 x N2, T8: M3 x N2, T9: M4 x N2, T10: M5 x N2 each with three replications. Popular ornamental foliage plant Philodendron xanadu was used in the experiment. Vegetative characters are important parameters for potted ornamental foliage plants as they decide the attractiveness and presentability. There was a significant variation with respect to all vegetative parameters due to growing media. M2 and M4 were on par and statistically superior with respect to plant height, plant spread, leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, leaf longevity, leaf production interval, leaf area, shoot girth, shoot length, fresh and dry weights of the leaves. In general, it could be observed that plants grown in M2 and M4 had all quality criteria for potted ornamental foliage plants. Root parameters determine the nutrient uptake, translocation and growth of the plants. During the experiment, significant influence of growing media was observed only on root length, no. of laterals and root volume. Greatest no. of lateral roots as well as longest roots were observed in M2 and M4, whereas maximum root volume was noticed in M1 and M4. With respect to fresh and dry weights of the roots, no significant difference was noticed due to the growing media. The physicochemical properties of the media are important with respect to plants growth as they determine the growth of the root system and availability of nutrients. Medium M4 had low bulk density and highest porosity which are desirable for growth of roots while medium M5 was found to have highest water holding capacity. pH and EC of all the growing media were within the optimal range. Media M2 and M4 were observed to be promising with respect to plant nutrient content as well as plant nutrient uptake and total chlorophyll content. During the experiment, both NPK19:19:19 and seaweed extract were applied as a foliar spray at fortnightly intervals. Application of foliar nutrients were found to be nonsignificant with respect to vegetative parameters viz., plant spread, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, leaf longevity, leaf production interval, leaf area, shoot girth, shoot length, fresh and dry weights of the leaves and root parameters viz., fresh and dry weights of the roots, no. of lateral roots and root volume. However foliar nutrients were found to have a significant impact on plant height and root length. Application of N1 recorded the greatest plant height whereas application of N2 was found to have the greatest root length. Application of foliar nutrients had significant influence only with respect to nitrogen content and highest nitrogen content was observed with application of N1 Growing media M4 and M2 performed well with respect to vegetative parameters, root parameters, physico-chemical properties of the media. Compact growth of plants and weightless growing media are desirable for interior scaping. Plants grown in M4 and M2 were found to have compact growth. These media were light in weight and cost was found less. Efficacy of both nutrient formulations were found to be the same and it may be concluded that use of N2 is beneficial as seaweed extract is organic fertilizer which contains sufficient amount of nutrients and growth promoting hormones. Hence the media M4 as well as M2 in combination with N2 (seaweed extract) can be recommended for compact growth of potted ornamental foliage plants for interior scaping.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Assessment of diversity in native orchids
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Shuhda Nalakath, Nalakath; KAU; Anupama, T V
    A study entitled ‘Assessment of diversity in native orchids’ was conducted in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, from July 2019 to June 2020. The objective of the study was to assess the diversity among the native orchid accessions by evaluating their morphological characters. The morphological characters of twenty three native orchid accessions conserved under the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping were studied. Based on the growth habit, five accessions were classified as monopodial orchids and 18 accessions were classified as sympodial orchids. The accessions viz; Acampe praemorsa, Aerides crispa, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda thwaitesii and Luisia sp. were grouped under monopodials, and the accessions belonging to genera viz; Dendrobium, Eria, Pholidota, Bulbophyllum, Flickingeria, Coelogyne, Cymbidium and Oberonia were grouped under sympodials. The quantitative vegetative characters varied significantly among the accessions. Among the monopodial accessions, Acampe praemorsa (VKA/NOR-3) recorded maximum plant height (43.36 cm), internodal length (2.40 cm), leaf length (23.94 cm), leaf width (2.76 cm) and leaf sheath length (3.60 cm). In sympodial orchid accessions, plant height recorded was highest for Dendrobium moschatum (VKA/NOR-37) (75.20 cm). The highest plant spread was observed in Luisia sp. (VKA/NOR-7) (1571.28 sq.cm) among monopodials, whereas Dendrobium crumenatum (VKA/NOR-34) (3979.22 sq.cm) was superior in terms of this parameter among the sympodials. These two species also recorded maximum number of leaves compared to other accessions (89.20 and 95.80). Among sympodials, Cymbidium accessions were observed to be superior in terms of the parameter leaf length, and maximum leaf length was recorded in Cymbidium ensifolium (VKA/NOR- 43) (43.50 cm). Variability was also noted among the accessions with regard to qualitative vegetative characters viz; leaf shape, leaf