Evaluation of Alstroemeria varieties for cut flower production

Abstract

Seven cultivars of Alstroemeria were evaluated under open condition at horticultural research station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Yercaud. Seven cultivars namely viz., Riana, Serena, Pink Panther, Tiara, Capri, Aladdin and Piantum with uniform sized rhizomes were planted at a spacing of 60 x 60 cm. Among the seven cultivars evaluated Aladdin exhibited the highest plant height (87.23 cm), rachis length (43.09 cm) and leaves per shoot (46.00), whereas number of flowers per stalk was high in Tiara (8.34) followed by Aladdin (8.11). Pink panther recorded maximum number of shoots per clump (39.9) and flower diameter (6.28). Tiara and Aladdin were found promising and suitable as cut flowers due to its long ranchis length and appealing bright colour. With respect to post harvest characters, Aladdin recorded maximum vase life in water (6.43 d) and longevity in plant (5.43 d).