Highest Flower Yield Research Articles

Influence of growth regulating chemicals on growth and flowering in Jasmine (Jasminum sambac.Ait.)

Jasmine is an important commercial flower crop in Tamil Nadu. The crop has a main floweringseason during March to October and an off-season from November to February. During thisoff-season, flowering is very poor or there is no flowering in many growing areas. In recentyears, growth regulators are valuable in floriculture for manipulating growth and flowering ofmany crops and hence and attempt has been made to induce flowering during off season usinggrowth regulators in Jasmine in the Floriculture unit of the Department of Horticulture, Facultyof Agriculture, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu during November, 2016 to February, 2017.The treatment comprises of three concentrations of each of two growth promoting substancesviz., NAA and GA3 and two growth retardants (Cycocel and Maleic Hydrazide). The experimentwas laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Among the various treatments,application of NAA @ 75 ppm (T6) recorded the highest plant height (130.6 cm and 178.5 cm at90 and 180 DAP respectively), number of primary shoots (21.68 and 35.68 at 90 and 180 DAPrespectively), number of nodes (9.86 and 15.89 cm at 90 and 180 DAP respectively) and numberof leaves (1250.0 and 2689.5 at 90 and 180 DAP respectively). Earliness in flowering (26.38DAP) and maximum duration of flowering (171.00 days) was noticed in (GA3@ 150 ppm T3).From the above studies, it is inferred that application of GA3 @ 150 ppm could be recommendedfor enhanced growth and higher flower yield in Jasminum sambac.

Influence of growth regulating chemicals on growth and flowering in Jasmine (Jasminum sambac.Ait.)

Jasmine is an important commercial flower crop in Tamil Nadu. The crop has a main floweringseason during March to October and an off-season from November to February. During thisoff-season, flowering is very poor or there is no flowering in many growing areas. In recentyears, growth regulators are valuable in floriculture for manipulating growth and flowering ofmany crops and hence and attempt has been made to induce flowering during off season usinggrowth regulators in Jasmine in the Floriculture unit of the Department of Horticulture, Facultyof Agriculture, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu during November, 2016 to February, 2017.The treatment comprises of three concentrations of each of two growth promoting substancesviz., NAA and GA3 and two growth retardants (Cycocel and Maleic Hydrazide). The experimentwas laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Among the various treatments,application of NAA @ 75 ppm (T6) recorded the highest plant height (130.6 cm and 178.5 cm at90 and 180 DAP respectively), number of primary shoots (21.68 and 35.68 at 90 and 180 DAPrespectively), number of nodes (9.86 and 15.89 cm at 90 and 180 DAP respectively) and numberof leaves (1250.0 and 2689.5 at 90 and 180 DAP respectively). Earliness in flowering (26.38DAP) and maximum duration of flowering (171.00 days) was noticed in (GA3@ 150 ppm T3).From the above studies, it is inferred that application of GA3 @ 150 ppm could be recommendedfor enhanced growth and higher flower yield in Jasminum sambac.

Effect of different levels of macro nutrients (NPK) and mulching on growth, quality and yield of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) cv. Marigold

The present investigation was conducted to study the effect of different levels of nutrients (NPK) and mulching on various growth and flowering traits of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) cv. Marigold. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with five treatments and four replications during 2015- 16. The treatment consisted of different levels of nutrients and mulching, viz. 75% recommended dose of fertilizer(RDF) with mulching, 100% RDF with mulching, 125% RDF with mulching, 150% RDF with mulching and 100% RDF without mulching (control) and RDF was 120:150:100 kg NPK per ha. Results revealed that application of 150% RDF with mulching resulted in increased plant height (51.78 cm), leaf area (88.62 cm2), plant spread (N-S, 55.07 cm and E-W, 52.39 cm), number of laterals/plant (22.83) and number of suckers (11.17) after 120 days after planting (DAP). The same treatment has influenced early bud initiation (73.05 days), 50% flowering (103.60 days),increased flower diameter (5.44 cm), number of sprays per plant (14.40), highest flower yield per plant (658.35 g), and yield per ha (24.38 t), however, increased shelf life (6.55 days) was recorded from 125% RDF with mulching after 120 days after planting.