orientation, leaf arrangement and root colour. Nine native orchid accessions bloomed during the study period were evaluated for their floral characters. Among them Dendrobium crumenatum (VKA/NOR-34) exhibited three flowering seasons (April-May, October, Dec-Jan). The accessionPholidota imbricata (VKA/NOR-29) recorded highest spike length as well as rachis length (49.66 cm and 23.50 cm). The number of florets per spike recorded was maximum in Rhynchostylis retusa (VKA/NOR-4) (99.33). Largest showy flower among the accessions was observed in Dendrobium moschatum (VKA/NOR-37) with maximum flower size of 54.37 sq.cm, highest petal length (3.98 cm), petal width (2.94 cm), petal to petal distance (6.89 cm), length of dorsal sepal (3.49 cm), width of dorsal sepal (1.63 cm), and length of lateral sepal (3.01 cm). Lip (labellum) is the most attractive feature of an orchid flower and is found to have variations. The accession Dendrobium crumenatum (VKA/NOR-34) (2.75 cm) was found to have maximum lip (labellum) length and Dendrobium moschatum (VKA/NOR-37) (2.28 cm) was found to have maximum lip (labellum) width. The longevity of spike on plant recorded was maximum for Dendrobium ovatum (VKA/NOR-60) (12.00 days), and the longevity of florets on spike recorded was maximum in Acampe praemorsa (VKA/NOR-3) (19.00 days). The pollen viability (%) was found to be more than 90 percentage for all the accessions flowered and it was noted maximum for Rhynchostylis retusa (VKA/NOR- 4) (98.27 percentage). Cluster analysis at 75 percentage similarity among the accessions done based on their quantitative characters resulted in different clusters containing accessions with similar morphological traits. Among sympodials most of the accessions were grouped under Cluster A with common characters for plant spread as well as leaf width. With respect to quantitative floral characters most of the accessions were grouped under Cluster A and they showed similarity for characters such as number of spikes, flower size, petal length and width, petal to petal distance, dorsal sepal to lip distance, length and width of lateral sepal and dorsal sepal, and also length and width of lip and column. Wide variation was observed in spike orientation, petal shape, petal curvature and lip shape. The accessions were also noted for the presence of flower fragrance, and it was recorded in Dendrobium crumenatum (VKA/NOR-34), Dendrobium fimbriatum (VKA/NOR-27), Dendrobium moschatum (VKA/NOR-37), Acampe praemorsa (VKA/NOR-3), Rhynchostylis retusa (VKA/NOR-4) and Eria fragrans (VKA/NOR- 25). The floral parts of the accessions also exhibited different sepal, petal, lip and column colouration.Based on morphological evaluation, superior accessions were identified for commercial traits and accordingly they were grouped as pot plant types (VKA/NOR-4, VKA/NOR-39, VKA/NOR-29), fragrant flowered types (VKA/NOR-27, VKA/NOR- 34, VKA/NOR-37, VKA/NOR-4, VKA/NOR-3) accessions with long spike (VKA/NOR-4, VKA/NOR-29), greater number of florets (VKA/NOR-4, VKA/NOR- 29) and highest longevity (VKA/NOR-29, VKA/NOR-3). Diversity assessment using cluster analysis has revealed the variability as well as similarity existed among native orchid accessions on the basis of their morphological characters. The findings are highly useful for identification of superior accessions which can be utilized for crop improvement programmes and also for commercial floriculture.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Induction of off-season flowering in Jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.)
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Sandra, Santhosh; KAU; Anupama, T V
    Jasminum sambac L. is an important commercial loose flower crop cultivated for fresh flowers and for concrete extraction. Due to seasonal flowering nature of jasmine glut during the peak season and scarcity of flowers during off-season is usually observed, which creates fluctuations in the price of the crop. So regulation of flower production according to market needs is very essential in jasmine. It is in this respect that the possibility of using the combination of pruning with plant growth regulators for regulation of flowering in jasmine assumes significance. The study entitled “Induction of off-season flowering in jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.)” was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture at the College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during 2020-21. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of growth regulators and pruning on induction of off-season flowering in jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.). The experiment was laid out in RBD (with two factors) in two replications. Pruning is done during three different time of the year viz. during last week of September (P1), last week of October (P2) and last week of November (P3); along with the applications of growth regulators in two levels viz. cycocel (1000 ppm, 1500 ppm), paclobutrazol (200 ppm, 300 ppm), mepiquat chloride (150 ppm, 300 ppm) and GA3 (100 ppm, 150 ppm). Growth parameters such as plant height, plant spread, number of primary branches and number of secondary branches, physiological characters such as specific leaf area, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content of leaves; flowering and yield parameters like number of flowers buds per cyme, number of cymes per plant, number of flower buds per plant, weight of hundred flower buds, flower yield per plant, length of flower bud, width of flower bud, corolla tube length, corolla tube