Comparative Performance of Spray Chrysanthemum Cultivars under Polyhouse and Open-Field Cultivation at Different Dates of Planting

Abstract

Fifteen cultivars of spray chrysanthemum were evaluated in polyhouse and open-field, with three planting dates from mid-July to mid-August during 2003-05. Overall plant growth, flower stem length, number of flowers per plant, shelf life and vase life of flower were found to be maximum under 15th July planting compared to 30th July and 15th August plantings both under polyhouse and open-field conditions. Flower size and flower yield (g/plant) was highest under 30th July planting in polyhouse condition, whereas, in open-field it was the 15th July planting. Early flowering was recorded in 15th August planting both in polyhouse and open-field. Cultivar Arati showed maximum flower stem length and flower yield. Some of the other cultivars, viz., Yellow Anemone, Sarad Mala, Apsara Violet and Aditi also exhibited high yield both under polyhouse and open-field conditions. Polyhouse always recorded higher yield than open-field. Cultivar Yellow Anemone planted on 15th July recorded highest number of flowers per plant regardless of growth environment. Highest flower yield (794.94g) per plant was recorded in cv. Arati in 30th July planting under polyhouse, while, it was maximum in 15th July planting in open-field.