Performance of Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) Under Protected and Open Field Conditions in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the effect of protected and open field cultivation on growth of Antirrhinum majus L. plants (selection UHFSA-13) through morphological parameters. The growing factors especially temperature and light were taken into consideration to interpret their effect on growth and flowering of the plants. The results revealed that protected cultivation enhanced plant height (81.42 cm), plant spread (42.84 cm) and number of spikes (12.29) as compared to open field cultivation (65.67 cm, 40.15 cm and 9.79, respectively). Further plants grown in naturally ventilated polyhouse led early bud formation (13–14 days) and flowering (7–8 days) with more number of florets per spike (23.96) as compared to plants grown under open conditions (17.89). When compared to open field production, naturally ventilated polyhouse achieved more number of pods per spike (20.08) with more number of seeds per pod (312.25), test weight of seeds (165.58 mg) and seed yield per plant (3.51 g) as compared to plants grown under open conditions (17.22, 310.63, 157.75 mg and 3.17 g respectively). Protected cultivation exhibited greater net return (Rs. 115.16/m2) and B:C ratio (1.0:4.45) as compared to open field cultivation (Rs. 55.63/m2 and 1.0:2.99 respectively). It is concluded that protected cultivation considerably enhances production of Antirrhinum as compared to open fields.