Effects of Zeolite, Bio- and Organic Fertilizers Application on German Chamomile Yield and Essential Oil Composition

The current study was carried out to investigate the influence of zeolite, vermicompost and PGPRs on German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) flower yield, essential oil contents and components in a semi-arid region of Iran, during 2013 and 2014 growing seasons. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete-block design arranged in factorial scheme with three replicates. The first factor consisted of three vermicompost rates 0, 5, and 10 t ha−1, the second factor included two amounts of natural zeolite 0 and 9 t ha–1 and the third factor consisted of two levels of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) treatments, non-inoculated and inoculated seed. In addition, in each block, one plot was considered as the mineral fertilizer (as control treatment). The results indicated that application of organic fertilizers caused the highest flower yield in both years (464 and 521 kg ha−1 in 2013 and 2014, respectively). The result of GC and GC-MS analysis showed that the oil of German chamomile flowers which harvested in the chemical and organic fertilizer treatments had 14 and 16 components, accounting for 88.74 and 97.30% of total essential oil in these treatments, respectively. The major constituents of essential oil in the chemical fertilizer treatments were α-bisabolol oxide A (34.5%), α- bisabolol (30.2%), chamazulen (6.27%), E-β-farnesene (5.10%) and α-bisabolol oxide B (4.50%), while in the organic fertilizer treatments were α-bisabolol oxide A (44.1%), α-bisabolol (30.7%), chamazulen (6.41%), α- bisabolol oxide B (5.25%) and β-Bisabolene (3.64%). From this work, it can be concluded that the application of vermicompost, zeolite and PGPRs could be critical in the cultivation of German chamomile in arid and semiarid conditions, where soil fertility is one of the most important factors limiting plant growth, yield and quality.

Effect of biofertilizers on growth and flowering in French marigold cv. Pusa Arpita

An experiment was carried out to study the response of French marigold cv. Pusa Arpita to biofertilizers during the period from September 2014 to January 2015. There were 7 treatments comprising different combinations of VAM and Azotobacter replicated thrice. Among the biofertilizer treatments T6 (VAM 2.0 g/plant + Azotobacter 1.5 kg/ha) was significantly superior in terms of vegetative growth parameters as it recorded the maximum values of plant height (47.04 cm), number of primary branches per plant (24.30), number of secondary branches per plant (45.06) and plant spread (60.83 cm). This treatment was found superior in flowering parameters also recording the earliest flower bud appearance (53.59 days), earliest 50% flowering (68.67 days), longest flowering duration (76.92 days), maximum flower diameter (56.54 mm), highest number of flowers per plant (278.67), highest individual flower weight (8.19 g), highest flower yield per plant (884.35 g) and highest flower yield per plot (13.00 kg). This treatment was found superior in seed parameters also as it recorded earliest seed ripening (93.21 days), maximum number of seeds per flower (150.60), maximum weight of seeds per flower (0.89 g), maximum 100 seed weight (0.51 g) and maximum seed yield per plant (126.67 g).

Effect of N, P and K fertilizer on the flower yield of Chrysanthemum

An experiment was conducted at the research field of Horticulture Research Centre, BARI, Gazipur during Rabi season of 2012-13 to 2014-15 to evaluate the response of different doses of N, P and K on the yield and yield attributes of chrysanthemum (var. BARI Chrysanthemum-1) and to find out the optimum and economic doses of NPK for maximizing yield of chrysanthemum. Treatments comprising four levels each of N (0, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1), P (0, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha-1) and K (0, 90, 135 and 180 kg ha-1) along with blanket dose of 2 kg B and 4 kg Zn ha-1 were used. The treatments were assigned in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The combined effect of NPK significantly increased yield and yield attributes of chrysanthemum for each of the yearly experiments as well as the average of three years results. Significantly, the highest flower yield (12.45, 11.47 and 11.96 t/ha) was obtained with the application of N150P75K135 kg ha-1 (T3) along with blanket dose of 2 kg B and 4 kg Zn ha-1 for the years of 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15, respectively and it was statistically identical with T4 (N200P75K135 kg ha-1) treatment. Application of 150 kg N, 75 kg P and 135 kg K increased yield by 52.76, 42.29 and 36.51%, 152.08, 126.23 and 99.13% and 88.35, 51.30 and 60.75%, respectively, over their control in respect to the years. The highest benefit-cost ratio 5.54 followed by 5.14 was obtained from T3 (N150P75K135 kg ha-1) followed by T4 treatment, respectively. From the quadratic regression equation averaging three years data the optimum and economic doses 155 and 151.8 kg N, 79.3 and 77.68 kg P and 118.75 and 115.7 kg K, respectively were found which could be recommended for chrysanthemum production in Grey Terrace Soil of Joydebpur under AEZ 28.The Agriculturists 2017; 15(1) 58-67