girth, flower yield per plant during offseason and peak season were observed. Pruning have a significant influence on growth and flowering of jasmine. There was a significant variation with respect to vegetative parameters viz. plant height and plant spread. Pruning during last week of September (P1) was superior in terms of vegetative parameters such as plant height and plant spread throughout the period of study. During June 21, plants pruned during last week of October (P2) were found to be on par with plants pruned during last week of September (P1) in terms of plant height. Influence of pruning on plant spread was only significant during the months of February and March, plants pruned during last week of September (P1) were found to be on par with plants pruned during last week of October (P2). There was no significant influence noticed on physiological parameters when pruning was done at three different time periods. Days to first flower bud initiation was found to be less in plants (17.96) pruned during last week of November (P3). The number of buds per plant was significantly higher in plants pruned during last week of November (P3) during February, March and April months of observation (226.92, 297.67 and 260.31 respectively). The number of buds per plant was found to be on par in plants pruned during last week of September (P1) and plants pruned during last week of November (P3) during the month of February. Plants pruned during last week of September (P1) and plants pruned during last week of November (P3) were on par in terms of flower yield during the month of January (42.79 g and 48.93 g respectively); plants pruned during last week of November (P3) was superior in the months of March and April. During offseason significant yield was found in plants pruned during last week of September (P1) whereas during peak season pruning during last week of November (P3) gave superior results (328.01 g and 116. 13 g respectively). Influence of growth regulators was studied and found significant effect with respect to plant height and number of secondary branches. The treatments G1 (cycocel 1000 ppm), G3 (paclobutrazol 200 ppm), G4 (paclobutrazol 300 ppm), G7 (GA3 100 ppm), G8 (GA3 150 ppm) and G9 (untreated plants) were found to be on par in terms of this parameter. Specific leaf area was significantly higher in untreated plants (G9) (198.86 cm2 / g) whereas chlorophyll content was significant among the treatments G3 (paclobutrazol 200 ppm) and G4 (paclobutrazol 300 ppm)(1.285 mg/ g and 1.273 mg/ g). Days to bud initiation was significantly varied and G1 (cycocel 1000 ppm) and plants treated with G4 (paclobutrazol 300 ppm) were on par (11.01 and 9.01 days respectively). Plants treated with G1 (cycocel 1000 ppm) and G3 (paclobutrazol 200 ppm) were found to be significantly superior in terms of number of cymes per plant (78.79 and 76.30 respectively) and number of buds per plant (324.77 and 283.34 respectively). Weight of 100 flowers was significantly higher in plants treated with G7 (GA3 100 ppm) in January (26.26 g), February (26.16 g) and March (26.33 g) and G8 (GA3 150 ppm) in January (26.38 g), March (26.33 g) and April (26.72 g). In terms of corolla tube length treatment with G1 (cycocel 1000 ppm), G2 (cycocel 1500 ppm), G3 (paclobutrazol 200 ppm), and G8 (GA3 150 ppm) had a positive influence and were on par. Even though no significance was noticed in other quality parameters the application of growth retardants had a positive influence on quality parameters compared to control. In relation to effect of growth regulators on yield parameters, significant effect was noticed for total flower yield, yield during offseason and yield during peak season. G1 (cycocel at 1000 ppm) (56. 55, 59.54, 53.5 and 55.35 g), G3 (paclobutrazol at 200 ppm) (42.13, 48.31, 45.41 and 53.01 g) and G7 (GA3 at 100 ppm) (41.103, 46.5, 51. 66 and 47.3 g) were on par from January to April in terms of total yield per plant. During offseason G1 (cycocel 1000 ppm), G3 (paclobutrazol 200 ppm) and G7 (GA3 100 ppm) gave the superior result (335.42, 320.43 and 292.07 g respectively) whereas during peak season in G1 (cycocel 1000 ppm), G3 (paclobutrazol 200 ppm) and G4 (paclobutrazol 300 ppm) (108.85, 98.41 and 98.96 respectively) were found to exhibit significant yield. Considering the interaction effect of time of pruning and application of growth regulators, parameters like days to bud initiation, number of cymes per plant, number of buds per plant, corolla tube length, total flower yield per plant and flower yield during offseason and peak season showed a significant influence. Treatments P1 x G3 (pruning during last week of September + drenching of paclobutrazol at 200 ppm), P1 x G4 (Pruning during last week of September + drenching of paclobutrazol 300 ppm), P2 x G1 (pruning during last week of October + spraying of cycocel at 1000 ppm), P2 x G2 (Pruning during last week of October + cycocel at 1500 ppm), P2 x G3 (pruning during last week of October + paclobutrazol 200 ppm), P2 x G4 (Pruning during last week of October + paclobutrazol at 300 ppm), P3 x G3 (Pruning during last week of November + paclobutrazol 200 ppm) and P3 x G4 (Pruning during last week of November + paclobutrazol at 300 ppm) were found to be on par (8.66, 11.38, 13.5, 12.16, 8.33, 10.16, 10.16 and 11.5 days respectively) in terms of number of days taken for flower bud initiation. Interaction effect on total flower yield showed that P1 x G1 (pruning during the last week of September + cycocel at 1000 ppm) (77.66 g), P1 x G3 (pruning during the last week of September + paclobutrazol at 200 ppm) (61.95 g), P3 x G7 (pruning during the last week of November + GA3 at 100 ppm) (74.29 g) and P3 x G8 (pruning during the last week of November + GA3 at 150 ppm) (82.50 g) gave the significant result. In terms of yield during offseason interaction effect of P1 x G1 (pruning during the last week of September + cycocel at 1000 ppm) gave a higher yield (572. 