Flower Stalk Length Research Articles

Effect of integrated nutrient management on flowering and yield attributing traits of marigold (<em>Tagetes erecta</em> L.) under agro-climatic conditions of Ajmer zone

The current study was steered at Bhagwant University Ajmer, Rajasthan during the Rabi season of years 2019-20 and 2020-21 to find out the combined application of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on flowering behaviour and yield attributing traits of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) under Agro-climatic conditions of Ajmer Zone. Total ten treatments were used in Randomized Block Design (RBD) and replicated three times. The treatments namely T1- Control, T2- 100% RDF (N:P: K @ 120:80:60 kg/ha), T3-100% RDF + 25% VC, T4- 100% RDF + 25% FYM, T5- 75% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizers, T6- 75% RDF + VC + Biofertilizers, T7- 75% RDF + FYM + VC + Biofertilizers, T8- 50% RDF + FYM + VC + Biofertilizers, T9- 50% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizers and T10- 50% RDF + VC + Biofertilizers. Total 30 treatment combinations were formulated in present experiment. During the experimentation, observations were recorded on various flowering and yield attributing parameters like days taken to first bud initiation, days taken for opening of flower bud, days taken to first flowering, days taken to 50% flowering, flower stalk length, diameter of flower, number of flowers per plant, fresh weight of flower, flower yield per plant, flower yield per plot, flower yield (q/ha) and B:C ratio of applied treatments. However, the maximum flowering and yield were found in T7- 75% RDF + FYM + VC + Biofertilizers as compared to T8- 50% RDF + FYM + VC + Biofertilizers.

Yetiştirme Ortamına Kompost ve Gübre İlavesinin Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex Hooker f.) Bitkisinin Büyüme ve Çiçeklenmesine Etkileri

This study was carried out for two years (2021-2022) in greenhouse conditions. Different rates of compost (0-20% and 40%) and EC levels (EC 750 µS/cm – EC 1100 µS/cm and EC 1450 µS/cm) were added to the growing medium. The best results were obtained from the no compost application (0%) was applied in flower stalk length, flower stalk thickness, flower diameter, branch weight, SPAD value, vase life, root length, root fresh weight, root dry weight and yield parameters. When the effect of different fertilization levels was examined, the best results were found at the EC 1100 µS/cm fertilization level in flower stalk length, flower diameter, branch weight, vase life, root length, root dry weight and yield parameters. As a result of combining compost and fertilization applications at different rates, it was observed that 0% compost application had a positive effect on flower stem length, flower stem thickness, flower diameter, branch weight and vase life parameters compared to other applications in growing environments with an EC level of 750 µS/cm. It is the most beneficial in growing environments with 40% compost application at plant height and 1100 µS/cm EC level, 0% compost application at spad value and root length, and EC level 1100 µS/cm, 0% EC level at root wet weight and 1450 µS/cm EC level. good results have been obtained. When the two-year data are compared, it has been determined that the growth and flowering of the gerbera plant is better in the second year with the effect of the development feature and applications. As a result, it has been determined that the increase in the compost ratio in gerbera restricts plant growth in general.

Effects of Compost, Fertilization, Rhizobacteria and Mycorrhiza Applications on Growth, Flowering and Bulb Quality of ‘Jan van Nes’ Tulip Varieties

Compost is usually made of biodegradable wastes. Today, compost, bio-agent bacteria and mycorrhizae are used as the key components of sustainable agriculture. This study was conducted to determine the effects of compost treatments alone and combined with bacteria, mycorrhiza and commercial fertilizers on growth, flower and bulb quality parameters of the ‘Jan van Nes’ tulip cultivar. Compost was made of grape pomace and set at different EC levels. Three different compost ratios (0%, 20% and 40%), three different EC levels (0.75, 1.10, and 1.45 dS/m) and combinations with or without bacteria and mycorrhizae were experimented. Flower stalk length, perianth length and vase life were identified as the most striking parameters for growth and flowering of tulip plants. The best outcomes in terms of flower stem length (34.20 cm), perianth length (44.85 mm) and vase life (7.00 days) were obtained from 0% compost treatments. Increasing compost ratios had adverse effects on plant growth and bacteria and mycorrhizae treatments alone did not provide any significant effects. However, combining with different compost ratios increased the effectiveness of bacteria and mycorrhiza. EC of 0.75 yielded better results than the other EC levels.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators Giberellic acid (GA3) And Salicylic Acid (SA) on Growth and Yield of Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse

The present investigation entitled “Effect of plant growth regulators Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Salicylic Acid (SA) on the growth and yield of carnation under naturally ventilated polyhouse”, was carried out during November, 2021 to April 2022 in, Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, it was concluded that the plant growth regulators treatments rendered their significant effect on almost all the growth, flowering and yield characters as well as quality of carnation. The treatment T3 i.e. application of GA3 @ 200 ppm was found superior in terms of Plant height (102.27cm), number of leaves (203.67), number of shoots (7.67), internodal length (7.73cm), number of internodes per shoot (17), bud length (10cm), bud diameter (2.87cm), flower diameter (6.80cm), flower length (5.67cm), flower stalk length (96.93cm), vase life (10.33), number of cut flower stalks per plant (7.00) and number of cut flower stalks per square meter (175). However, plants treated with SA @ 120ppm took minimum days for bud initiation (112.67 days) and the days taken to bud opening (24.67). Among the different treatments the highest Gross return (Rs/200m2) (7,00,000), Net return (441565), benefit cost ratio (2.70) was obtainedunder the use of GA3 @ 200 ppm (T3).

Effect of Crop Geometry and Age of Seedlings on Its Growth, Flower Yield and Quality of Statice (Limonium sinuatum L.) under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

The objective of this study is to find out the most suitable treatments for plant growth and flower yield and quality of Limonium (Limonium sinuatum L.) under prayagraj agro climatic conditions. The study was carried out at Experimental field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.), India during Rabi season 2021-2022. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with 8 treatments which is replicated thrice. The first factor consists of four different levels age of seedlings i,e. 25,30,35,40 days old seedlings, second factor with two different spacings 45×60 cm and 30×45 cm. In Growth parameters, T7 (40 days seedlings + spacing of 45×60 cm) recorded significantly highest number of leaves (80.49), leaf length (32.20 cm), plant spread (45.65 cm2) Whereas, plant height was recorded significantly highest (84.80 cm) in T6 (35 days seedlings + spacing of 30×45 cm). In photosynthetic characteristics, the maximum leaf area (66.09 cm2), leaf weight (24.94 gm) and chlorophyll content (97.90 SPAD UNITS) was recorded in T7 (40 days seedlings + spacing 45×60 cm). In flowering parameters, the minimum number of days for flower stalk initiation (47.28 days) and flower duration (45.72 days) was recorded significantly in T7 (40 days seedlings + spacing of 45×60 cm) whereas, the length of flower stalk was recorded significantly highest (80.07) in T6 (35 days seedlings + spacing of 30×45 cm).The maximum yield with superior quality of flower stalks/plot was obtained significantly highest (80.22) in T6 (35 days seedlings + spacing of 30×45 cm). In post-harvest parameters the vase life of statice flower placed in water recorded maximum (8.69 days) in T6 (35 days seedlings + spacing 30x45 cm), whereas vase life of statice flower placed in 2% sucrose (14.35 days) and self-life (63.33 days) of flower was recorded maximum in T7 (40 days seedlings + spacing of 45x60 cm).

Performance of chrysanthemum at dark exposure under polytunnel condition

The field experiment carried out in chrysanthemum (cv. Chandrika) nursery 10 at College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri 2020-21 under polytunnel conditions during 2020-21 revealed that exposing chrysanthemum plants to darkness for 180 minutes using 90 per cent black shed net, showed promising results in increasing plant spread, number of branches, average leaf area, leaf area index, days required for 50 per cent flowering, flower diameter, length of flower stalk and the flower yield parameters, respectively. The shelf life of chrysanthemum flowers was extended by 24.84 days at 2°C temperature level.

Genetic variation of Dahlia cultivars evaluated in sub-tropical Himalayas and path coefficient analysis of flowering and vegetative characters

Dahlia is a popular bulbous ornamental plant being used as bedding plant, pot plant and for cut flowers. Under sub-montane, sub tropical conditions, 24 cultivars of Dahlia variabilis L. were planted in randomized complete block design and their flowering and vegetative growth characters were evaluated and genetic and phenotypic variance were estimated using ANOVA. Phenotypic and genetic coefficients of variation were recorded maximum for leaf area (34.5% and 33.5%) implies that variability is mostly controlled by the genetic component. Heritability (broad sense) was maximum for flowering duration (98.6%) followed by plant height (97.8%). Estimated genetic gain was high for leaf area (66.9%) followed by internodal length (55.2%). Flower number was found positively correlated with plant height, flower stalk length, number of side shoots, plant spread and number of leaves. Path co-efficient analysis showed that stalk length had maximum positive direct effect on number of flowers per plant (2.62) followed by days taken to bud formation (1.13), flowering duration (0.85), number of leaves (0.81), plant spread (0.78) at genetic level. The results suggest that there are sufficient genetic variation available among tested cultivars and can be used for genetic improvement of dahlia.

