Flower Weight Research Articles

Performance of chrysanthemum varieties under the agro-climatic subzone of Bundelkhand

An experiment was conducted to evaluate twelve varieties of chrysanthemum for vegetative and flowering attributes at the Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi under the Agro-climatic subzone of Bundelkhand during the years 2019–20 and 2020-21 in Randomized block design with three replications. A wide range of variation was observed in the performance of the twelve varieties evaluated for vegetative growth and flowering parameters. The variety Flirt recorded maximum plant height (49.90 cm) whereas maximum plant spread (40.27 cm) was recorded in variety Pusa Shwet. Minimum days (46.33 days) taken to 50% flowering were recorded in variety Sadbhawana. Maximum average flower weight (3.86 g) was recorded in variety Flirt whereas, the highest number of flowers per plant ((38.78) was observed in Pusa Sona. However, the maximum flowering duration (52 days) was recorded in variety Kundan.

Alteration of Flower Yield and Phytochemical Compounds of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) by Application of Different Light Qualities and Growth Regulators

Saffron is the world’s most coveted spicy plant that has medicinal value. Currently, due to diverse types of difficulties in growing this plant outdoor, the tendency to produce it indoor has been increased. Optimized indoor conditions for growing saffron plants is not fully determined so far. This study was conducted to investigate the interactive effects of two plant growth regulators (PGRs), including gibberellic acid (GA3) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and four light recipes, including white, monochromatic blue, monochromatic red, and a combination of 50% red and 50% blue on the flower yield and phytochemical components (such as crocin, picrocrocin and safranal) in stigmas of indoor-grown saffron. The results showed that exogenous GABA application and combined red and blue LED lights enhanced the performance of saffron flowers in terms of the number of flowers (up to 1.97 per corm) as well as the fresh and dry weight of flowers and stigmas. In saffron, the concentration of three major secondary metabolites is of great importance since it determines its commercial, pharmaceutical quality. GABA induced saffron’s chemical ingredients toward the phytochemicals safranal (up to 5.03%) and picrocrocin (up to 15.8%), while GA3 induced them toward the carotenoid pigment crocin (up to 25.1%). In conclusion, the application of GABA with a combination of red and blue lights enhanced the production of high-quality stigmas and positively affected the yield of flowers in saffron plants.

The Effect of Bio-Phophate Fertilizer at Lowlands on The Growth and Results of Cauliflower in Polybags

This study aims to examine the Effect of Bio-Phosphate Fertilizer Application in the Lowlands on the Growth and Yield of Flower Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis L.) in Polybags. This research was carried out at SMK-PP Negeri Sembawa Kec. Sembawa, Banyuasin Regency, Palembang City, South Sumatra Province. This research was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021. The method used in this study was the experimental method (experiment), using a randomized block design (RBD) with 5 (five) treatments and 5 (five) groups/replications. Each experimental unit consisted of 10 plants so that the number of plants studied was 250 plants. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the application of Bio-phosphate fertilizer has a good effect on the growth and yield of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis L.) in polybags. The application of Bio Phosphate fertilizer had a good effect on the growth of plant height and number of leaves with a fertilizer dose of 15 g/polybag, the best plant height was 36.69 cm, and the number of leaves was 22.20. The application of Bio Phosphate fertilizer had a good effect on the yield of flower diameter, fresh weight of plants and fresh weight of flowers per plant with a fertilizer dose of 30 g/polybag obtained a flower diameter of 91.56 mm, plant fresh weight of 236.50 g and flower fresh weight per plant of 90.30 g.

Evaluation of genotypes and correlation studies in Marigold (Tagetes spp.) for growth and yield attributes