Organo-mineral fertilization effects on biomass and essential oil of lavender (Lavandula dentata L.)

Large-scale production of aromatic plants is subject to phytotechnical challenges, such as management, irrigation, nutrition, and soil fertility, as well as exogenous issues that may affect the chemical composition of secondary metabolites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of organo-mineral fertilizer on the biomass and essential oil of lavender (Lavandula dentata L.). A randomized block experimental design was used in a split-plot arrangement, consisting of five rates of organo-mineral fertilizer, and an additional treatment with only mineral fertilizer. The organo-mineral fertilizer was used at the same recommended rate as the mineral fertilizer. The organo-mineral fertilizer was formulated with 10% total nitrogen, 10% P2O5, 10% total potassium, and 8% organic carbon, and was applied at the following rates: 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20%. Flowers, leaves, and stems were harvested three times. Plant biomass, and the concentration, yield, and chemical composition of the essential oils were evaluated. Results showed that the highest flower yield was obtained at 145days after planting through use of the 100% rate of the organo-mineral fertilizer. The 60% rate of the organo-mineral fertilizer produced more than 320g plant−1 of fresh biomass. The major compounds were 1,8-cineole, camphor, and fenchone, and these compounds together represented more than 80% of the chemical composition. The organo-mineral fertilizer can ensure greater yield through slow release of nutrients around the root system, especially at the flowering stage. We conclude that associating organo-mineral fertilization with the appropriate harvest season has a noticeable impact on the chemical composition of lavender essential oil.

Response of african marigold to NPK , biofertilizers and spacings

A field experiment on African marigold (TagetserectaL.) was conducted during winter season of 2014-15 to study the effect of NPK, biofertilizers and plant spacings on growth and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta Linn). The treatment combinations F6 100 % RDF of NPK + Azotobacter + PSB recorded the maximum longevity of intact flower (27.93), average diameter of flower (7.37 cm), average weight of flower (8.96 g) number of flowers per plant (56.54), yield of flowers per plant (515.62 g), per plot (11.93 kg) and highest flower yield ha (184.13 q). The spacing D3 (60× 60 cm) registered significant (5 %) maximum longevity of intact flower, larger size flower (7.80 cm), average weight of flower (9.14 g) and highest flower yield per plant (456.22 g). Highest flower yield per plot (10.19 kg), number of flower per plant (52.22) and per hectare flower yield (157.29 q/ha) with 60× 45 cm. These results are conclusive that application of 100 % RDF of NPK + Azotobacter+ PSB and plant spacing (60× 45 cm) may positively increase the growth and flowers yield parameters of marigold.

اثرات تاریخ کاشت، زمان آبیاری و کاربرد گیاهان پوششی بر رشد و عملکرد زعفران (Crocus sativus L.)