Effect of different pesticide treatments on rose flower bud initiation, diameter, stalk length, vase life and number of flowers per plant under polyhouse condition

The overall results revealed that the treatments with Spinosad and Clothianidin were most effective against thrips by recording the lowest mean population of 2.20 and 2.68 thrips/ three leaves, respectively and were on par with each other. Days required for first flower bud initiation, rose diameter, stalk length, vase life, number of flowers per plant varied significantly due to different pesticidal treatments under polyhouse conditions. The minimum days (34.2 days) required and earliest first flower bud initiation was observed in the treatment with Spinosad 45% SC @ 0.3 ml/l (T2) was significantly superior over the rest of treatments. The next best treatment was Clothianidin which required (34.9 days) for first flower bud initiation.

Performance of different varieties of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) under protected cultivation in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.

An investigation was carried out to evaluate ten varieties of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) viz. Stanza, Ankur, Danna Ellen, Brilliance, Balance, Silvester, Goliath, Dune, Intense, and Rosalin under protected cultivation at the High-Tech nursery, College of Horticulture, Dapoli, Ratnagiri (M.S.) during 2020-21. Among the varieties study, there were highly significant variations observed for flowering parameters. The significantly minimum days to first flower bud emergence (84.76 days), maximum flower stalk length (64.15 cm), flower diameter (99.59 cm), length of ray floret (4.81 cm), number of flowers per plant (22.00), flowers yield per ha (7.92 lakhs), vase life (9.67 days) and longevity of flowers in the field (11.33 days) were recorded in variety Ankur. The maximum flower disc diameter (2.41 cm) was recorded in a variety of Dune. Flower stalk diameter (5.98 cm), number of petals per flower (85.02) were recorded maximum in a variety Goliath. The maximum width of ray floret (8.96 cm) was observed in variety Balance.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nutrients on Flowering of Hybrid Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii B.) cv. Shimmer in Open Field Condition

The present investigation on Effect of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on flowering of hybrid gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii B.) cv. Shimmer in open field condition was conducted at Biotechnology cum Tissue Culture Centre, OUAT Bhubaneswar during 2015-16 and 2016-17. The aim of the study was to find out suitable organic and inorganic sources of nutrients for cut flower production of gerbera in open field condition. There were eight treatment combinations consisting of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), Vermicompost, 75% RDF, PSB, Azospirillum, Azotobacter and foliar spray of macro and micro elements. Application of 75% RDF (15:10:30 g NPK/10 plants) + Vermicompost (25 g/10 plants) + Azospirillum/ Azotobacter (20 g/10 plants) + PSB (20 g/10 plants) + macro and micro element spray recorded earlier flower bud initiation and flowering. The same treatments conducted to maximum length of flower stalk, thickness of flower stalk, flower diameter, number of flowers/plant and bloom life. It can be concluded that reduced dose of chemical fertilizer (75% RDF) along with application of vermicompost and biofertiizer can improve flower yield of gerbera in open field condition.

Enhancing vegetative growth, flowering quality and chemical constituents of Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac Ait.) var. Double petals sprayed with NPK, active dry yeast and ascorbic acid

In order to studying the influence of foliar spray with different NPK levels (0.0, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/ l) as main factor and tap water, dry yeast(Y)at 0.5g/ l, ascorbic acid (AA) at 150 ppm and 0.5g/ l Y+150 ppm AA as sub factor as well as their interaction treatments on Arabian jasminevar. Double petals, a pot experimental study was conducted during 2016 and 2017 seasons at Floriculture Unit of Hort. Dept., Fac. Agric., Mansoura Univ., Egypt. These treatments (4×4) were arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. The obtained results revealed that, NPK fertilization level at 2 g/ l significantly increased Arabian jasmine growth (plant height, branches and leaves number per plant, leaves fresh and dry weights per plant and total leaves area per plant), flowering parameters (flowers number per plant, flowers fresh weight per plant, flower diameter/ plant, flower stalk length and petals number per flower) and chemical constituents (chlorophyll a, b and a + b contents, total nitrogen %, total phosphorus % and potassium%) compared to the lowest levels under study and control (sprayed with tap water). Also, using 0.5 g/ l Y+150 ppm AA recorded the highest values of all measured parameters compared to the other treatments under study. In general, the results of this study suggested that foliar applications of 2 g/ l NPK could help enhance Arabian jasmine(Jasminum sambac Ait.) growth, flowering and total chlorophyll content when interacted with dry yeast at 0.5 g/ l + ascorbic acid at 150 ppm.

