Maximum Number Of Flowers Research Articles

Studies on Flowering Characteristics and Floral Morphology of Some Jamun Genotypes (Syzygium cuminii Skeels) under Semi-arid Lateritic Belt of West Bengal, India

A study was conducted to find out the variability of flowering behaviour and floral morphology of randomly selected 10 jamun genotypes (Syzygium cuminii Skeels) from 3 diferent districts namely Bankura, Purulia and Paschim Bardhaman under semi-arid lateritic belt of West Bengal during the year 2022. Only a single plant was considered for a single accession which was taken under the study. The selection was done on random basis. Significant variation has been observed among the genotypes for the flowering behaviour as well as morphological characters of flowers. Month of panicle emergence among the selected genotypes ranged from 1st week of March to last week of March. Time taken for bud development was observed 21 (days from panicle emergence) from three accessions like JA 9 was shortest among 10 jamun accessions studied. Longest time for bud development was observed in JA 4 (38 days). Duration of flowering was highest of 39 days in genotype JA 6 followed by 35 days in JA 10and 34 days in JA 4. The length of panicle was recorded longest from JA 1 (13.08 cm) and shortest in JA 2 (6.73 cm). Highest flower length was measured from JA 2 (26.39 mm) and lowest from JA 8 (8.31). Maximum number of branchlets per panicle was recorded from accessions like JA 1 (15.02) and it was least in JA 8 (7.39). Maximum number of flowers per branchlets was observed from JA 7 (12.07) followed by JA 4 (11.09). Number of stamens per flower varied between 58.04 and 67.07. The flower colour of all accessions was light yellow except JA 3(pale green). On the basis of this significant findings it can be conclude that the genotype JA 1 has most earliest flowering and biggest size flower from JA 2.

EFFECT OF PINCHING ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF MARIGOLD

The experiment was conducted at department of Horticulture, Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam, Sindh, Pakistan, to evaluate the effect of pinching on growth and yield of marigold. The experiment was conducted in Randomized complete block Design (RCBD). The study comprised of six different pinching treatments including T1= Control-No pinching, T2= Pinching after 10 days of transplanting, T3= pinching after 15 days of transplanting, T4= Pinching after 20 days of transplanting, T5= pinching after 25 days of transplanting, T6= pinching after 30 days of transplanting each treatment was replicated three times. The results indicated a significant effect of the pinching treatments observations were recorded for plant height (cm), number of flower per plant, number of branches per plant, fresh biomass of flower (g), flower diameter (cm), number of leaves per plant. It was found that all studied attributes were statically significant (P<0.05) and influenced by pinching. The maximum plant height (18.63 cm) was obtained from T5=pinching after 25 days of transplanting, pinching after 30 days of transplanting T6 produced maximum number of flower per plant (23.71), and maximum branches per plant (4.74), maximum fresh biomass of flower (7.04 g) were observed at T5= pinching after 25 days of transplanting, followed by T6 = pinching after 30 days of transplanting (6.5 g). Pinching after 30 days of transplanting T6 resulted in diameter of flower cm (14.800), and maximum number of leaves per plant (390.39), and minimum plant height (10.4 cm), minimum number of flower per plant (15.31) minimum number of branches per plant (2.95) minimum fresh biomass of flower (3.73 g) minimum flower diameter (9.340) cm, and the minimum number of leaves per plant (243.26) was observed from the T1 Control-No pinching.