به منظور بررسی اثرات زمان‌های کاشت بهاره، تابستانه و پاییزه و نیز مدیریت آبیاری و استفاده از گیاهان پوششی، بر ویژگی‌های رشد و عملکرد گیاه دارویی زعفران (Crocus sativus L.) آزمایشی در مزرعه تحقیقاتی دانشکده کشاورزی دانشگاه فردوسی مشهد در سال‌های زراعی 89-1388 و 90-1389، به صورت کرت‌های دوبار خرد شده در قالب طرح پایه بلوک‌های کامل تصادفی با سه تکرار اجرا شد. فاکتورهای آزمایشی عبارت بودند از: تاریخ کاشت بهاره، تابستانه و پاییزه زعفران به عنوان فاکتور اصلی (اول خرداد ماه، اول مرداد ماه و اول مهر ماه)، مدیریت آبیاری به عنوان فاکتور فرعی (انجام آبیاری و عدم انجام آبیاری پس از هر تاریخ کاشت) و کاربرد گیاهان همراه در سال دوم آزمایش به عنوان فاکتور فرعی فرعی [شبدر ایرانی (Trifolium resopinatum L.)، خلر (Lathyrus sativus L.) و شاهد]. نتایج نشان داد که با تأخیر در کاشت بنه‌ها از اول خرداد به اول مهر، شاخص‌های کمی زعفران به طور قابل ملاحظه‌ای کاهش پیدا کرد و شدت کاهش در سال دوم آزمایش به مراتب بیشتر بود. بیشترین عملکرد گل در تاریخ کاشت مرداد ماه (به ترتیب 28 و 98 کیلوگرم در هکتار برای سال‌های اول و دوم آزمایش) و کمترین آن در تاریخ کاشت مهر ماه (به ترتیب 18 و 34 کیلوگرم در هکتار برای سال‌های اول و دوم آزمایش) به دست آمد. کاشت زعفران در تاریخ اول مرداد ماه موجب بهبود سرعت گل‌دهی و کاهش نسبی سرعت ظهور برگ گردید. عدم آبیاری پس از کاشت باعث افزایش شاخص‌های کمی زعفران شد؛ به طوری‌که عملکرد گل در تیمار انجام آبیاری پس از کاشت در سال اول نه و در سال دوم 43 کیلوگرم در هکتار و برای تیمار عدم انجام آبیاری در سال‌های اول و دوم به ترتیب 37 و 78 کیلوگرم در هکتار بود. بیشترین تعداد گل در هکتار (480000 گل در هکتار) و نیز بیشترین درصد بنه‌های گل‌دهنده (100 درصد) در سال دوم آزمایش و در تیمار تاریخ کاشت خرداد ماه و عدم انجام آبیاری پس از کاشت به دست آمد. کاربرد گیاهان پوششی به خصوص خلر تا حدودی باعث بهبود ویژگی‌های رشد و عملکرد زعفران گردید؛ به طوری‌که استفاده از این گیاه پوششی، عملکرد گل و کلاله را در مقایسه با شاهد حدود دو درصد افزایش داد. همچنین بیشترین سرعت گل‌دهی و کمترین سرعت ظهور برگ در تیمارهای تاریخ کاشت خرداد ماه، عدم انجام آبیاری پس از کاشت و کاربرد گیاه پوششی خلر مشاهده شد.

Effects of different fertilizer sources on vegetative characteristics of pot marigold plant (Calendula officinalis L.)

Medicinal plants are one of very valuable resources in wide range of natural resources of Iran that it can have an important role in health. In order to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer and zinc sulfate on vegetative characteristics of Calendula Officinalis, as factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design was carried out with three replications in Takestan, Iran during 2010-2011 cropping season. The experimental factors were consisted of nitrogen fertilizer (manure and urea) with 5 levels (0 tons of manure + 120 kg.ha-1urea, 10 tons of manure + 90 kg.ha -1 urea, 20 tons of manure + 60 kg.ha -1 urea, 30 tons of manure + 90 kg.ha -1 urea and 40 tons of manure + 0 kg.ha -1 urea) and zinc sulfate of 3 levels (no spraying, once spraying and twice spraying). The results showed that the effect of nitrogen fertilizer (manure and urea) and zinc sulfate was significant on number of stem sub, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, capitulum dry weight and flower yield. The highest flower yield was obtained from 20 tons manure + 60 kg.ha-1 urea with the amount of 77.96 g.m-2. In the case of zinc Sulfate, was obtained the maximum yield flower with twice spraying, the amount of 78.05 g g.m-2, interaction between treatments had no significant effect on shoot weight and flower yield. The maximum flower yield was obtained from combination treatment of 20 tons of manure + 60 kg.ha -1 urea and twice spraying zinc to amount

