Basal Florets Research Articles

Study on the Evaluation Genetic Variability of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) Cultivars Under Agro –Climatic Conditions of Prayagraj

Aims: A field experiment was carried out to “Study on Evaluating Genetic Variability of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) Cultivars under Agro –Climatic conditions of Prayagraj”. Place and Duration of Study: An experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture during the Rabi season of 2023-2024. Study Design: Randomized Block Design. Methodology: The analysis of the data showed that phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all characters studied, indicating that environmental factors had a significant influence on these characters. In addition, positive and highly significant correlations were observed in between tuber yield per plant (gm) and various other traits including the No. of leaves at 30DAS, 60DAS and 90DAS and No. of shoots per plant, days for the first flowering, peduncle length, No. of florets per spike, No. of ears per plant, length of floret, diameter of floret, No. of corms per plant and diameter of corms, weight of corms and No. of corms per hectare and No. of corms per hectare. Results: The mean sum of squares due to genotypes showed significant differences for all characters under study for except days taken for emergence of flower spike and days taken to show color of basal floret. High magnitude of GCV were recorded for No. of leaves (52.70), Corm yield/plant (46.40), No. of cormels/hectare(39.12), Cormel diameter(38.36), No. of corms/hectare(28.97), No. of corms per plant(28.97), No. of leaves at 60DAS(26.64), No. of shoot(26.64). The genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficient of different characters with Corms yield/plant (g) and their relationship among themselves Conclusion: Genotypic and Phenotypic correlation revealed that corms weight/plant (g) showed positive significant association with plant height, number of leavesper plant, number of shoots per plant, rachis length, no. of cormels per hectare and corm yield/ plant at both levels genotypic and phenotypic.

Effect of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Benzyl Adenine (BA) on Vegetative Growth and Flower Induction in Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras)

The present study was carried out during 2021 -2022 at the experimental farm of Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Chatha, Jammu and Kashmir. The trial was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications and twenty-one treatment combinations. The treatment comprised of three gladiolus varieties viz., American Beauty, White Prosperity and Red Beauty and two growth regulators with their three levels of each viz., BA (50, 75 and 100 ppm) and GA3 (100, 150 and 200 ppm), and compared with control. The influence of foliar application of plant growth regulator on vegetative growth and flower induction of three gladiolus varieties namely American Beauty, White Prosperity and Red Beauty. Growth regulators, viz., gibberellic acid (100, 150 and 200 ppm) and benzyl adenine (50, 75 and 100 ppm) were sprayed at 3 leaves and 6 leaves stage after planting of corms. The results revealed that foliar application of GA3 @ 200ppm on cv. ‘White Prosperity’ recorded maximum plant height (134.27 cm), number of leaves per plant (8.53), leaf area (74.41 cm2), minimum days to 50% spike emergence (95.00) and 50% basal floret showing colour (107.00 days). It can be concluded from the present investigation that gladiolus variety ‘White Prosperity’ performed better than other varieties in respect of all the vegetative and flowering parameters. Among interactions, foliar application of GA3 @200 ppm concentration significantly increased vegetative parameters and induced early flowering in variety White Prosperity.

Improvement in Vase Life of Gladiolus Cut Flowers Using Different Holding Solutions of Sodium Nitroprusside and of Salicylic Acid

Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) is one of the most important commercial ornamentals cut flower used in the floriculture industry. Among cut flowers, gladiolus is popular for its glamour, perfection and attractive colorful spikes. The longevity of cut flowers is one of the main challenges of florists to gain consumers attention towards its marketing. In present investigation, we tried two chemicals viz. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a NO donor) and Salicylic Acid (SA, a signaling molecule) in different concentration combinations and observed their effect on gladiolus flowers vase life of two varieties viz. Pusa Shanti and Pusa Chandni. Spikes treated with T7 (SA 150 mg/L), in Pusa Shanti and T2 (SNP 100 mg/L), in Pusa Chandni was observed effective treatments than others and showed better performance of vase life, days after basal florets open, maximum size of florets, solution uptake, florets opening and maximum time taken for the vase deterioration and it helped to improve the postharvest quality of gladiolus spikes by influencing various morphological and physiological attributes of gladiolus vase. Through the present study we are able to know the role of Sodium nitroprusside and Salicylic acid to enhance the vase life of cut flower of Gladiolus.