The study was conducted to evaluate 23 genotypes of marigold (Tagetes spp.) collected from different and diverse sources and correlation studies were performed for various growth and yield characters. The results shows that the maximum plant height (92.60 cm) is recorded in the genotype AMS-15, whereas maximum plant spread (52.80 cm), flower weight (8.93 g) and largest flower size (7.63 cm) was recorded in the genotype ‘AMS-16’. The highest number of branches (11.13), flowers per plant (509.93), flower yield per plant (622.27 gm), flower yield per m2 (4635.83 gm) and duration of flowering (88.47 days) was recorded in genotype ‘AMS-3’. The genotype ‘AMS-4’ showed earliest bud initiation (38.20 days) and flower opening (47.53 days). Plant spread is positively correlated with number of branches, flower stalk length, flower diameter, days to bud initiation, first flower opening, flower yield per plant and per m2, whereas, plant height has positive correlation with plant spread, number of branches per plant, flower stalk length and flower diameter. The study concludes that the genotype AMS-3 is the best amongst all the genotype with respect to flower yield and flowering duration. The various growth parameters viz. plant spread, number of branches, flower diameter, days to bud initiation, days to first flower opening and number of flowers per plant has positive correlation with flower yield, hence, these characters may be considered as selection indices in improving yield attributes in marigold.

Growth and production response in saffron-chickpea intercropping under different irrigation regimes

The present study aimed to evaluate saffron production in intercropping with chickpea under different irrigation regimes. The experiment was a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications during two years (2018–19 and 2019–20). The main plot consisted of two irrigation regimes [i.e. one-time and conventional irrigations], and the sub-plot included eight planting ratios [i.e. saffron mono-crop (C1), chickpea mono-crop (C2), 100% saffron + 50% chickpea (C3) and 100% saffron + 100% chickpea (C4) as additive ratios, and 1:1 (C5), 2:2 (C6), 2:1(C7), and 3:1(C8) saffron:chickpea as replacement ratios]. Based on the results, the effect of the irrigation regime was not significant on flower number, fresh weight of flower, and dried stigma yield of saffron. In intercropping ratios, the highest flower number (141.5 ± 4.26 m−2), fresh weight of flower (108.22 ± 3.4 g m−2), and dried stigma yield (4.1 ± 0.01 kg h−1) were observed in saffron mono-crop and approximately equaled by C3 treatment. The conventional irrigation regime increased the pod and seed numbers, the grain and biological yields, and the harvest index of chickpea. In the intercropping ratios, the maximum aforementioned traits were obtained by chickpea mono-crop. The maximum total land equivalent ratio (1.86) was obtained by the C3 treatment, which showed an intercropping advantage as compared to mono-crop. In summary, the C3 treatment showed the same effects as the mono-crop treatment on the saffron parameters, therefore, this treatment could be considered a proper alternative combination as compared to mono-crop for improving environmental resources absorption and soil fertility.

Effect of different varietal performance and various levels of nitrogen on growth and flowering characters on China aster (callistephus chinensis l. Ness) under north Gujarat condition

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2020 to study deals with effect of different varietal performance and various levels of nitrogen on growth and flowering characters on China aster (callistephus chinensis l. Ness) under north Gujarat condition. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with factorial concept using ten treatments, comprising two varieties (Arka Archana and Arka Kamini) and five levels of nitrogen (140, 180, 220, 260 and 300 kg/ha). The results revealed that among various treatments, The highest plant height (47.12 cm) was recorded in Arka Kamini. While, Arka Archana gave the maximum number of primary branches (15.04 cm), plant spread 48.07 and 40.62 cm in N-S & E-W, respectively. Minimum days for bud initiation (50.40 days), days for flower initiation (59.27 days), flower weight (3.99 g), flower diameter (6.33 cm) and shelf life of flower (6.22 days) were significantly the maximum in Arka Archana. All the vegetative, flowering and yield characters were significantly influenced by nitrogen application 300 kg/ha. The maximum plant height (46.20 cm), number of primary branches per plant (16.77) and plant spread (47.53 and 41.23 cm) in N-S & E-W respectively, weight of flower (4.24 g), flower diameter (6.79 cm) was the highest application at 300 kg N/ha. Flowering parameter such as minimum days taken to bud initiation (57.37 days), minimum days taken to flower initiation (66.77 days) and longest shelf life of flower (6.07 days) were observed with application of nitrogen 140 kg/ha.