Growth and yield response of strawberry cultivars under northern transitional tract of Karnataka

A research trial was carried out in the experimental field at Hi-Tech Horticulture Unit, Main AgriculturalResearch Station, University of Agricultural Scienes, Dharwad during rabi season of 2021-22 to evaluate the performanceof strawberry cultivars for the Northern transitional tract of Karnataka. The results revealed that cultivar Winter Dawnproduced higher vegetative growth with higher plant height, number of leaves, plant spread, leaf area, number of crowns andrunners per plant while the minimum was in cultivar Sweet Ann. Early flowering and fruiting was observed by FloridaBeauty and Winter Dawn respectively whereas Pircinque was too late in flowering. Maximum number of flowers and fruitsper plant was recorded in cultivar Winter Dawn and Brilliance, respectively. Larger and higher fruit weight having maximumduration of harvesting was observed in Winter Dawn while highest number of pickings was obtained in Brilliance. Highestfruit yield per plant was recorded in Winter Dawn which was on par with Brilliance

Response of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) cv. Pusa Ruby

The present investigation entitles “Response of integrated nutrient management on growth of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) cv. Pusa Ruby” was carried out at department of Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), during the year 2020-21. The treatment comprised of twelve treatments i.e., T1 Control (No treatment), T2 RDF (100%), T3 FYM (100%), T4 Azotobacter (100%), T5 Azospirillum (100%), T6 RDF + FYM (50% each), T7 RDF + Azotobacter (50% each), T8 RDF + Azospirillum (50% each), T9 FYM + Azotobacter (50% each), T10 FYM + Azospirillum (50% each), T11 Azotobacter + Azospirillum (50% each) and T12 RDF + FYM + Azotobacter + Azospirillum (25% each). The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The results indicated that among maximum plant height ware recorded (16.15, 22.11, 26.59 and 30.53 cm), respectively, in treatment T12 at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAT. The maximum number of branches were recorded (4.36 5.79, 6.31 and 7.04) in treatment T12 at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAT. Minimum number of days required for flower blooming (32.44) in T12. A maximum number of flowers per plant (39.34) were recorded at T12 and also maximum number of clusters per plant was recorded (9.78) in T12.

INTRODUCTORY SEARCH AND MOBILIZATION OF PRUNUS DULCIS (MILL.) D.A.WEBB SPECIMENS FOR RESEARCH IN KHOROL BOTANICAL GARDEN

The Khorol Botanical Garden is presented as a point of introduction of subtropical fruit plants, where Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb occupies a prominent place among the studied species, since the value of the stone core of this culture is widely known.
 Odesa, Zaporizhzhya and Cherkasy regions are shown as regions for the selection of introduction material, because in the last decade, thanks to the activities of the NGO «Ukrainian Walnut Association» and amateur gardeners, P. dulcis has become increasingly widespread.
 The expediency of selecting cultivars according to their description is substantiated, because the determining feature is the average and late flowering of plants, since in the conditions of the forest-steppe of Ukraine, early flowering ones can suffer from reverse frosts, which significantly affects the yield of the crop.
 The results of the search for P. dulcis for the mobilization of samples to the Khorol Botanical Garden are highlighted. It was established that in the steppe zone of Ukraine, a significant number of varieties of Ukrainian and foreign selection programs are cultivated, which bear fruit every year and form full seeds. The high adaptation of cultivars, their plasticity and winter resistance was shown, which made it possible to identify and mobilize samples of the following mid- and late-flowering varieties and forms: ‘Amaretto’, ‘Papershell’, ‘Vairo’, ‘Victoria’, ‘Dessertny’, ‘Meteor’, Pervenets Khramov’, ‘Foros’, ‘E5 Borozan’, ‘M 41 Alex’, ‘Ferragnès’, ‘Fentsia’, ‘Thin-skinned’, forms 9-A,1-D, 3-E, F–37 ‘Louise’ , F–58–12 ‘Paper’, № 1 (weeping), № 2, F–48.
 It is noted that the collected collection of P. dulcis samples will be further investigated for pollination with the establishment of differentiation between self-incompatible and self-compatible varieties and forms.
 It is emphasized that self-incompatible varieties, while producing viable pollen and ovules, are unable to fertilize the seed primordia of the same variety and, as a result, produce a harvest. Because of this, the presence of two or more varieties in a separate garden is necessary to ensure the transfer of pollen from the anthers of the flowers of one variety to the receptacles of the flowers of another. Insufficient pollination is a real loss of yield, so to ensure a good level of yield, the maximum number of flowers must be pollinated. In P. dulcis, the reduction in fruit number resulting from any pollination problem is rarely offset by the increase in fruit size and weight that occurs in other fruit crops.