Response of Gibberellic Acid and Corm Division on Floral Attributes of Gladiolus

This study was conducted to assess the response of Gibberellic acid and corm division on floral attributes of gladiolus cv. Punjab Dawn at Horticulture Research Farm of Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India during two consecutive year (2017-2019). The treatments comprised of growth regulators with two concentration i.e. GA3 100 ppm and 200 ppm including control (distilled water) and corms which are cut having 1bud, 2 buds and 3 buds and whole corm having 4 buds, 5 buds and 6 buds. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design and three replications. The flowering characteristics of Gladiolus are mainly affected by higher concentration of GA3 (200 ppm) as well as whole corm under natural climatic condition. Regarding flowering parameters, it was found that GA3 200 ppm and whole corm i.e. 4 bud, 5 bud and 6 bud influence the quality and quantity parameters, viz. days to spike emergence, days to colour show, days to opening of florets, days to open florets without withering of basal floret, number of florets per spike, longevity of spike, length of spike and rachis (cm) and diameter of florets (cm) as compared to other treatments of GA3 100 ppm and control (distilled water) and cut corms which have 1 bud, 2 buds and 3 buds.

Delayed development of basal spikelets in wheat explains their increased floret abortion and rudimentary nature.

Large differences exist in the number of grains per spikelet across an individual wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) spike. The central spikelets produce the highest number of grains, while apical and basal spikelets are less productive, and the most basal spikelets are commonly only developed in rudimentary form. Basal spikelets are delayed in initiation, yet they continue to develop and produce florets. The precise timing or the cause of their abortion remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the underlying causes of basal spikelet abortion using shading applications in the field. We found that basal spikelet abortion is likely to be the consequence of complete floret abortion, as both occur concurrently and have the same response to shading treatments. We detected no differences in assimilate availability across the spike. Instead, we show that the reduced developmental age of basal florets pre-anthesis is strongly associated with their increased abortion. Using the developmental age pre-abortion, we were able to predict final grain set per spikelet across the spike, alongside the characteristic gradient in the number of grains from basal to central spikelets. Future efforts to improve spikelet homogeneity across the spike could thus focus on improving basal spikelet establishment and increasing floret development rates pre-abortion.

Influence of gamma radiation on growth, flowers and morphological changes in Gladiolus

An experiment was conducted at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology And Sciences, Allahabad in the year 2017-2018 to check the effect of different doses of Gamma radiation (0kR, 1.5kR, 3kR, 4.5kR, and 6kR) on corms of three different gladiolus cultivars namely Praha, Tiger flame, and Snow Princess, it was established that till 3 kR most of the characters were stimulated but started to sink from 4.5kR. However, 6kR treated corms produced leathery and narrower leaves with shorter plant height (57.41 cm), less leaf number (6.75), less sprouts/corm (1.57), and least spikes/plant (1.14) with an abnormal spike. While 1.5 kR treatment proved the most beneficial for various growth parameters including Plant height (87.21cm), the number of leaves (10.76), early sprouting (14.40 days), Early flowering (72.37 days), Longest flower spike (75.41 cm) and more spikes per plant (2.90). Among the Cultivars Tiger flame and Praha were found to respond well to lower doses of gamma radiation and consider being more suitable for gamma treatment. Moreover, discolor basal floret was found in Praha in 1.5kR treated corms, and Chimera was found on Tiger Flame variety at 3kR