Plant growth regulators modulate the growth, physiology, and flower quality in rose (Rosa hybirda)

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different plant growth regulators as a foliar spray on greenhouse rose cv. Rosa hybirda to increase the growth and vase life. Main objective of this research is exogenous application of plant growth regulators that significantly increase the flower quality of rose. A total of 5 treatments T1 = control, T2 = Thiourea @ 60 mg/L, T3 = Ascorbic acid @ 60 mg/L, T4 = Salicylic acid @ 60 mg/L and T5 = Humic acid @ 60 mg/L were tested in complete randomized design with three replications. All the treatments improved the yield, flowering quality and vase life as compared to control treatment. Although, various treatments, salicylic acid showed the maximum plant height (123.5 cm) and days to first flower harvest (87 days). Results declared that foliar spray of plants growth regulators increased the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents. Additionally, flowering parameters like flower stalk length (16.533 cm), fresh weight of flower (15.95 g), dry weight of flower (2.20 g), flower diameter (10.133 cm), number of flowers per plant (10.133), flower quality (4.6) and vase life (2.86 days) were significantly increased in plants sprayed with salicylic acid and humic acid @ 60 mg/L.

Response of plant growth regulators and multi micronutrient on growth, yield and quality of chrysanthemum cv. Ratlam selection

The present experiment entitled “Interaction Response of Plant growth regulators and Multi micronutrient on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chrysanthemum cv. Ratlam Selection” was carried out at Jamuvadi Farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, during October 2018 to February 2019 and October 2019 to February 2020. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with Factorial concept (FRBD) consisting two factors with three replications. The treatment comprised with five plant growth regulators and three treatments of multi micronutrient. The results indicated that the foliar application of GA3 @ 150 ppm with multi micronutrient (grade-IV) @ 0.75% foliar spray at 30 & 45 DAT after transplanting in addition to recommended dose of fertilizers (120: 60: 60 kg/ha NPK) produced better growth and yield characters viz., plant height, plant spread, number of branches, stem thickness, number of flowers per plant, number of flowers per plot, weight of single flower, flower yield per plot and flower yield per hectare as well as quality characters viz., vase life of cut flowers, shelf life of loose flowers, in situ longevity of flowers, flower stalk length and flower diameter in chrysanthemum cv. Ratlam Selection.

Variability among genotypes of gerbera in the north eastern region of India

Gerbera is an important commercial fower crops and its climatic requirement is very suitably met in the northeast India for production of quality fowers and suckers under natural open conditions. Out of several collections and hybridization attempts being made at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, about 37 genotypes were evolved, conserved and evaluated (2013–18). Results showed signifcant variation among genotypes for growth and fowering characteristics (p 0.05). Flower stalk length was highest in RCGH 117 (45.44±1.07 cm) which was at par with Alesmera, RCGH-22, RCGH-114 and RCGH-12. Maximum fower diameter was noted in Alesmera (10.89±0.66 cm), RCGH-114, RCGH-97, RCGH-117 and RCGH-22. Highest number of fowers was obtained in RCGH-2 (31.28±3.43/plant) and RCGH 114. Sucker production was highest in RCGH-3 (21.00/plant/year) and vase-life in Alesmera (5.95±0.69 days), RCGH-117, RCGH 12, RCGH-114 and RCGH-22. Quantitative traits analysis showed signifcant correlation; leaf number had positive relationship with sucker number (0.770**) and fower number (0.488**), however, had negative correlation with fower stalk length (−0.393*) and vase life (−0.350*). Flower number had negative correlation with stalk diameter (−0.498**) but positively correlated with sucker number (0.524**). Flower diameter showed positive correlation with stalk length (0.327*) and stalk diameter (0.351*). Vase-life exhibited negative relationship with number of leaves (−0.350*) and yield (−0.694**) but positively correlated with stalk diameter (0.732**). A diverse variation among the genotypes for fower quality and yield attributes can be further utilized in the crop improvement of gerbera. RCGH-12, RCGH-22, RCGH-114, RCGH-117 and Alesmera are potential genotypes for commercial fower production.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Flower Quality of French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.) cv. Pusa Arpita