RESPONSE OF SNAPDRAGON (ANTIRRHINUM MAJUS L.) TO BLENDING WATER IRRIGATION AND ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI INOCULATION

The effect of various blends of irrigation water sources and the inoculation of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on plant growth, flower yield, chlorophyll content, mineral composition and other physiological indices of snap-dragon plants was studied under greenhouse conditions. Five irrigation treatments were applied: T1 (100% desalinized water (DW), as a control), T2 (75% DW + 25% well water, WW), T3 (50% DW + 50% WW), T4 (25% DW + 75% WW) and T5 (100% WW). The imposed salt stress condition (T5) significantly reduced vegetative growth, flower yield, chlorophyll content and mineral composition (P, Na, K and Ca) of the plants compared to those of plants irrigated with non-saline water (T1). Inoculated snapdragon with AM fungi gave significantly higher values for most vegetative growth, flowering date, spike length and chlorophyll content than those of non-mycorrhizal plants. The interaction analysis showed that the highest value of proline content of the leaves was detected with 100% WW (T5) and AM fungi inoculation treatments. Inoculated snapdragon plants with AM fungi showed both better plant growth and higher flower yield, chiefly under salt stress condition. The best result was obtained with (T3) treatment + mycorrhizal plants. This result included earlier flowering date, higher spike number and longer spike length. It is concluded that irrigation blending water treatment (T3) + AM fungi inoculation is recommended for greenhouse-grown snapdragon production to enhance the host plant saline water tolerance and reduce the high cost of water desalinization.

Influence of planting geometry on performance of China aster genotypes under mid hill conditions of Uttarakhand

The present investigations were carried out to evaluate performance of three genotypes of china aster (Phule Ganesh Violet, Phule Ganesh Purple, Phule Ganesh Pink), planted at different geometry (30 cm x 30 cm, 40 cmx 40 cm,50 cm x 50 cm) ina randomized block design. Results indicate that all vegetative and floral traits were significantly influenced by treatment variables. Phule Ganesh Pink recorded higher flower yield i.e. 126.23 g/plant which differed significantly from Phule Ganesh Purple and Phule Ganesh Violet. Flower yield component like number of flowers was significantly higher in Phule Ganesh Pink compared to other genotypes but number of flowers per plant and number of flowers per 100 g were significantly higher in Phule Ganesh Violet. Among planting geometries, 50 cm x 50 cm recorded significantly highest flower yield (109 g/plant).

Response of Nutripellet placement on Marigold yield and its components

Nutripellet Pack has 3 parts viz., top bioinoculant mixture, central manure pellet and bottom fertilizer pellet. On the top, bioinoculants mixture responsible for N2 fixation, P and Zn solubilization and biocontrol agents are placed as a powder or granules. Highly decomposed manure having C:N ratio below 30:1 enriched with P, micronutrients and pesticide/ fungicide is pelleted with pelleting device and placed at the centre. At the bottom, a mixture of NPK fertilizers made in pellet form and encapsulated in polymer paper (bio degradable) pouch is placed. The nutrients in fertilizer pellet are in amount equal to the yield target of the crop. To study the Nutripellet (Nutripellet is a packet in tubular form having several inputs viz., fertilizers, manures; for preparing manure pellet, enriched vermicompost was used, fungicide and bioinoculants) application of nutrients on the yield of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.), a field experiment was conducted with following treatments viz., T1, Control; T2 and T3, 100 and 75% NPK surface/broadcast application of fertiliser, T4 and T5, 100 and 75% NPK- Nutripellet (Diammonium phosphate (DAP) as P source) ;T6 and T7, 100 and 75% NPK- Nutripellet (Single super phosphate (SSP) as P source). The results of the experiment indicated the 100% NPK Nutripellet recorded the highest flower yield of 45.5 t ha-1 which was 98.8% higher than surface broadcast. On an average, Nutripellet with DAP recorded flower weight, petal-calyx ratio, and number of petals per flower. The advantages of root zone placement of Nutripellet were one time placement at transplanting, no top dressing of fertilizers and slow release of nutrients expected throughout the crop period. Key words: Deep placement, fertilizer, flower yield.

