A novel method for survival of rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) mother plants under extreme climatic conditions

Abstract

Rose Scented Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) can be a profitable crop for the farmers of northern Indian plains. But, the commercialization of the crop is facing 100% mother plants mortality in extreme climatic conditions during the rainy season and non-economic saving under Air Conditioned glass house. Hence, four-year experiment (2013–2016) was carried out for the development of economically viable technology to save the propagules. Results revealed that geranium propagules could be savedup to 95% during monsoon period by employing cost-effective field practice, i.e.,optimization of time of propagule development under open condition (middle of March). Growing soil medium (sandy clay loam) and shifting them in specially designed shed before the onset of monsoon (Polythene + green net shed), whereas under air condistioned (AC) glass house survival was only up to 85%.Plants were healthier in the shed as compared to AC glass house. They provided more cutting when grown in particular shed.The number of mother plants required for one-hectare commercial plantation reduced in the range of 63.64%–85.19% and area required for developing them reduced in the range of 63.63%to45.98% for the planting between November to February in the newly developed method as compared with AC glass house. It will reduce the cost of the one-hectare commercial plantation from 98.42% to 97.11%. Also cost per propagule was reduced from 0.48 $ plant−1 in AC glass house to 0.025$ plant−1 in field method having shed of transparent polythene + green net. The method used here could be beneficial for the farmers as it generates more planting material without any electricity requirement.