Morphological characterization of crossandra [Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees.] genotypes using DUS descriptors

Abstract

Morphological characters at both vegetative and flowering stages were determined and categorized by using DUS descriptors and have clearly brought out differences among the genotypes. The parameter stem thickness was recorded maximum in PCC-1 (74.71 cm2). As regard to flower quality parameters, rachis length and peduncle length were recorded maximum in genotype Arka Shravya (12.64 and 11.63 cm, respectively). Flower diameter was noticed maximum in Arka Shreeya (4.06 cm) and corolla tube length was noticed highest in ACC-2 (2.64 cm). The genotypes Arka Shravya, ACC-2 and Crossandra nilotica were revealed spreading type of plant growth habit. The genotype Arka Shravya observed pinkish brown stem colour and inflorescence peduncle colour compared to all other genotypes were green in colour. As regard to leaf venation genotype Arka Ambara was recorded not prominent type, while other 9 genotypes were prominent. The flowers of ACC-2 and Crossandra nilotica were depicted plain petal margin. The data presented indicated that the genotypes haven’t differ significantly where parameters stem hairiness and leaf lamina margin were taken into consideration. The spikes of Arka Shravya, ACC-2 and Crossandra nilotica were witnessed loose type of flower arrangement. The study successfully demonstrated that flower petal colour was Orange red group in 6 genotypes, Orange group 24-A in Arka Kanaka, Yellow-orange group 23-B in PCC-2 and Blue-green group 123-A in Crossandra nilotica.