57 g) when compared with other treatment combinations. P3 x G8 (pruning during the last week of November + GA3 at 100 ppm) (162.57 g) and P3 x G7 (pruning during the last week of November + GA3 at 150 ppm) (160. 54 g) were found to be on par during peak season. Considering the overall effect in induction of offseason flowering in jasmine, combination of pruning during last week of September along with the application of cycocel (1000 ppm) or paclobutrazol (200 ppm) gave the best result.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Assessment of diversity in native orchids
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Shuhda, Nalakath; KAU; Anupama, T V
    A study entitled ‘Assessment of diversity in native orchids’ was conducted in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, from July 2019 to June 2020. The objective of the study was to assess the diversity among the native orchid accessions by evaluating their morphological characters. The morphological characters of twenty three native orchid accessions conserved under the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping were studied. Based on the growth habit, five accessions were classified as monopodial orchids and 18 accessions were classified as sympodial orchids. The accessions viz; Acampe praemorsa, Aerides crispa, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda thwaitesii and Luisia sp. were grouped under monopodials, and the accessions belonging to genera viz; Dendrobium, Eria, Pholidota, Bulbophyllum, Flickingeria, Coelogyne, Cymbidium and Oberonia were grouped under sympodials. The quantitative vegetative characters varied significantly among the accessions. Among the monopodial accessions, Acampe praemorsa (VKA/NOR-3) recorded maximum plant height (43.36 cm), internodal length (2.40 cm), leaf length (23.94 cm), leaf width (2.76 cm) and leaf sheath length (3.60 cm). In sympodial orchid accessions, plant height recorded was highest for Dendrobium moschatum (VKA/NOR-37) (75.20 cm). The highest plant spread was observed in Luisia sp. (VKA/NOR-7) (1571.28 sq.cm) among monopodials, whereas Dendrobium crumenatum (VKA/NOR-34) (3979.22 sq.cm) was superior in terms of this parameter among the sympodials. These two species also recorded maximum number of leaves compared to other accessions (89.20 and 95.80). Among sympodials, Cymbidium accessions were observed to be superior in terms of the parameter leaf length, and maximum leaf length was recorded in Cymbidium ensifolium (VKA/NOR- 43) (43.50 cm). Variability was also noted among the accessions with regard to qualitative vegetative characters viz; leaf shape, leaf orientation, leaf arrangement and root colour. Nine native orchid accessions bloomed during the study period were evaluated for their floral characters. Among them Dendrobium crumenatum (VKA/NOR-34) exhibited three flowering seasons (April-May, October, Dec-Jan). The accessionPholidota imbricata (VKA/NOR-29) recorded highest spike length as well as rachis length (49.66 cm and 23.50 cm). The number of florets per spike recorded was maximum in Rhynchostylis retusa (VKA/NOR-4) (99.33). Largest showy flower among the accessions was observed in Dendrobium moschatum (VKA/NOR-37) with maximum flower size of 54.37 sq.cm, highest petal length (3.98 cm), petal width (2.94 cm), petal to petal distance (6.89 cm), length of dorsal sepal (3.49 cm), width of dorsal sepal (1.63 cm), and length of lateral sepal (3.01 cm). Lip (labellum) is the most attractive feature of an orchid flower and is found to have variations. The accession Dendrobium crumenatum (VKA/NOR-34) (2.75 cm) was found to have maximum lip (labellum) length and Dendrobium moschatum (VKA/NOR-37) (2.28 cm) was found to have maximum lip (labellum) width. The longevity of spike on plant recorded was maximum for Dendrobium ovatum (VKA/NOR-60) (12.00 days), and the longevity of florets on spike recorded was maximum in Acampe praemorsa (VKA/NOR-3) (19.00 days). The pollen viability (%) was found to be more than 90 percentage for all the accessions flowered and it was noted maximum for Rhynchostylis retusa (VKA/NOR- 4) (98.27 percentage). Cluster analysis at 75 percentage similarity among the accessions done based on their quantitative characters resulted in different clusters containing accessions with similar morphological traits. Among sympodials most of the accessions were grouped under Cluster A with common characters for plant spread as well as leaf width. With respect to quantitative floral characters most of the accessions were grouped under Cluster A and they showed similarity for characters such as number of spikes, flower size, petal length and width, petal to petal distance, dorsal sepal to lip distance, length and width of lateral sepal and dorsal sepal, and also length and width of lip and column. Wide variation was observed in spike orientation, petal shape, petal curvature and lip shape. The accessions were also noted for the presence of flower fragrance, and it was recorded in Dendrobium crumenatum (VKA/NOR-34), Dendrobium fimbriatum (VKA/NOR-27), Dendrobium moschatum (VKA/NOR-37), Acampe praemorsa (VKA/NOR-3), Rhynchostylis retusa (VKA/NOR-4) and Eria fragrans (VKA/NOR- 25). The