The Effect of Liquid Organic Fertilizer from Plant Waste, Livestock Waste, and Fish Waste on Growth of Marigold

This study used a completely randomized design with six treatments consisting of four types of liquid organic fertilizer, NPK Mutiara fertilizer, and control (without fertilizer) which was repeated four times. The results showed that the treatment of liquid organic fertilizer had a significant (P< 0.05) to very significant (P< 0.01) effect on the growth and yield of marigold flower plants. The highest weight of marigold flowers per plant was found in the treatment of liquid organic fertilizer mixed with plant waste, livestock waste, and fish waste of 79.70 g, followed by treatment of liquid organic fertilizer of fish waste at 59.13 g, liquid organic fertilizer from livestock waste at 51.43 g, NPK Mutiara fertilizer of 34.78 g, plant waste of 28.17 g, and the lowest flower weight per plant was found in the control (without fertilizer) of 25.57 g per plant. The mixed liquid organic fertilizer treatment gave the best effect, which was able to increase the number of marigold flowers up to 246 %, flower diameter 114 %, flower fresh weight 137 %, and flower weight per plant up to 311. 69 % compared to the control.

EFFECT OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON FLOWERING, POSTHARVEST LIFE AND XANTHOPHYLL CONTENT OF AFRICAN MARIGOLD (Tagetes erecta L.) CV. PUSA BASANTI GAINDA

The present study on the on “Effect of integrated nutrient management on flowering, postharvest lifeand xanthophyll content of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa Basanti Gainda” was conducted during 2021 – 2022 at the COA, CAU, Imphal with 7 treatments and 3 replications. The minimum first flower appereance and flower longevity on plant were recorded in treatment application of 75% RDF + Vermicompost (1.25t/ha) (T4). Diameter of the flower (cm) and weight of individual flower (g) were maximum when 75% RDF + FYM (7.5t/ha) (T2) was applied. Application of 50% RDF + Vermicompost (2.5t/ha) ( T7) was found to be significantly superior to all the treatments in postharvest parameters i.e. minimum physiological loss in weight (%), highest sensory quality, minimum Spoilage (%), maximum moisture content (%) and longest shelf life (days) in room temperature. It was observed that treatment T4 [75% RDF + Vermicompost (1.25t/ha)] has maximum xanthophyll content (7.57 g/kg) among all treatments.

Antifungal Potential of Beauveria bassiana on Solanum lycopersicum L. Infected with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of Beauveria bassiana (Bb 1205) on controlling Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol 17108) in tomato plants in greenhouse conditions. Inoculation of Bb 1205 was the most promising among the agronomic variables and expression of the activity of the enzymes β-1,3-glucanases and chitinases. Inoculation of Bb 1205 occurred at a concentration of 1 × 108 conidia·mL−1, which was administered onto the leaves, directly into the soil and via injection. Infection with Fol 17108 occurred with 1 × 106 spores·mL−1, which were added directly to the soil. Spectrophotometry was used for measuring agronomic parameters, namely activity of chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases in foliage and roots. When Bb 1205 was added to the soil, the chlorophyll index and aerial part length showed significant differences. In addition, it was determined that root length, fresh weight of foliage, flower, and fruit count increased 82 days after inoculation (dai). Chitinase activity induced by Bb 1205 in leaves and roots of tomato plants infected with Fol 17108 was observed when injected into the stem at 32 dai (41.8 and 11.6-fold, respectively). Inoculation on the foliage showed a 10-fold increase of β-1,3-glucanases in the roots after 82 dpi. As for leaves, a 3.8-fold increase was found when the stem was inoculated. In the different in vivo applications, Bb 1205 activated its defenses by expressing the chitinase enzymes and β-1,3-glucanase, thus reducing the damage caused by Fol 17108, demonstrating increase plant growth thereafter.

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.

Respostas morfológicas e fisiológicas de Calliandra haematocephala ao estresse de salinidade da água e vermicomposto

Abstract Salinity is one of abiotic stress that affects plant growth and production. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of salinity and vermicompost on morphology and physiology parameters of Calliandra haematocephala. The experiment was carried out with salinity treatments at 1000, 2000 3000 ppm in addition to the control (tap water, 280 ppm), vermicompost treatments at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% in addition to the control. The results indicated that increasing level of salinity resulted in reduction in vegetative growth and flowering parameters (plant height, number of branches/plant, stem diameter, root length, fresh and dry weights of leaves and roots/plant, number of flowers /plant, as well as fresh and dry weights of flowers /plant), total chlorophylls, total carbohydrates, K+%, Ca2+%, and K+/Na+ ratio, while increased proline, Na+ and Cl−% in the plants. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activities significantly increased with elevating salinity level from 0 to 3000 ppm. Application of vermicompost with any concentration had a positive effect on vegetative growth and flowering parameters, total chlorophylls, total carbohydrates, nutrient uptake, K+/Na+ ratio, proline content, enzyme activities and reducing accumulation of Na+ and Cl−% toxic ions in leaves. Based on the results, application of vermicompost at 20% recommended for alleviating the harmful efects of salinity on Calliandra haematocephala plants irrigated with saline water at concentration up to 3000 ppm.