The present investigation was carried out with the aim to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management on flower quality of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) cv. Pusa Arpita at the Horticultural Research Centre, Department of Horticulture, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, U. P., India, during the year 2019-2020. The study consisted of organic manures (FYM and Vermicompost), Bio-fertilizers (PSB and Azotobacter), and the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer (RDF) (150:60:60 kg NPK/ha). The combined application of ½ RDF + ½ PSB+ ½ Vermicompost showed significant influence on quality parameters that include; maximum flowering duration (60.66 days), circumference of flower (22.51 cm), number of florets per flower (136.55), length of flower stalk (6.44 cm), and the vase life of flowers were enhanced by up to 7.47 days over the control that was recorded in the same treatment. The study concluded that there was a significant influence of the combined application of organic manure, bio-fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer on French marigold to enhance the flowering quality and their characters.

Studies of genetic variability, quantitative, and qualitative traits of Lilium cultivars (Lilium x hybrida) under shade net in North-West Himalayan region of India

Abstract An experiment was conducted to study genetic variability and performance of nine exotic lilium cultivars (Lilium x hybrida) for suitability for commercial cultivation in North Western hilly regions of Uttarakhand at Research Station and KVK, Lohaghat, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Champawat, Uttarakhand India. Bulbs of nine lilium hybrid cultivars viz., Acapulco (Pink), Sorbonne (White), Yelloween (Yellow), Tresor (Orange), Brindisi (Pink), Blackout (Red), Pavia (Yellow), Ercolano (White) and Samur (Pink) were selected as experimental material. There was significant difference in days taken for bud initiation among nine cultivars. It is evident from data that minimum days take for bud initiation in cultivar Blackout (44 days) followed by Tresor (45 days). The maximum number of flowers per plant reported in cultivars Acapulco (10.20) followed by Yelloween (8.20) and Sorbonne (7.80) which is at par with Blackout (7.40) and Pavia (7.20). Maximum vase life was recorded with Acapulco (12.4 days) followed by Sorbonne (11.80 days) which is at par with Yelloween (11.8 days) while Minimum vase life was recorded with Ercolano (8.40 days) and Tresor ( 8.40 days). Mean value was found maximum for flower stem length (87.29) and minimum mean value was exhibited by number of flowers per plant. Heritability value was found maximum for characters like days to flower bud opening followed by length of flower stalk and days taken to bud initiation.

Induced mutation by gamma rays on performance of MV3 Callistephus chinensis at lowland

Callistephus chinensis has beautiful flower with high sale price and usually grow at highland/plateau. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of induced mutation by gamma rays on performance of third generation (M1V3) Callistephus chinensis at lowland. Tiller of Callistephus chinensis was induced mutation by gamma rays at 0 Gy (Yo), 5 Gy (Y1), 10 Gy (Y2), 15 Gy (Y3) and 20 Gy (Y4) at first generation (M1V1). Plant from M1V2 was selected based on earlier flowering as plant material for M1V3. There were 12 genotypes selected. Twelve genotype and Y0 were planted at lowland (125 m above sea level) in Tembalang - Semarang. The results showed that induced mutation by gamma rays increased height, number of leaves, number of flower, flower stalk length of M1V3 Callistephus chinensis at lowland. Number of tiller were not significantly different between induced mutation plant and control, except for Y1-U4-11 and Y3-U3-10. Colour of flower was not significantly different between induced mutation plant and control, except for some of Y3-U3-10 genotype. Most flower colour was purple, while some of Y1-U4-9 genotype (Y1-U4-9-5) were pink. The conclusion was Callistephus chinensis can adapted in lowland due to induced mutation by gamma rays.