floral parts of the accessions also exhibited different sepal, petal, lip and column colouration.Based on morphological evaluation, superior accessions were identified for commercial traits and accordingly they were grouped as pot plant types (VKA/NOR-4, VKA/NOR-39, VKA/NOR-29), fragrant flowered types (VKA/NOR-27, VKA/NOR- 34, VKA/NOR-37, VKA/NOR-4, VKA/NOR-3) accessions with long spike (VKA/NOR-4, VKA/NOR-29), greater number of florets (VKA/NOR-4, VKA/NOR- 29) and highest longevity (VKA/NOR-29, VKA/NOR-3). Diversity assessment using cluster analysis has revealed the variability as well as similarity existed among native orchid accessions on the basis of their morphological characters. The findings are highly useful for identification of superior accessions which can be utilized for crop improvement programmes and also for commercial floriculture.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of growing medium and growth retardants for compact growth of potted African marigold
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Niranjana, Gopal; KAU; Mini, Sankar
    The study entitled “ Standardization of growing medium and growth retardants for compact growth of potted African marigold” was carried out in the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during 2020-2021. The objective of the study was standardization of growing medium and growth retardants for regulating growth of potted African marigold for display purpose. The experiment consisted of five different media viz; cocopeat (60%) + vermicompost (20%) + vermiculite (10 %) + rice husk (10%) [M1], cocopeat (60%) + FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%) [M2], cocopeat (40%) + soil (20%) + vermicompost (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk(10%) [M3], cocopeat (40%) + soil (20%) + FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%) [M4] and soil: FYM: sand (1:1:1) [M5] and two growth retardants in three different levels viz; cycocel [750 ppm (GR1), 1000 ppm (GR2) and 1500 ppm (GR3)] and paclobutrazol [30 ppm (GR4), 60 ppm (GR5) and 90 ppm (GR6)] along with a control group of each media without application of growth retardants. Four week old seedling of marigold variety ‘Double Orange’ was used for the study. Observations on vegetative characters, Floral characters as well as the nutrient status of growing media were recorded. With regard to vegetative characters, growing media, growth retardants and interaction between growing media and growth retardants had significant influence. Shortest plants were observed in M1 [cocopeat (60%) + vermicompost (20%) + vermiculite (10 %) + rice husk (10%)] and among the growth retardants, paclobutrazol at 90 ppm [GR6] was found to produce short plants. The same treatment were also found superior with respect to plant spread, number of branches and number of leaves. Regarding interaction effect an improvement in all vegetative parameters was observed in M4 [cocopeat (40%) + soil (20%) +FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%)] x GR6 [paclobutrazol 90 ppm]. Significant effects of growing media could be observed in floral characters and M4 was found superior with respect to floral characters Viz; number of flowers per plant (10.14), flower diameter (4.61 cm)and field life of individual flowers (9.21 days). M2 was found superior in terms of other floral ABSTRACT characters viz; days taken for first flower bud emergence and days taken from flower bud initiation to flower opening. With respect to the influence of growth retardants on floral characters, a greater number of flowers per plant (9.50), flower diameter (4.22), flowering duration (96 days) and field life of individual flowers were observed by the application of paclobutrazol at 90 ppm. Growing medium and growth retardant interaction had significant influence on floral characters. Lowest days for first flower bud emergence and from flower bud initiation to flower opening were observed in M2 [cocopeat (60%) + FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%)] x GR1 [cycocel 750 ppm]. Number of flowers per plant was highest in M4 x GR6, M5 x GR6 and M4 x GR5 [paclobutrazol 60 ppm]. Treatment combination M4 x GR6, M5 x GR6 and M4 x GR4 [paclobutrazol 30 ppm] were superior with respect to flower diameter and field life of individual flowers. Analysis of growing media before and after the experiment for differentphysio- chemical properties revealed that M1 had the lowest bulk density (g/cm3 ) highest porosity (%) and water holding capacity (%).The chemical properties pH and EC of all the media were found in the favourable range [pH - 5.8- 6.2; EC<1.5dS/m] both before and after the experiment. Available N, P, K before and after the experiment was found highest in M4 .Plant nutrient content (NPK), Total chlorophyll content and uptake of nitrogen and potassium by plants were also found higher in M4. From the overall performance, it could be noted that the vegetative parameters viz; plant spread, number of branches and number of leaves as well as floral parameters such as number of flowers, size of flowers and field life of individual flowers were in desirable range in treatment combination M4 x GR6. Hence the medium M4 [cocopeat (40%) + soil (20%) + FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%)] along with application of paclobutrazol 90 ppm [GR6] 20 and 35 days after pinching can be recommended for compact growth of potted Africanmarigold
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Induction of off-season flowering in Jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.)