Reproductive compensatory photosynthesis in a semi-arid rangeland bunchgrass

While increased foliar photosynthesis is well documented across many plant species in response to diverse modes of herbivory, the compensatory ability of photosynthetically active reproductive structures is unknown. To address this, we partially defoliated basal florets in seed heads of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.), an exotic Eurasian perennial bunchgrass widely distributed across North American sagebrush steppe. We followed direct and indirect responses by tracking post-clipping photosynthesis in clipped basal and unclipped distal florets, respectively, and comparing these to similar florets on unclipped seed heads. Compensatory photosynthesis was apparent 24 h after clipping; over the pre-anthesis period, clipped basal floret photosynthesis was + 62%, stomatal conductance was + 82%, and PSII photochemical yield was − 39% of unclipped controls. After anthesis, intact florets distal to clipped florets had modestly higher photosynthetic rates compared to controls, while basal floret rates did not differ between treatments. Compensatory photosynthesis reduced intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE; photosynthesis/stomatal conductance) 68–40% below controls over pre- and post-anthesis periods, respectively. Specific mass (dry mass/area) of clipped florets was − 15% of controls, while florets distal to these had specific mass 11% greater than distal or basal florets on unclipped seed heads. These results suggest damaged basal florets provided carbon to unaffected distal florets. This could explain crested wheatgrass’s ability to produce viable seeds under conditions limiting to native bunchgrasses, and presents a novel mechanism germane to the development of convergent drought- and grazing-tolerance traits important to arid and semi-arid rangeland plant community resilience to climate variability.

Unravelling physiological and biochemical attributes influencing post harvest quality of gladiolus spikes after packaging and low temperature storage

The perishable nature of flowers urge for their appropriate post harvest management especially storage and packaging that keep the quality and potential vase life for better value. Gladiolus, commonly called as Sword lily, is a commercially important cut flower crop with elegant spikes, bright florets and good keeping quality. In the present study, we investigated the physiological and biochemical attributes affecting post harvest life of gladiolus spikes after packaging and storage. The spikes of four gladiolus cvs. Punjab Glance, Punjab Glad-1, Punjab Glad-2 and Punjab Pink Elegance were harvested at tight bud stage and packed in PP sleeves (25 μm) and stored vertically at 4-5°C for 6, 9 and 12 days. After storage, the post harvest quality of both packed and unpacked spikes declined with more adverse effect on unpacked spikes. Among different storage durations, the spikes stored for 9 days showed good keeping quality parameters viz., vase life, per cent flower opened, floret size, days to opening of basal floret, maximum number of florets open at one time and water absorbed per spike which were at par with spikes stored for 6 days. The spikes stored for 12 days were found to be unacceptable in comparison to freshly harvested spikes and spikes stored for 6 and 9 days. The improved quality of spikes stored in sleeves could be accounted due to higher membrane stability index, relative water content, catalase and peroxidase activity as compared to unpacked spikes. Thus, loss in quality of spikes as compared to fresh during storage up to 9 days in PP sleeves is better than the complete loss of produce during transportation and gluts. Hence, the spikes of gladiolus could be stored dry at 4±0.5°C in PP sleeves for 9 days without much influence on its post harvest quality.

Effects of Benzyl adenine (BA) and Gibberellic acid (GA3) on physiological and biochemical attributes of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) spikes

The uniform sized corms (3.5-4.0 cm dia) of Gladiolus grandiflorus L. were dipped in various concentrations of BA (50,75, 100 and 125 mg/l) and GA3 (50 , 75 , 100 and 125 mg/l) for 24 hrs. The Membrane stability index (MSI), Relative water content (RWC), total soluble sugars and total protein content of florets increased with the increased concentrations of BA and GA3. The post harvest quality parameters also improved with BA and GA3 treatments as compared to control but GA3 had more significant effect than BA. The treatment with 125 mg/l GA3 significantly hastened the opening of basal floret, increased the floret size, number of florets open at one time, per cent of opening of florets, water absorbed and led to maximum reduction in pH that ultimately led to improvement in vase life. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(2): 297-304, 2022 (June)

Effect of Floral Preservatives and Growth Regulators on Post Harvest Life of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv. American Beauty

