Differential performance of Dianella tasmanica and Pleomele reflexa under coloured shade nets

Abstract

Cut greens are emerging as an important constituent of the floricultural industry as they add freshness and colour to floral designs. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different coloured shade nets (black, blue, green, red, white and no shade) at 50% shade intensity on growth and quality parameters of Dianella tasmanica and Pleomele reflexa. Both species significantly responded to the change in colour of shade nets. In D. tasmanica, maximum plant height (85.66 cm), stem diameter (8.63 mm) and leaf length (68.33 cm) were recorded under red shade net, while, plant spread (63.03 cm) and leaf breadth (4.06 cm) under black shade net, however, leaf thickness (0.57 cm) and vase life (24.33 days) under white shade net. In P. reflexa, maximum plant height (63.66 cm), stem diameter (9.76 mm), leaf length (17.50 cm), leaf thickness (0.93 cm) and SPAD index (60.10) were recorded under red shade net, whereas, plant spread (36.34 cm) and leaf breadth (3.00 cm) under black shade net, and vase life (25.66 days) under white shade net. Thus, red coloured shade nets could be preferred commercially for better performance of D. tasmanica and P. reflexa.