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Sandra Santhosh; KAU; Anupama, T V
    Jasminum sambac L. is an important commercial loose flower crop cultivated for fresh flowers and for concrete extraction. Due to seasonal flowering nature of jasmine glut during the peak season and scarcity of flowers during off-season is usually observed, which creates fluctuations in the price of the crop. So regulation of flower production according to market needs is very essential in jasmine. It is in this respect that the possibility of using the combination of pruning with plant growth regulators for regulation of flowering in jasmine assumes significance. The study entitled “Induction of off-season flowering in jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.)” was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture at the College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during 2020-21. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of growth regulators and pruning on induction of off-season flowering in jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.). The experiment was laid out in RBD (with two factors) in two replications. Pruning is done during three different time of the year viz. during last week of September (P1), last week of October (P2) and last week of November (P3); along with the applications of growth regulators in two levels viz. cycocel (1000 ppm, 1500 ppm), paclobutrazol (200 ppm, 300 ppm), mepiquat chloride (150 ppm, 300 ppm) and GA3 (100 ppm, 150 ppm). Growth parameters such as plant height, plant spread, number of primary branches and number of secondary branches, physiological characters such as specific leaf area, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content of leaves; flowering and yield parameters like number of flowers buds per cyme, number of cymes per plant, number of flower buds per plant, weight of hundred flower buds, flower yield per plant, length of flower bud, width of flower bud, corolla tube length, corolla tube girth, flower yield per plant during offseason and peak season were observed. Pruning have a significant influence on growth and flowering of jasmine. There was a significant variation with respect to vegetative parameters viz. plant height and plant spread. Pruning during last week of September (P1) was superior in terms of vegetative parameters such as plant height and plant spread throughout the period of study. During June 21, plants pruned during last week of October (P2) were found to be on par with plants pruned during last week of September (P1) in terms of plant height. Influence of pruning on plant spread was only significant during the months of February and March, plants pruned during last week of September (P1) were found to be on par with plants pruned during last week of October (P2). There was no significant influence noticed on physiological parameters when pruning was done at three different time periods. Days to first flower bud initiation was found to be less in plants (17.96) pruned during last week of November (P3). The number of buds per plant was significantly higher in plants pruned during last week of November (P3) during February, March and April months of observation (226.92, 297.67 and 260.31 respectively). The number of buds per plant was found to be on par in plants pruned during last week of September (P1) and plants pruned during last week of November (P3) during the month of February. Plants pruned during last week of September (P1) and plants pruned during last week of November (P3) were on par in terms of flower yield during the month of January (42.79 g and 48.93 g respectively); plants pruned during last week of November (P3) was superior in the months of March and April. During offseason significant yield was found in plants pruned during last week of September (P1) whereas during peak season pruning during last week of November (P3) gave superior results (328.01 g and 116. 13 g respectively). Influence of growth regulators was studied and found significant effect with respect to plant height and number of secondary branches. The treatments G1 (cycocel 1000 ppm), G3 (paclobutrazol 200 ppm), G4 (paclobutrazol 300 ppm), G7 (GA3 100 ppm), G8 (GA3 150 ppm) and G9 (untreated plants) were found to be on par in terms of this parameter. Specific leaf area was significantly higher in untreated plants (G9) (198.86 cm2 / g) whereas chlorophyll content was significant among the treatments G3 (paclobutrazol 200 ppm) and G4 (paclobutrazol 300 ppm)(1.285 mg/ g and 1.273 mg/ g). Days to bud initiation was significantly varied and G1 (cycocel 1000 ppm) and plants treated with G4 (paclobutrazol 300 ppm) were on par (11.01 and 9.01 days respectively). Plants treated with G1 (cycocel 1000 ppm) and G3 (paclobutrazol 200 ppm) were found to be significantly superior in terms of number of cymes per plant (78.79 and 76.30 respectively) and number of buds per plant (324.77 and 283.34 respectively). Weight of 100 flowers was significantly higher in plants treated with G7 (GA3 100 ppm) in January (26.26 g), February (26.16 g) and March (26.33 g) and G8 (GA3 150 ppm) in January (26.38 g), March (26.33 g) and April (26.72 g). In terms of corolla tube length treatment with G1 (cycocel 1000 ppm), G2 (cycocel 1500 ppm), G3 (paclobutrazol 200 ppm), and G8 (GA3 150 ppm) had a positive influence and were on par. Even though no significance was noticed in other quality parameters the application of growth retardants had a positive influence on quality parameters compared to control. In relation to effect of growth regulators on yield parameters, significant effect was noticed for total flower yield, yield during offseason and yield during peak season. G1 (cycocel at 1000 ppm) (56. 55, 59.54, 53.5 and 55.35 g), G3 (paclobutrazol at 200 ppm) (42.13, 48.31, 45.41 and 53.01 g) and G7 (GA3 at 100 ppm) (41.103, 46.5, 51. 