Varietal evaluation of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions of Prayagraj

Abstract

An experiment entitled Varietal evaluation of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) under naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions of Prayagraj was conducted during December, 2018 – April, 2019 in Horticulture Research Field of Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj with respect to vegetative, qualitative, yield and economic parameters. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight varieties replicated thrice. The varieties used were Krakatoa, Kino, Loris, Hillary, Madame Colette, Kitaro, Davinci and Cinderella. The results revealed that variety Davinci recorded maximum plant height (73.59 cm), number of shoots per plant (7.44), number of internodes (15.443), internodal length (6.153cm), stalk length (66.1cm), earliness (89 days), number of cut flower stalks per plant (7.55), number of cut flower stalks per square meter (181.2) and benefit cost ratio of 3.73. Variety Hillary (174.99) was recorded with maximum number of leaves, maximum flower length (5.4cm), and maximum flower diameter (6.27cm). Maximum bud length (3.17cm), maximum bud diameter (2.23cm), flower stalk girth (21.33) and maximum vase life (10.67) were recorded in the variety Cinderella. Minimum days taken to bud opening (FBI to paint brush stage) was recorded in the variety Kino (15.67). Thus, among the varieties studied, variety Davinci is more suitable for commercial cultivation under naturally ventilated polyhouse in Prayagraj agro climatic conditions.