Field Performance of gladiolus cultivars for growth, yield and quality cut flower production under humid agro climatic conditions of Goa.

Abstract

Present investigation was carried out to study the performance of improved cultivars of gladiolus for growth, yield and quality cut flower production under agro climatic conditions of Goa. Ten cultivars of Gladiolus namely Jester yellow, Novalux yellow, Red ginger, Summer pearl, Charms glow, Coral sea, Jester gold, Arka Amar, Arka Gold and Darshan were evaluated for their adaptability and performance. The vegetative, flowering, corm and cormel characters studied showed significant differences among different cultivars. Arka Amar obtained maximum plant height, longest and broadest leaves with significantly maximum no. of leaves per plant. Results on floral characteristics showed that Arka Gold was earlier for emergence of spike (56.33 days) and was found earliest in heading. Arka Gold took minimum days (64.40 days) for opening of first pair of florets. Significantly maximum no. of spikes was recorded in Arka Amar. Longest spike was recorded in Darshan whereas Arka Gold produced shortest spike. Maximum florets per spike were produced by Darshan with maximum stalk length of the flower and floret length. Arka Amar recorded significantly higher weight of the flower spike and flower spikes remained attractive for longer time. Results on corm and cormel characteristics showed that Arka Amar produced maximum number of corms per plant, cormels per plant and gained maximum corm size and corm diameter. Cormel weight/ plant was significantly higher in Darshan. Keeping in view, the vegetative and reproductive characteristics recorded, Arka Amar and Darshan could be recommended for cut flower purpose under Goan conditions