Abstract
Ornamental bulbous crops emergence and yield can be improved by its emergence from soil. The response of Caladium to different planting depths and dates was investigated at Ornamental Horticulture Nursery, Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar during the year 2008. Randomized Complete Block Design in a split plot arrangement was used repeated three times. Sowing dates (30th March, 15th April and 30th April) were allotted to main plots whereas planting depths (2.5 cm, 5 cm, 7.5 cm and 10 cm) were kept in sub plots. Findings revealed that Caladium tubers sown on 30th March took maximum days to sprouting (33), produced maximum number of sprouts plant-1 (2.21), gained maximum tuber size (40.88 cm3) with high tuber yield (5397 kg ha-1). On the other hand, tubers sown on 30th April took less days to sprouting (20.21), produced less number of sprouts plant-1(1.53), produced small tuber (33.28 cm3) and total tuber yields was also less (4374 kg ha-1). In case of planting depth, Caladium tubers sown at a depth of 7.5cm resulted in maximum plant height (52 cm), tuber size (41.76 cm3), and tuber yield (5288 kg ha-1) while maximum number of tubers plant-1 (1.92) was observed at a depth of 10 cm. Tubers sown in 2.5 cm depth resulted in minimum tuber yield (4538 kg ha-1) and plant height (46.56 cm). To maximize vegetative as well as tubers production of Caladium cv. Florida sweet heart, it shall be sown on 30th March with 7.5cm depth.
Highlights
Caladium (Caladium hortulanum) of Family Araceae commonly known as “Angels wing” is a colorful foliage potted plant or out door bedding plant that can be propagated through seed, tubers and tissue culture
Maximum days to sprouting (32 days) was taken by the tubers sown on 30th March, followed by the tubers planted on 15th April (25 days), whereas minimum days to sprouting (22 days) were recorded by tubers sown on 30th April (Table 1)
This pattern indicates that tubers sown at the end of April took minimum days to sprouting as temperature remained favorable for sprouting. These findings are in close conformity with the results reported by BROWN (2003), He observed that Caladium respond best to sprouting in warm condition as compared to cold
Summary
Caladium (Caladium hortulanum) of Family Araceae commonly known as “Angels wing” is a colorful foliage potted plant or out door bedding plant that can be propagated through seed, tubers and tissue culture. Seed production requires long time and results in seedling’s variability and limited only to breeding program. Caladiums are produced through tubers sown in April and harvested from November to February. Tubers are stored at 65-70 oF with preferable temperature of 70 oF at about 75% relative humidity (CONOVER and POOLE, 1973). New shoots arise from tubers and each tubers may have 1-5 large prominent and numerous small eyes (HARBAUGH et al, 1979). Caladium performs best in a potting medium containing high peat and organic matter
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