THE EFFECTS OF LIGHT REGIME AND SUBSTRATE ON FLOWER PRODUCTIVITY AND LEAF MINERAL COMPOSITION IN TWO GERBERA CULTIVARS

This research evaluates the influence of light regime and substrate composition on the flower productivity and leaf macronutrient content of two gerbera cultivars (‘Ruby Red’ and ‘Vino’) grown in a greenhouse. A special emphasis was given to macro-element ratios in gerbera leaf. The results confirm positive influence of supplemental lighting on flower yield in both gerbera cultivars. Also, mixed substrate (coco fiber + rice husks) resulted with higher flower yield. Cultivar ‘Vino’ showed better productivity and significantly lower concentration of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) as compared to ‘Ruby Red’. The total flower productivity per plant correlated with some of the tested macronutrients in gerbera leaf (N, K, Mg) only in natural light conditions. Among all calculated leaf nutrient ratios, only P/Mg was significantly and positively correlated to flower yield, based on data from both light variants.

Comparative Performance of Spray Chrysanthemum Cultivars under Polyhouse and Open-Field Cultivation at Different Dates of Planting

Fifteen cultivars of spray chrysanthemum were evaluated in polyhouse and open-field, with three planting dates from mid-July to mid-August during 2003-05. Overall plant growth, flower stem length, number of flowers per plant, shelf life and vase life of flower were found to be maximum under 15th July planting compared to 30th July and 15th August plantings both under polyhouse and open-field conditions. Flower size and flower yield (g/plant) was highest under 30th July planting in polyhouse condition, whereas, in open-field it was the 15th July planting. Early flowering was recorded in 15th August planting both in polyhouse and open-field. Cultivar Arati showed maximum flower stem length and flower yield. Some of the other cultivars, viz., Yellow Anemone, Sarad Mala, Apsara Violet and Aditi also exhibited high yield both under polyhouse and open-field conditions. Polyhouse always recorded higher yield than open-field. Cultivar Yellow Anemone planted on 15th July recorded highest number of flowers per plant regardless of growth environment. Highest flower yield (794.94g) per plant was recorded in cv. Arati in 30th July planting under polyhouse, while, it was maximum in 15th July planting in open-field.

Effects of different nutrient solution formulations on yield and cut flower quality of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) grown in soilless culture system

This research was conducted to determine the effects of different nutrient solution formulations on the yield and quality of cut flowers and growth of gerbera plants in substrate culture system. Five different nutrient solution formulations were used. The gerbera plantlets were planted into pots filled with perlite and peat mixture, and values of flower yield and cut flower quality criteria, and several parameters related to growth performance such as number of daughter plants, root growth criteria, plant fresh weight were obtained. The best results of cut flower yield, flower quality and plant growth were obtained from gerberas nourished by the “ColakoAŸlu-2” nutrient solution formulation which consists of 150 ppm N, 31 ppm P, 234 ppm K, 30 ppm Mg, 100 ppm Ca, 15 ppm S, 8 ppm Fe, 5 ppm Mn, 1.5 ppm B, 2 ppm Cu, 3 ppm Zn and 0.2 ppm Mo. The highest flower yield was 38.67 flowers per plant in this solution. The highest value of the number of daughter plants (3.53/plant) in gerbera was determined in the “ColakoAŸlu-2” nutrient solution formulation. Key words: Gerbera jamesonii, nutrient solution formulation, quality, yield, cut flower, substrate culture.

Effects of foliar application of micronutrients (Fe and Zn) on flower yield and essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.).