A Postharvest experiment was conducted to maximize the vase life of gladiolus using different preservative solution in department of Horticulture, Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture. In this experiment the treatment consisted of two preservative chemicals and two growth regulators viz., 8-Hydroxy quinoline sulphate @ 300 ppm Silver nitrate @ 50 ppm, Benzyl adenine @ 20,40,60 ppm and Gibberlic acid @ 10,25,40 ppm along with sucrose @ 4 per cent with distilled water as control. The results of this experiment revealed that the maximum water uptake, transpirational loss of water, water balance, fresh weight change, percentage of opened florets, floret diameter, longevity of floret, vase life was recorded in T2 (8-HQS @ 300 ppm + sucrose 4% + BA @ 40 ppm), when compared to control. Some parameters like optical density of vase solution, days taken for the basal floret to open in vase and the percentage of wilted florets were observed least in T2 (8-HQS @ 300 ppm + sucrose 4% + BA @ 40 ppm). T5 (8-HQS @ 300 ppm + Sucrose 4% + BA @ 40 ppm) solution was found best to extend the vase life of gladiolus.

Effect of Floral Preservatives on Post Harvest Life of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv. American Beauty

A Postharvest experiment was conducted to maximize the vase life of gladiolus using different preservative solution in Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University. In this experiment the treatment consisted of two preservative chemicals viz., 8-hydroxy quinoline sulphate @ 150, 300, 450 ppm and silver nitrate @ 25, 50, 75 ppm along with sucrose @ 2 and 4 per cent along with control (distilled water). The results of this experiment revealed that the maximum water uptake, transpirational loss of water, water balance, fresh weight change, percentage of opened florets, floret diameter, longevity of floret, vase life was recorded in T5 (8-HQS @ 300 ppm + sucrose 4%), when compared to control. Some parameters like optical density of vase solution, days taken for the basal floret to open in vase and the percentage of wilted florets were observed least in T5 (8-HQS @ 300 ppm + sucrose 4%). T5 (8-HQS @ 300 ppm + Sucrose 4%) solution was found best to extend the vase life of gladiolus.

Effect of Shading and Spraying with Chitosan on the Vegetative and Flowering Growth of Polianthes Tuberosa L.

The experiment was conducted in Horticultural Facilities Unit of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape - College of Agriculture - Tikrit University. Iraq for the period from 3/15/2020 to 1/15/2021. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The experiment included two factors: first shading with two levels without shading (open field) and lath house (net 33%). second spraying with chitosan in three concentrations 0, 500, 1000 mg. L −1. Results showed that shading treatments exceeded in length and width leaves gave 52.08 cm and 17.8 mm. open field gave highest Diameter of the basal florets 34.32 mm, foliar with chitosan 1000 mg.l−1 gave highest leaves number 19.12 . Length and diameter of syphilitic Peduncle recorder in interaction between lath house and foliar chitosan 1000 mg.L−1 was 109.02 cm and 9.21mm respectively.

Postharvest and anthochron of gladiolus floral stems produced in greenhouse under different seasons and irrigation levels

ABSTRACT Cut flowers are delicate products whose quality and longevity depends on growing and postharvest conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anthochron and the postharvest of gladiolus stems produced under different growing seasons and irrigation levels. The experiments were carried out in a greenhouse in the State of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) during the winter/spring 2018 and autumn/winter 2019 periods. A randomized block design with 5 replications was used, considering irrigation levels of 45%, 60%, 80% and 100% of the crop water requirement. Irrigation management was performed by the automatic irrigation controller, installed in the 100% irrigation level treatment. As they reached the harvest point, considered to be “showing the color” of the three basal florets, the floral stems were harvested, always in the morning, and immediately taken to the laboratory for standardization of size (75 cm). During the storage period, the stems were kept at a temperature of 25 ºC, with the base immersed in a container with 300 mL of water. Fresh mass, water absorption, anthochron and longevity evaluations were performed daily, in addition to a visual evaluation, performed using a proposed senescence scale. The occurrence of severe water deficit during cultivation interferes with the fresh mass of the stems in postharvest and increases the opening speed of the flowers. The floral stems’ longevity is reduced when gladiolus is produced under the 45% irrigation level. There are no significant differences in the longevity of flowers grown in the different seasons and the anthochron value is influenced by the water availability, being lower in the stems kept in field condition (0.70 to 0.80) in comparison to the postharvest condition (0.83 to 0.92).