Evaluation of genetic variability in fragrant rose (Rosa × hybrida L.) cultivars under open field cultivations

Twenty six rose (Rosa × hybrida L.) cultivars grown for open field conditions were characterized using 16 vegetative and floral traits to obtain information on the nature and magnitude of existing genetic variability. The cultivars, Night Time, Christian Dior and Pusa Abhishek were early in flowering and Local Collection 3, Local Collection 4, Kashmir Velvet and Edouard had longer flowering duration; Christian Dior and Bonne Nuit had bigger flowers; Pusa Bahadur had long flower stalk; Local Collection 3, Local Collection 4, Edouard and Kashmir Velvet were having more number of flowers per plant and Pusa Bahadur, Night Time and Christian Dior were found with higher flower weight and shall help in further selection and hybridisation. The higher genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for plant height, plant spread (E-W), plant spread (N-S), stem girth, number of shoots/ plant, number of petals/ flower, flower stalk length, number of flowers/ plant and 100-flower weight, indicating that genotypic variation contributed markedly towards total variability for the above traits. There is a greater scope for selection in improving flower yield. The high heritability with high expected genetic advance over mean (GAM) was observed for plant height, plant spread (E-W), plant spread (N-S), stem girth, number of shoots/ plant, flower bud length, flower diameter and flower stalk length. This also revealed the lesser influence of environment on these traits. Therefore, simple selection based on phenotypic values for these traits could be useful in their improvement for achieving higher flower yield. The trait specification identified genotypes could ideally be used as donor parents in rose breeding programme to develop desired genotypes for open field cultivation.

Effect of nano and macro iron sprays on growth, flowering, seed and oil yielding attributes in calendula (Calendula officinalis L.)

The investigation was executed with nine treatments viz. nano forms of ferrous sulfide (7, 14, 21, 28 ppm) and macro ferrous sulphate (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 per cent) along with control, and were applied as foliar sprays after 30 days of transplanting on two varieties of calendula namely Fiesta Gitana Mix’ and ‘Fiesta Yellow’ during 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Application of 0.8 % FeSO4 recorded maximum number of branches (26.75), plant height (29.73 cm), plant spread (45.17 cm), number of leaves (22.63) and seed test weight (15.63 g) and number of flowers per plant (134.04). However, application of 0.2% macro FeSO4 resulted in early bud appearance (50.50 days) and higher flower diameter (8.09 cm). ‘Fiesta Gitana Mix’ outperformed over ‘Fiesta Yellow’ for most of the vegetative and floral characters. The ‘Fiesta Yellow’ variety with oil content (13.97%) had an edge over ‘Fiesta Gitana Mix’.

PENGARUH BERBAGAI JENIS MULSA TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL KEMBANG KOL (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis L) VARIETAS PM 126 F1

This study aims to determine the effect of various types of mulch on the growth and yield of cauliflower varieties PM 126 F1. To determine the effectiveness of various mulches compared to MPHP on the growth and yield of cauliflower varieties PM 126 F1. This research was conducted in the experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Samudra University, Langsa City, Aceh Province with an altitude of ± 10 meters above sea level. This research was conducted from January to March 2022. This study was structured using a non-factorial randomized block design (RAK). The factors observed were several types of mulch, consisting of 13 mulch with 1 cauliflower variety PM 126 F1 which was repeated 3 times. Parameters observed included plant height, number of leaves, weight of plant stover, flower diameter, weight of plant flowers and production per hectare. The results showed that the type of mulch treatment significantly affected the parameters of plant height at 20 HST, number of leaves aged 20 HST and plant weight of wet stover at harvest. However, it did not significantly affect the parameters of flower diameter and plant flower weight and production per hectare at harvest. The best results were obtained by treatment M6 (empty palm oil bunches), M1 (MPHP), but equally good with M10 (broken bricks) and M11 (used cloth). To cultivate cauliflower plants it is recommended to use mulch of empty palm oil bunches, MPHP, broken bricks or used cloth

Evaluating Sustainable and Environment Friendly Growing Media Composition for Pot Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.)

