A.A. PatilMunikrishnappa P.M.2016-07-252016-07-252011http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/69712China aster is a half hardy annual commercial and ornamental flower crop grown for its flowers. The flowers of aster are used for flower arrangement, interior decoration, garland making, worshipping etc. It can be grown in herbaceous borders, flower beds, garden decoration and also as potted plant. The present investigations were conducted during rabi season of 2006–07 and 2007-08 at Hi-tech Horticulture project, Saidapur Farm, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad with the objective to evaluate suitable varieties, standardize the spacing, fertilizer levels and to assess the effect of growth regulators on growth, flowering and quality of flower production in china aster. Among the varieties, Phule Ganesh White produced bigger sized flowers (8.75 cm) having maximum weight of flowers with stalk (14.62 g) with highest flower yield (37.91 t/ha), seed yield (772.06 kg/ha) and maximum vase life (13.44 days). Varieties viz., Violet Cushion and Shashank produced more number of double flowers but their yield was comparatively lesser compared to Phule Ganesh series. The gross and net returns were highest in Phule Ganesh White followed by Phule Ganesh Purple. Studies on effect of different spacing and fertilizer levels revealed that growth, flower yield and quality was found highest with the application of higher dose of fertilizer (210:150:90 kg NPK/ha) and wider spacing (45 cm x 30 cm). This treatment combination was superior in terms of maximum gross returns, net returns and benefitcost ratio. Among growth regulators/chemicals, foliar application of cycocel at 1500 ppm recorded the highest flower yield (13.45 t/ha) flower quality in terms of weight of flowers with stalk (10.28 g) and vase life (10.99 days), gross returns, net returns and benefit-cost ratio.Thesis