Evaluation of Different Cultivars of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) under Humid agro Climatic conditions of Goa

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) is one of the most important tropical bulbous-ornamental cultivated for production of long-lasting flowers spikes. Adaptation and acclimatization of different cultivars under humid agro-climatic conditions of Goa are to be confirmed for their better performance. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the performance of tuberose cultivars under agro-climatic conditions of Goa during 2014- 2017. Five single and six double cultivars of tuberose were evaluated during the study period. All the cultivars differed in their growth and flowering behaviour. Among the single cultivars, evaluated, maximum number of florets per spike (47.00) was observed in Pune local whereas spike-length (75.59 cm) was maximum in Mexican Single. Among the double cultivars, evaluated, maximum plant height (52.21 cm) and maximum number of leaves per plant (59.63) were recorded with cultivar Arka Suvasini. Leaf length was significantly higher (52.93 cm) in Pearl double whereas leaf width (2.04 cm) was maximum in Calcutta Double. Days to appearance of flower spike were earlier in Arka Suvasini. Minimum days taken for opening of basal floret (84.88 days) were recorded with cultivar Arka Suvasini. Spike girth (0.68 cm), Spike fresh-weight (69.06 cm), floret stalk-length (3.6 cm), floret diameter (5.24 cm), weight of individual floret (3.49 g) and vase life (7.93 days) was significantly maximum in Cv. Arka Suvasini followed by Pearl Double. Based on the performance evaluation cv. Mexican Single among single types and cv. Arka Suvasini and Pearl Double among double types could be recommended for commercial cultivation under agro climatic conditions of Goa.

Evaluation of Different Cultivars of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) under Humid agro Climatic conditions of Goa

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) is one of the most important tropical bulbous-ornamental cultivated for production of long-lasting flowers spikes. Adaptation and acclimatization of different cultivars under humid agro-climatic conditions of Goa are to be confirmed for their better performance. The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the performance of tuberose cultivars under agro-climatic conditions of Goa during 2014- 2017. Five single and six double cultivars of tuberose were evaluated during the study period. All the cultivars differed in their growth and flowering behaviour. Among the single cultivars, evaluated, maximum number of florets per spike (47.00) was observed in Pune local whereas spike-length (75.59 cm) was maximum in Mexican Single. Among the double cultivars, evaluated, maximum plant height (52.21 cm) and maximum number of leaves per plant (59.63) were recorded with cultivar Arka Suvasini. Leaf length was significantly higher (52.93 cm) in Pearl double whereas leaf width (2.04 cm) was maximum in Calcutta Double. Days to appearance of flower spike were earlier in Arka Suvasini. Minimum days taken for opening of basal floret (84.88 days) were recorded with cultivar Arka Suvasini. Spike girth (0.68 cm), Spike fresh-weight (69.06 cm), floret stalk-length (3.6 cm), floret diameter (5.24 cm), weight of individual floret (3.49 g) and vase life (7.93 days) was significantly maximum in Cv. Arka Suvasini followed by Pearl Double. Based on the performance evaluation cv. Mexican Single among single types and cv. Arka Suvasini and Pearl Double among double types could be recommended for commercial cultivation under agro climatic conditions of Goa.

Radiotracer and radiation application for rapid measurement of contribution of stem assimilates towards grain filling and for alleviating terminal heat stress in wheat

Contribution of stem photoassimilates towards grain filling may have significance under stress, since it may force the plant to initiate an early leaf senescence, thereby limiting the availability of flag leaf photosynthates for grain filling. Radiotracer feeding of 14C-sucrose to the internode by stem injection method at 20 days stage after anthesis and measurement of 14C activity in grains at 5 days after foliar application of potassium iodide, meant to inhibit current photosynthesis by inducing leaf senescence, showed a gradual decline in flag leaf chlorophyll but an increase in accumulation of 14C particularly in the basal spikelet grains. However, a reduction in grain filling at all the sink positions within the wheat ear was measured with hastened leaf senescence. On the other hand, abiotic stresses such as high temperature stress, is known to cause an abortion of the basal florets in wheat and induce an early flag leaf senescence. We have earlier shown that seed gamma irradiation, at 0.1 kGy causes an increase in grain mass at middle and basal spikelet positions. In this paper we report that the reduction in grain yield in response to terminal heat stress can be compensated by gamma irradiation, owing to better stem reserve mobilization into the basal and middle spikelet under condition of stress induced senescence.