The use of different growing media offers a valuable alternative to the conventional use of soil for quality flower production due to their good water holding capacity, aeration and nutrient status. The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomised Design with three replications in the years 2021–2022 to study the influence of different compositions of growing media [Soil, Sand, Vermicompost, Cocopeat, Vermiculite, Perlite and Leaf mould] in different ratios on the growth and development of pot mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.).The growing media compositions of cocopeat, vermicompost and leaf moulds improve the water retention and aeration of media. The results revealed vegetative growth with maximum plant height at first bud appearance, plant height at harvesting stage, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf biomass, average fresh weight of leaf, dry weight of root and flowering parameters with maximum flower longevity, flower diameter, number of flowers per plant, number of ray florets, average fresh weight of flower, flower yield per plant and vase life of flower in case of media composition of Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Leaf mould (2:1:1) among all the growing media compositions. The combination of cocopeat with vermicompost and leaf mould (2:1:1 v/v/v) was found best for lighter media weight, better plant morphological development and sustained quality flower production of pot mum.

THE EFFECT OF CHICKEN MANURE AS ORGANIC MATTER AND NPK FERTILIZER ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF CABBAGE IN ALLUVIAL SOIL

Cabbage Flowers are flower buds in large numbers forming thick and dense circles. Utilization of alluvial soil as a growing medium is faced with low soil fertility, acidic soil pH, low levels of organic matter availability, and lack of nutrient content. The limited carrying capacity of the alluvial soil needs to be overcome by adding organic matter and nutrients needed to improve soil fertility as a growing medium for cauliflower plants. This study aims to determine the interaction of chicken manure as organic matter and NPK on the growth and yield of flower cabbage on alluvial soil. This research was conducted at Jalan Daya Nasional, Tanjungpura University Lecturer Complex, Pontianak from 27 December – 28 March 2022. This research is a field experiment with a factorial pattern of Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 2 factors. The first factor consisted of chicken manure (K) which consisted of 3 treatment levels and the second factor was NPK fertilizer (N) with 3 treatment levels. Each treatment combination was repeated 3 times and each experimental unit contained 4 sample plants, so there were 108 plants. The first factor is chicken manure which consists of 3 levels, namely: 108 ton/ha, 243 ton/ha and 378 ton/ha. The second factor is NPK fertilizer which consists of 3 levels, namely: 300 kg/ha, 450 kg/ha and 600 kg/ha. Observation variables include: number of leaves, root volume, dry weight of the top of the plant, fresh weight of flowers and flower diameter. The results showed that there was an interaction between chicken manure and NPK fertilizer on the variable number of leaves 4 WAP. The dose of 243 ton/ha and pupuk NPK 600 kg/ha fertilizer is an efficient dose to increase the growth of flower cabbage on alluvial soil. Keywords : Alluvial, Cabbage Flowers, NPK, Chicken Manure

Production of organic Saffron (Crocus sativus) using biofertilizer and vermicompost

An experiment was conducted at SKUAST-Kashmir during 2018–19 and field trials were conducted at Dryland Agriculture research Station of SKUAST-K and Saffron Research Station, Pampore, Jammu and Kashmir. Results of the present investigation revealed that application of vermicompost, biofertilizer alone or in combination were beneficial in increasing commercial production of saffron. It encouraged more blossoms, which directly influenced the yield of saffron in both locations. At the Dryland Agriculture Research Station, SKUAST-Kashmir application of Azotobacter @11.5 g + 115 g sand + recommended dose of vermicompost of FYM recorded highest number of flowers/plot (139), fresh flower weight (40.10g), and pistil weight (1.17g), followed by treatment level T6 (Azotobacter @11.5 g + 115 g sand + recommended dose of vermicompost of kitchen waste), similar T10 (Azospirillum @11.5 g + 115 g sand + suggested amount of FYM vermicompost). Similar trends in the results were seen at the Pampore Saffron Research Station. Significant changes between treatments for all the features were found in the analysis of variance for the floral and corm properties. For all features, with the exception of the number of flowers, flower weight, and corm weight, location impacts were also significant.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators in African Marigold: A Review

