Effect of crop regulation practices on spike and corm yield of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrids Hort.) cv Sarala

Abstract

Standardization of the crop regulation practices is vital for spike and corm yield maximization in gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrids Hort.). Hence, a field experiment was conducted in factorial randomized block design with three replications at Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, during 2019 with the objective to maximize the spike and corm yield of gladiolus by growth regulators and leaf regulation practices done after spike harvest. The gladiolus cv. Sarala was tested with 15 treatment combinations comprising growth regulator treatments of corms viz., 100ppm GA3(G1), 150ppm GA3(G2), 100ppm IAA(G3), 150ppm IAA (G4), and Control(G5)and leaf regulation practicesviz.,harvesting spike leaving all leaves (L1), harvesting spike with three leaves (L2), and clipping leaves at 20cm above the base (L3). The results revealed that the growth regulator treatments, given to corms significantly influenced the growth, flowering, and spike yield of gladiolus. Corm soaking treatment of GA3@150 ppm evinced the best treatment in respect of growth, flowering, and spike yield of gladiolus. Though, the effect of leaf regulation practices on growth and flower yield were insignificant, but their influence in corm yield was significant. The interaction of growth regulator soaking of corms with leaf regulation practices significantly influenced the spike and corm yield. The maximum spike (1.01) and corm yield (1.94) were observed with Corm soaking of GA3@150ppm and harvesting of spikes with three leaves. Leaf regulation by clipping of leaves at 20 cm above the base (L3) had negative influence on corm growth when compared to harvesting of spikes leaving all leaves (L1). The maximum corm diameter (3.25cm) and corm weight (25.4g) were observed with 150 ppm GA3 and harvesting spikes with three leaves. The least corm diameter (2.08cm), number of corms per plant (1.22) and corm weight (17.3g) were recorded with control treatment with cutting leaves at 20cm above the base.