Vaselife analysis of gladiolus using different vase solutions

The experiment was conducted in the Horticulture Laboratory of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung, Nepal in order to identify the effect of the different vase solution on the postharvest life of gladiolus and to find out the best vase solution that enhance and prolongs the better flower quality and the longevity. Experiment was carried out with the nine treatment T1 (distilled water), T2 (150ppm HQS + 4% sucrose), T3 (250ppm citric acid), T4 (150ppm GA3 + 4% Sucrose), T5 (150ppm HQS+150ppm AgNO3 + 4% sucrose),T6 (4% sucrose), T7 (150ppm AgNO3 + 4% sucrose), T8 (250ppm citric acid + 4% sucrose), T9 (150ppm salicylic acid + 4% sucrose) under completely randomized design with three replications. Gladiolus (white friendship) spikes were harvested at 2-3 floret color break stage and two spikes after the slanting cut were kept in each vase. The vase solution 150ppm HQS + 150ppm AgNO3 + 4% sucrose showed maximum water uptake; longer days for basal floret senescence (8 days) with the maximum floret open during basal senescence (9.76), maximum flowering 83.20 %, minimum fresh weight loss(18.03% at 12 days) and the longest vase life of 15 days followed by 150ppm salicylic acid + 4% sucrose (11.67days), 250ppm citric acid + 4% sucrose (10.67 days) whereas short vase life of 5 days was observed in control. 150ppm HQS + 150ppm AgNO3 + 4% sucrose vase solution was found best to extend the vase life of gladiolus.

Response of passive storage duration and polymeric packaging films on postharvest life of Suvasini tuberose cut spikes

A study was conducted at Department of Horticulture, MPUAT Udaipur on response of storage duration and packaging materials under passive modified atmosphere storage of tuberose cut spikes cv. Suvasini to find out the suitable packaging material and storage duration in tuberose to avoided seasonal glut in market. The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with factorial concept and with three replications. The cut spikes were harvested when 1–2 florets showed colour, after pre cooling, pulsing with 20% sucrose solution cut spikes were packed in five wrapping materials (LDPE-25μ, 50μ, PP-25μ, 50μ and news paper wrapping served as control) and stored on five level of storage duration (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days). The cut spike packed sleeves were stored vertically under refrigerated condition at 3–4°C, 85–90% relative humidity. The stored spikes were removed after storage duration and kept in corrugated fibre board boxes for 6hrs simulated transit and various postharvest parameters were recorded. Polypropylene sleeves exerted varying effect on keeping quality of spikes. Vase life was maximum in polypropylene-25μ (11.64 days) and minimum in low density polyethylene 50μ sleeves. The keeping quality of unpackaged stored tuberose cut spikes was highly deteriorated, which decreases with increase in refrigerated storage duration. An ideal level of CO2 (1.98%), lower level O2 (13.84%) and C2H4 (0.78 ppm) respectively were recorded at 3 days storage duration packed in polypropylene-25μ. The spikes stored in polypropylene-25μ with 3 days storage level also showed highest basal florets diameter (3.55 cm), vase life (11.64 days), gain in fresh weight (7.72%) and water uptake (34.39 ml), which continued to decrease with increase in storage duration irrespective to packaging material. Optimum level of CO2(2.48%), lower level O2(12.36%) and C2H2(0.80 ppm) after 6 hrs simulated transit were recorded at 3 days storage in polypropylene-25μ. On the basis of three year study, it is recommended that polypropylene-25μ along with 3 days storage duration were found most suitable for post harvest life under passive modified atmosphere storage of tuberose.

EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT PRESERVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND PACKAGING MATERIAL FOR IMPROVING POST HARVEST QUALITY OF GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus grandiflorus) CUT SPIKES

Gladiolus is an important cut flower in the world, and its preference in Pakistan is next to roses. But the main problem that occurs in gladiolus is that it has short vase life. The present experiment was conducted with an objective to investigate the effect of four preservative solutions [distilled water, Sucrose (3%), AgNO3 (250 ppm), AgNO3 (250 ppm) + Sucrose (3%)] and packaging material on postharvest quality of three gladiolus varieties, “Tissue, White Prosperity and Alexandra”. Packaging material consists of control treatment (without packaging), packaging of cut spikes with 100 ppm acetic acid soaked cotton and packaging of polyethylene sheet after sucrose pulsing. The experiment was arranged as two factorial laid out according to completely randomized design (CRD) having three replications. Results showed that preservative solution having combination of AgNO3 (250 ppm) + Sucrose (3%) significantly improves days to open basal floret, floret opening percentage (%), bloom spread (inch), floret length (inch), floret diameter (inch), fresh spike weight (g), dry spike weight (g), fresh weight loss (%) and vase life (days). Moreover, this treatment was also effective in reducing the wilting (%) in all gladiolus varieties. However, for solution uptake (mL/spike) and solution balance (ml/spike), AgNO3 (250 ppm)alone gives the best results. For packaging treatment, the pulsing of a cut spike with 20% sucrose followed by polyethylene sheet wrapping proves to be effective. Among the varieties, Alexandra performed better for all quality parameters in comparison to White Prosperity and Tissue

EFFECT OF SOAKING WITH GIBBERELLIC ACID AND SPRAYING WITH HUMIC ACID AND SEAWEED EXTRACT IN SOME FLOWERING CHARACTERISTICS OF GLADIOLUS CV. CHINON

نفذت التجربة في بيت بلاستيكي تابع لمحطة أبحاث قسم البستنة وهندسة الحدائق – كلية الزراعة – جامعة ديالى للفترة من 1/11/2016 إلى 1/6/2017 لدراسة تأثير نقع كورمات الكلاديولس بحامض الجبرلين بثلاثة مستويات (0، 100، 200)ملغم. لتر-1 والرش الورقي بحامض الهيومك بثلاثة مستويات (0، 0. 3، 0. 5)غم. لتر-1 ومستويين من مستخلص الأعشاب البحرية (0، 0. 5)غم. لتر-1 بواقع ثلاث رشات عند بلوغ النبات مرحلة الورقة الثانية والرابعة والسادسة، في بعض صفات النمو الزهري. أدت المعاملة بتركيز 100 ملغم. لتر-1 إلى أفضل النتائج في المدة اللازمة لتفتح الزهيرة القاعدية 118. 670 يوم وطول النورة الزهرية 46. 339سم وقطر النورة الزهرية 156. 181ملم وطول الشمراخ الزهري 85. 640سم والوزن الطري للشمراخ الزهري 57. 714غم في حين أدى التركيز 200ملغم. لتر-1 إلى أفضل النتائج في صفات قطر الزهيرة القاعدية 106. 861ملم وعدد الزهيرات 13. 084زهيرة والعمر المزهري 8. 083يوم. أدت معاملة الرش بحامض الهيومك بتركيز 0. 3غم. لتر-1 إلى أفضل النتائج لصفات المدة لتفتح الزهيرة القاعدية 117. 606يوم وقطر الزهيرة القاعدية 103. 742ملم وقطر النورة الزهرية 155. 445ملم في حين أدى التركيز 0. 5غم. لتر-1 إلى أفضل النتائج في طول النورة الزهرية 45. 805سم وطول الشمراخ الزهري 85. 407سم والوزن الطري للشمراخ الزهري 59. 437غم. أدت معاملة الرش بمستخلص الأعشاب البحرية إلى فروقات معنوية في المدة لتفتح الزهيرة القاعدية 120. 003يوم وطول الشمراخ الزهري 84. 407سم والوزن الطري للشمراخ الزهري 56. 331غم. كان لجميع التداخلات الثنائية والثلاثية تأثير معنوي في الصفات المدروسة باستثناء التداخل بين حامض الهيومك ومستخلص الأعشاب البحرية في صفة عدد الزهيرات. نورة-1.