Impact of nutrient management on yield and yield attributing traits of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) growing under protection

Gerbera is a flower of choice which is grown widely all across the world. Though quality accounts utmost importance beside quantity therefore feeding the plants with balanced combination and concentration of both major and micronutrients is a must. The present experiment entitled “Impact of nutrient management on yield and yield attributing traits of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) growing under protection” was executed under polyhouse condition. This experiment was conducted following Randomised Block Design with three replications & twelve treatments including a control. Result of the investigation envisaged that the nutrient combination NPK 20:20:20 @15g/10 ltr + Multiplex General Liquid @0.2% (T12) performed best for the parameters like plant height (31.87 cm), leaf area (204.53 cm2), flower stalk length (46.50 cm), diameter of flowering head (10.84 cm), vase life of cut flowers (6.70 days) and chlorophyll content of leaves (73.02). However, the plants treated with NPK 20:20:20 @15g/10 ltr + Power Bio-20 @0.2% (T11) exhibited significant increase in parameters like number of leaves per plant (37.67), number of suckers per plant (3.20), flower stalk diameter (5.70 mm) and flower neck diameter (3.45mm). On the other hand, the nutrient combination NPK 20:20:20 @15g/10 ltr + ZnSO4 @0.2% + MnSO4 @0.2% (T6) resulted in maximum plant spread (54.53 cm) and number of flowers per plant (3.63).

Studies on the effect of fertigation in greenhouse chrysanthemum

Investigations were carried out to study the effect of levels of fertigation on growth and yield of chrysanthemum cv. Punch. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments comprised of four fertigation levels without micronutrients [75, 100, 125 and 150 percent recommended dose of fertilizers viz., 16:4:16 g NPK / m2 /crop, and four fertigation levels with micronutrients (75, 100, 125 and 150 percent RDF with 0.2 percent micronutrient mixture as foliar spray) along with a check (without fertilizers). Fertigation levels had a significant influence on growth and yield parameters at three stages of growth. T6 recorded highest plant height (60.57cm, 90.34 cm and 138.90 cm), number of leaves (28.70, 36.54 and 38.44), total leaf area (1003.17 cm2, 1253.56 cm2 and 1328.77 cm2), days to harvest (95.74 days), flower stalk length (132.24 cm) and stem yield / m2 (77.68). However, earlier days taken for bud appearance (45.08 days), the maximum number of flowers per stalk (15.55), increased unopened and opened flower bud circumference of 3.56 cm and 8.54 cm was recorded in T7.

Evaluation of various selections on growth, flowering, yield and quality in papaya

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the different selections along with Pusa Dwarf as a check for growth, flowering, yield and quality traits in papaya. The experiment was conducted at Fruit Research Station, Madhadi bag farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, JAU, Junagadh (Gujarat). The study revealed that the maximum number of fruits per plants (36.38) and fruit yield (33.81 kg/pl. & 84.52 ton/ha) were noted in Selection-4 (GJP-1). The bearing height is good shine and the check vareity Pusa Dwarf performed with lowest bearing height, but was found at par with Selection-4 (GJP-1). Variation in growth parameters was found significant and lowest plant height and maximum number of leaves/plant were recorded in Pusa Dwarf, while, highest stem girth was noted in Selection-6, but they were observed at par with Selection-4 (GJP-1). Flowering is the main object of plant to target the yield. Significantly the lowest days to flowering was noted in Selection-1 but maturity in Selection-4 (GJP-1). Maximum number of female flower /node was registered in Selection-3, whereas, highest length of pistilate flower, staminate flower and male flower stalk were noted in Selection-6, however, all were found at par with Selection-4(GJP-1). Among the various physical parameters studied, highest fruit length & weight (25.02 cm & 1832 g) were noted in Selection-6, whereas, highest fruit girth (47.3 cm) was noted in Pusa Dwarf but was observed at par with Selection-4 (GJP-1). It was also performed better for highest pulp weight (1327.93 g) and pulp seed ratio (1230.56). Likewise, highest pulp-peel ratio (5.74) was noted in Selection-8, but lowest peel weight (166.10 g) and seed weight (63.63 g) were registered in Selection-2 & 7. In the present study, Selection-6 & 4 (GJP-1) established its supremacy in quality parameters viz., TSS, total sugars, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar over the other varieties. The organolaptic parameters have also great significant to judge the prefarability of the vareity. Highest score of pulp color and taste were noted in Selection-6 & 5, respectively, whereas, the highest flavor, texture and over all acceptibility were registerd in Selection-2, however, it was found at par with Selection-4 (GJP-1). Fruit firmness and shelf life of the fruit is also an important feature which enhances the more market price for longer period due to good keeping quality. Highest fruit firmness and shelf life were noted in Selection-7. Papaya Ring Spot Virus (PRSV) is the major devastating disease of papaya. The result was also observed significant and lowest PRSV infestation was noted in Selection-4 (GJP-1).