Evaluation of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzelev.) genotypes for loose flower production under Coimbatore conditions

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to study the performance of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzelev.) genotypes for loose flower production under Coimbatore conditions during 2017-2018. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design with eighteen treatments and three replications. Significant differences were obtained among the evaluated chrysanthemum genotype for growth and flowering attributes. The maximum plant height of 41.0 cm in Shukla was observed in genotype and maximum number of branches per plant (13.6) was recorded in Mayur. Minimum days taken for first flower bud appearance of 48 days was registered by the genotypes Statesman, Jublee, Vijay Kiran and Rajat. The maximum duration of flowering (92 days) was recorded in Vijay Kiran. While maximum diameter of flower (4.8 cm) was observed in genotype Himanshu. Maximum weight of single flower was observed (1.5 g) in Sunil and maximum vase life (6days) was observed in genotype Coffee. Among all the eighteen genotypes the genotype Sunil produced maximum number of flowers per plant (81.7) followed by Mayur (62.3) which were significantly superior to the remaining genotypes. Considering the flower number per plant these two genotypes are highly suitable for loose flower production under Coimbatore conditions.