Genotypic variability in flowering, yield and economic attributes of crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis) genotypes under Konkan agroclimatic Conditions

Abstract

The present investigation, entitled “Genotypic Variability in Flowering, Yield and economic attributes of Crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis) genotypes under Konkan Agroclimatic Conditions”, was conducted during 2022-2024 at the Hi-Tech Nursery, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, with the objective of identifying suitable genotypes for commercial cultivation in the Konkan region. The study revealed significant variability among the evaluated genotypes with respect to flowering, yield, and economic attributes. Genotype G8 (Jalgaon type 2) recorded the longest rachis length (10.37 cm), while G1 (Gavhe type 1) produced the longest spike (12.57 cm). Arka Kanaka (G4) exhibited the maximum number of pickings per spike (15.05) and outperformed all other genotypes in key yield parameters, including florets per spike (71.55), weight of 100 flowers (8.57 g), flowering duration (46.04 days), and flower yield (7.93 t/ha). This superior yield performance translated into the highest gross returns (₹16.65 lakh/ha), net returns (₹11.25 lakh/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (3.08).These findings clearly demonstrate the superiority of Arka Kanaka, establishing it as the most suitable genotype for commercial cultivation of Crossandra under Konkan agroclimatic conditions. In addition, G10 (Ladghar type 1), Arka Ambara (G11), and G2 (Gavhe type 2) also showed promising results and may be considered for further evaluation and potential large-scale adoption.