In order to evaluate the effects of foliar application of micronutrients (iron and zinc) on yield and essential oil of chamomile, two field experiments were carried out in 2008 and 2009 at the Research Station of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Iran. Both experiments were arranged as factorial on the basis of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Treatments were foliar application of micronutrients (Fe, Zn and Fe + Zn through ferrous sulphate and zinc sulphate at the concentration of 0.35%) and time of application (at stem elongation, flowering and both stages) with control (without foliar application). The results showed that flower yield, essential oil percentage, and essential oil yield increased by foliar application of Fe and Zn compared with control (untreated). The highest flower yield (1963.0 kgha-1), essential oil percentage (1.062%), and essential oil yield (20.835 kgha-1) were obtained for Fe + Zn spray treatment with about 46.4, 24.64, and 81.77% improvements in comparison with control, respectively. The time of foliar application had significant effect on flower dry yield, essential oil percentage and essential oil yield. The foliar application at both stages of stem elongation and flowering had more beneficial effects on thesecharacters as compared with spray at only one stage. It seems that foliar application of iron and zinc can considerably improve flower yield and essential oil content of chamomile especially in calcareous soils. Key words: Chamomile, essential oil, foliar application, iron, yield, zinc.

Effect of Different GA3 Concentration and Frequency on Growth, Flowering and Yield in Gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella Foug.) Cv. Lorenziana

The present experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Instructional Farm, Department of Horticulture, J.A.U., Junagadh during the winter 2004-05. The experiment comprised of ten treatments, viz., three concentrations of GA3 (50, 150, 250 ppm) at three frequencies (single, double and triple spray at 30, 45 and 60 days from transplanting) and control. Each treatment was replicated thrice in randomized block design. Of the different treatments, GA3 250 ppm single spray recorded maximum plant height and plant spread. Number of branches per plant was highest under double spray of GA3 at 50 ppm. Longest flowering duration, maximum flower diameter and maximum shelf-life were observed with single spray of 250 ppm GA3. It also registered maximum number and weight of flowers per plant besides highest flower yield.

Flower yield performance and stability of various Rosa damascena Mill. landraces under different ecological conditions

The flower yield stability of Damask rose as an important medicinal and aromatic plant at different environments has not been well documented. In order to evaluate flower yield and stability, 35 landraces of Damask rose were studied at 8 locations in Iran during 2007–2008. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences ( p ≤ 0.01) among landraces (G), environments (E), locations (L) and for landrace × environment (GE) and landrace × location (GL) interactions. Both GE and GL interactions were mainly crossover, a large portion of which was accounted for by non-linear (unpredictable) component. The landraces of IS9, YZ2, WA1, IS7 and IS1 with 3120.63, 2941.63, 2894.62, 2769.15 and 2716.92 kg/ha respectively produced the highest flower yield among studied landraces. Kerman with average flower yield of 3635.46 kg/ha produced the highest yield among studied locations. According to the results, most of landraces that originated from temperate, warm temperate and arid regions produced higher flower yield than those from cool, cool temperate, semi-arid and humid regions. The landraces of YZ2, IS5, IS8, IS4, KZ1, AR1 , IS3 and BA1 were stable and YZ2, IS5, IS8, IS4, KZ1, AR1 IS6, IS3, BA1, IS10 and YZ1 were adaptable landraces for flower yield according to Eberhart and Russell (1966) model. The presence of some high flower yield and stable landraces such as YZ2 and IS5 suggests that a genotype can demonstrate high flower yield and stability for yield simultaneously. Thus, simultaneous selection for flower yield and stability using nonparametric methods could be possible. In addition, taking into consideration flower yield and stability potential, the landraces of YZ2, IS5, IS8, IS4 and KZ1 as general stable, adaptable, and high flower yield are recommended. Furthermore, the landraces of IS9 and WA1 as high flower yield and specific adaptable landraces can be recommended for temperate and arid areas and the landraces of IS7 and IS1 for semitemperate and cool areas.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analyses for Flower Yield in Rosa damascena Mill.

ABSTRACT The correlation and path coefficients for flower yield were determined for 20 genotypes of pink damask rose, Rosa damascene Mill., growing in sodic soil. Flower yield per plant was positively and directly associated with flowers per plant and branches per plant. In addition, a direct path for flower yield due to flowers per raceme was positive, although had a negative genotypic correlation. Considering the major contributors, a multiple selection index for medium plant height and a prolific number of flowers per plant, flowering branches per plant, and flowers/raceme should be considered in developing desired plant types of pink damask rose for high flower yield.