66 and 47.3 g) were on par from January to April in terms of total yield per plant. During offseason G1 (cycocel 1000 ppm), G3 (paclobutrazol 200 ppm) and G7 (GA3 100 ppm) gave the superior result (335.42, 320.43 and 292.07 g respectively) whereas during peak season in G1 (cycocel 1000 ppm), G3 (paclobutrazol 200 ppm) and G4 (paclobutrazol 300 ppm) (108.85, 98.41 and 98.96 respectively) were found to exhibit significant yield. Considering the interaction effect of time of pruning and application of growth regulators, parameters like days to bud initiation, number of cymes per plant, number of buds per plant, corolla tube length, total flower yield per plant and flower yield during offseason and peak season showed a significant influence. Treatments P1 x G3 (pruning during last week of September + drenching of paclobutrazol at 200 ppm), P1 x G4 (Pruning during last week of September + drenching of paclobutrazol 300 ppm), P2 x G1 (pruning during last week of October + spraying of cycocel at 1000 ppm), P2 x G2 (Pruning during last week of October + cycocel at 1500 ppm), P2 x G3 (pruning during last week of October + paclobutrazol 200 ppm), P2 x G4 (Pruning during last week of October + paclobutrazol at 300 ppm), P3 x G3 (Pruning during last week of November + paclobutrazol 200 ppm) and P3 x G4 (Pruning during last week of November + paclobutrazol at 300 ppm) were found to be on par (8.66, 11.38, 13.5, 12.16, 8.33, 10.16, 10.16 and 11.5 days respectively) in terms of number of days taken for flower bud initiation. Interaction effect on total flower yield showed that P1 x G1 (pruning during the last week of September + cycocel at 1000 ppm) (77.66 g), P1 x G3 (pruning during the last week of September + paclobutrazol at 200 ppm) (61.95 g), P3 x G7 (pruning during the last week of November + GA3 at 100 ppm) (74.29 g) and P3 x G8 (pruning during the last week of November + GA3 at 150 ppm) (82.50 g) gave the significant result. In terms of yield during offseason interaction effect of P1 x G1 (pruning during the last week of September + cycocel at 1000 ppm) gave a higher yield (572. 57 g) when compared with other treatment combinations. P3 x G8 (pruning during the last week of November + GA3 at 100 ppm) (162.57 g) and P3 x G7 (pruning during the last week of November + GA3 at 150 ppm) (160. 54 g) were found to be on par during peak season. Considering the overall effect in induction of offseason flowering in jasmine, combination of pruning during last week of September along with the application of cycocel (1000 ppm) or paclobutrazol (200 ppm) gave the best result.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Assessment of diversity in native orchids
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Vellanikkara, 2021) Shuhda Nalakath; KAU; Anupama, T V
    A study entitled ‘Assessment of diversity in native orchids’ was conducted in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, from July 2019 to June 2020. The objective of the study was to assess the diversity among the native orchid accessions by evaluating their morphological characters. The morphological characters of twenty three native orchid accessions conserved under the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping were studied. Based on the growth habit, five accessions were classified as monopodial orchids and 18 accessions were classified as sympodial orchids. The accessions viz; Acampe praemorsa, Aerides crispa, Rhynchostylis retusa, Vanda thwaitesii and Luisia sp. were grouped under monopodials, and the accessions belonging to genera viz; Dendrobium, Eria, Pholidota, Bulbophyllum, Flickingeria, Coelogyne, Cymbidium and Oberonia were grouped under sympodials. The quantitative vegetative characters varied significantly among the accessions. Among the monopodial accessions, Acampe praemorsa (VKA/NOR-3) recorded maximum plant height (43.36 cm), internodal length (2.40 cm), leaf length (23.94 cm), leaf width (2.76 cm) and leaf sheath length (3.60 cm). In sympodial orchid accessions, plant height recorded was highest for Dendrobium moschatum (VKA/NOR-37) (75.20 cm). The highest plant spread was observed in Luisia sp. (VKA/NOR-7) (1571.28 sq.cm) among monopodials, whereas Dendrobium crumenatum (VKA/NOR-34) (3979.22 sq.cm) was superior in terms of this parameter among the sympodials. These two species also recorded maximum number of leaves compared to other accessions (89.20 and 95.80). Among sympodials, Cymbidium accessions were observed to be superior in terms of the parameter leaf length, and maximum leaf length was recorded in Cymbidium ensifolium (VKA/NOR- 43) (43.50 cm). Variability was also noted among the accessions with regard to qualitative vegetative characters viz; leaf shape, leaf orientation, leaf arrangement and root colour. Nine native orchid accessions bloomed during the study period were evaluated for their floral characters. Among them Dendrobium crumenatum (VKA/NOR-34) exhibited three flowering seasons (April-May, October, Dec-Jan). The accessionPholidota imbricata (VKA/NOR-29) recorded highest spike length as well as rachis length (49.66 cm and 23.50 cm). The number of florets per spike recorded was maximum in Rhynchostylis retusa (VKA/NOR-4) (99.33). Largest showy flower among the accessions was observed in Dendrobium moschatum (VKA/NOR-37) with maximum flower size of 54.37 sq.cm, highest petal length (3.98 cm), petal width (2.94 cm), petal to petal distance (6.89 cm), length of dorsal sepal (3.49 cm), width of dorsal sepal (1.63 cm), and length of lateral sepal (3.01 cm). Lip (labellum) is the most attractive feature of an orchid flower and is found to have variations. The accession Dendrobium crumenatum (VKA/NOR-34) (2.75 cm) was found to have maximum lip (labellum) length and Dendrobium moschatum (VKA/NOR-37) (2.28 cm) was found to have maximum lip (labellum) width. The longevity of spike on plant recorded was maximum for Dendrobium ovatum (VKA/NOR-60) (12.00 days), and the longevity of florets on spike recorded was maximum in Acampe praemorsa (VKA/NOR-3) (19.00 days). The pollen viability (%) was found to be more than 90 percentage for all the accessions flowered and it was noted maximum for Rhynchostylis retusa (VKA/NOR- 4) (98.27 percentage). Cluster analysis at 75 percentage similarity among the accessions done based on their quantitative characters resulted in different clusters containing accessions with similar morphological traits. Among sympodials most of the accessions were grouped under Cluster A with common characters for plant spread as well as leaf width. With respect to quantitative floral characters most of the