African marigold, being tall enough and producing large flowers suitable for preparing garlands, is the most cultivated cultivar of marigold in Nepal. Besides, pinching and other improved cultural techniques, a number of chemicals, hormones and phyto-hormones are being tested and found to impart a varying response in African marigold. This review has its importance for standardizing the type and concentration of plant growth regulators in African marigold. Online journals, scientific papers, proceedings, books, thesis and lecture notes are the key reference site for this review. Gibberellins or gibberellic acids (GA3), ethrel, paclobutrazol, salicylic acid, Indole 3 Acetic Acid, Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), Chlormequat Chloride and sea weed extract are the most widely used and proven biochemical with pronounced effect on growth, development and differentiation in marigold. Among these, 300 ppm, 350 ppm and 450 ppm of GA3 results higher plant height, minimum days for flower initiation and higher basal diameter respectively. Similarly, 450 ppm for higher number of branches and leaves per plant and 400 ppm of GA3 or 600 ppm of CCC has been found to impart higher number and weight of flowers per plants. Besides, 1000 ppm of CCC has been found more effective to impart higher productivity (yield/ ha) in African marigold. Hence, plant growth regulators have been a valuable agent for optimizing yield and yield potential in African marigold.

The Influence of the Bud Stage at Harvest and Cold Storage on the Vase Life of Narcissus poeticus (L.) Flowers

The Narcissus poeticus (L.) species stands out from other narcissus due to its unique ornamental and sensory values. In our experiment, the flowers of N. poeticus were harvested at five different stages. After cutting, the plants were placed directly at room temperature or at 4 °C for 1 week. The opening status of the flowers was recorded every 12 h, and based on this, the ornamental value of the flowers was calculated. Additionally, the flower diameter, the scape and flower weight, the dry matter content, the water soluble K, Ca, and Mg content of the plant parts, and the chlorophyll content of the scapes were measured. The complete senescence of the stored flowers was noted to be earlier (after 6.6–7.5 days) than that of the fresh flowers (7.5–8.5 days) and depended on the bud stage at harvest. Flowers opened from all the buds, but the flower size was smaller in the early developmental harvest stage (a 10 mm reduction in diameter and a 0.38 g reduction in fresh weight between the green bud and the large white bud harvest stages). Cold storage delayed further bud development and reduced the flower size in several cases, but it increased the maximum decorative value of the flowers for those flowers that had been harvested as big white buds.

Effect of Date of Sowing and Spacing of Plants on Yield and Quality of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Grown in an Arid Environment

Little is known about how Indian farming practices affect German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). This study examines the effects of the sowing date and spacing of plants on flower productivity, essential oil concentration, and the composition of German chamomile grown in the arid zone of Rajasthan, India. In a factorial randomized block design (FRBD), the treatments consisted of four sowing dates (15 and 25 October, 5 and 15 November) and three spacings of plants (20 × 10 cm, 30 × 10 cm, and 40 × 10 cm). The dried flower yield (Kg ha−1), fresh flower yield (Kg ha−1), and number of flowers per plant of chamomile crop were significantly affected by the varying spacing of plants and the date of sowing. The highest values for dry weight, fresh weight, and number of flowers were obtained from the second date of sowing (25 October) with 40 × 10 cm geometry. Likewise, the highest values for total oil (12.44%) and essential oil (0.94%) contents were also obtained from the D2P3 combination (D2—sowing date 25 October, P3—40 × 10 cm spacing of plants). GC/MS analyses of the samples showed that p-menth-1-en-4-ol, acetate, cis-alpha-farnesene, anethole+estragol, 1,4-cyclohexadiene,1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)- and 3,6-dihydro-4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-1,2-dithiin were the main identified compounds in the essential oil of chamomile fresh flowers. The treatments altered the quality profile of the essential oils in general. The principal components of chamomile essential oil were significantly affected by the D2P3 treatment. The findings of this study add to our understanding of how to grow high-quality chamomile flowers in arid regions.