accessions were grouped under Cluster A and they showed similarity for characters such as number of spikes, flower size, petal length and width, petal to petal distance, dorsal sepal to lip distance, length and width of lateral sepal and dorsal sepal, and also length and width of lip and column. Wide variation was observed in spike orientation, petal shape, petal curvature and lip shape. The accessions were also noted for the presence of flower fragrance, and it was recorded in Dendrobium crumenatum (VKA/NOR-34), Dendrobium fimbriatum (VKA/NOR-27), Dendrobium moschatum (VKA/NOR-37), Acampe praemorsa (VKA/NOR-3), Rhynchostylis retusa (VKA/NOR-4) and Eria fragrans (VKA/NOR- 25). The floral parts of the accessions also exhibited different sepal, petal, lip and column colouration.Based on morphological evaluation, superior accessions were identified for commercial traits and accordingly they were grouped as pot plant types (VKA/NOR-4, VKA/NOR-39, VKA/NOR-29), fragrant flowered types (VKA/NOR-27, VKA/NOR- 34, VKA/NOR-37, VKA/NOR-4, VKA/NOR-3) accessions with long spike (VKA/NOR-4, VKA/NOR-29), greater number of florets (VKA/NOR-4, VKA/NOR- 29) and highest longevity (VKA/NOR-29, VKA/NOR-3). Diversity assessment using cluster analysis has revealed the variability as well as similarity existed among native orchid accessions on the basis of their morphological characters. The findings are highly useful for identification of superior accessions which can be utilized for crop improvement programmes and also for commercial floriculture.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of growing medium and growth retardants for compact growth of potted African marigold
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Niranjana Gopal; KAU; Mini Sankar
    The study entitled “ Standardization of growing medium and growth retardants for compact growth of potted African marigold” was carried out in the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during 2020-2021. The objective of the study was standardization of growing medium and growth retardants for regulating growth of potted African marigold for display purpose. The experiment consisted of five different media viz; cocopeat (60%) + vermicompost (20%) + vermiculite (10 %) + rice husk (10%) [M1], cocopeat (60%) + FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%) [M2], cocopeat (40%) + soil (20%) + vermicompost (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk(10%) [M3], cocopeat (40%) + soil (20%) + FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%) [M4] and soil: FYM: sand (1:1:1) [M5] and two growth retardants in three different levels viz; cycocel [750 ppm (GR1), 1000 ppm (GR2) and 1500 ppm (GR3)] and paclobutrazol [30 ppm (GR4), 60 ppm (GR5) and 90 ppm (GR6)] along with a control group of each media without application of growth retardants. Four week old seedling of marigold variety ‘Double Orange’ was used for the study. Observations on vegetative characters, Floral characters as well as the nutrient status of growing media were recorded. With regard to vegetative characters, growing media, growth retardants and interaction between growing media and growth retardants had significant influence. Shortest plants were observed in M1 [cocopeat (60%) + vermicompost (20%) + vermiculite (10 %) + rice husk (10%)] and among the growth retardants, paclobutrazol at 90 ppm [GR6] was found to produce short plants. The same treatment were also found superior with respect to plant spread, number of branches and number of leaves. Regarding interaction effect an improvement in all vegetative parameters was observed in M4 [cocopeat (40%) + soil (20%) +FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%)] x GR6 [paclobutrazol 90 ppm]. Significant effects of growing media could be observed in floral characters and M4 was found superior with respect to floral characters Viz; number of flowers per plant (10.14), flower diameter (4.61 cm)and field life of individual flowers (9.21 days). M2 was found superior in terms of other floral ABSTRACT characters viz; days taken for first flower bud emergence and days taken from flower bud initiation to flower opening. With respect to the influence of growth retardants on floral characters, a greater number of flowers per plant (9.50), flower diameter (4.22), flowering duration (96 days) and field life of individual flowers were observed by the application of paclobutrazol at 90 ppm. Growing medium and growth retardant interaction had significant influence on floral characters. Lowest days for first flower bud emergence and from flower bud initiation to flower opening were observed in M2 [cocopeat (60%) + FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%)] x GR1 [cycocel 750 ppm]. Number of flowers per plant was highest in M4 x GR6, M5 x GR6 and M4 x GR5 [paclobutrazol 60 ppm]. Treatment combination M4 x GR6, M5 x GR6 and M4 x GR4 [paclobutrazol 30 ppm] were superior with respect to flower diameter and field life of individual flowers. Analysis of growing media before and after the experiment for differentphysio- chemical properties revealed that M1 had the lowest bulk density (g/cm3 ) highest porosity (%) and water holding capacity (%).The chemical properties pH and EC of all the media were found in the favourable range [pH - 5.8- 6.2; EC<1.5dS/m] both before and after the experiment. Available N, P, K before and after the experiment was found highest in M4 .Plant nutrient content (NPK), Total chlorophyll content and uptake of nitrogen and potassium by plants were also found higher in M4. From the overall performance, it could be noted that the vegetative parameters viz; plant spread, number of branches and number of leaves as well as floral parameters such as number of flowers, size of flowers and field life of individual flowers were in desirable range in treatment combination M4 x GR6. Hence the medium M4 [cocopeat (40%) + soil (20%) + FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%)] along with application of paclobutrazol 90 ppm [GR6] 20 and 35 days after pinching can be recommended for compact growth of potted Africanmarigold
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    ThesisItemOpen 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.