Diversity, abundance and foraging behaviour of pollinators in early sown rapeseed-mustard genotypes

A study was carried out on the diversity, abundance and foraging behaviour of pollinators in early sown rapeseed-mustard genotypes through observing a total of 17 insect species visited flowers of early sown genotypes viz., 9 Hymenopterans, 3 Dipterans, 4 Lepidopterans, and 1 Coleopteran. The abundance (bees/m2/5 min) of A. florea was highest (8.5) followed by A. mellifera (3.9), A. dorsata (3.6) and A. cerana (3.1). The abundance of bee species was maximum (5.6 bees/m2/5 min) in genotypes TH 68 and SANGAM. A. cerana foraged a maximum number of flowers per minute (18.20) followed by A. dorsata (17.57), A. mellifera (17.32) and A. florea (6.45). The foraging rate (flowers/min) of all bee species was maximum (14.98 and 14.90) in genotypes TH 68 and SANGAM. Time spent per flower (sec) was maximum (5.3) by A. florea followed by A. dorsata (1.7), A. mellifera (1.6) and A. cerana indica (1.3). The maximum time spent per flower by all bee species (2.6) was in genotype PDZ 9. Nectar or pollen gatherers were maximum in A. dorsata (37.8% and 25.6%, respectively), while both nectar and pollen gatherers were maximum in A. cerana (45.3%). Nectar foraging, pollen foraging and both nectar and pollen foraging were maximum at peak flowering (36.0%), peak flowering (23.8%) and flowering cessation (42.9%), respectively. Out of the total foragers, top workers were maximum in A. dorsata (97.8%), while side workers were maximum in A. florea (41.0%).

Effect of Pruning Methods on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) c.v- Pusa Cherry, Roja Red & Nagamoti under Polyhouse Condition of Prayagraj

The experiment was conducted in the horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) During July 2021- October 2021. The experiment was laid out in RBD with 8 Treatments with 3 replications. The results revealed that T2 – (Pusa cherry + Two stem) flowering (30.3 days), days to first fruit picking (68.3 days) and maximum number of flowers per cluster (17.4), number of fruit set per cluster (14.4), fruit yield per plant (3.7 kg), fruit yield per 100m2 (16.3 q), Vitamin-C (22.6), TSS (7.2) and also maximum Benefit cost ratio (1:4).

Performance of Different Varieties/ Hybrids of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans l.) under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

An experiment entitled "Performance of different varieties/hybrids of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans L.) under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions" was conducted at Horticultural Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini agricultural institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj in the year 2022 to identify the most suitable variety/hybrid or successful cultivation and the longest blooming period under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions. Six varieties and one hybrid namely, Zinnia Orange, Zinnia Purple, Zinnia White, Zinnia Red, Zinnia Yellow, Zinnia Double Yellow (Hybrid), and Zinnia Illuminated Deep Rose were selected for their evaluation. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 replications. The highest plant height (53 cm) and plant spread (43.1 cm) in the variety Zinnia Illumination Deep Rose were observed. However, the number of primary branches (5.3) in the variety Zinnia White was observed. Whereas, minimum days to first bud initiation (14.2 days), first flowering (29.7 days), and 50% of flowering (32.3 days) in variety Zinnia White were recorded. The maximum number of flowers per plant (12.7), flower diameter (8.4 cm), and duration of blooming (34.8 days) in the variety Zinnia Illumination Deep Rose were recorded.

Varietal Evaluation of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) in Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Conditions

An Experiment on black cumin was conducted during November to April 2021-2022, in Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences Prayagraj (U.P.) India. The results of the investigation, regarding the performance of the 7 variety of black cumin i.e. Ajmer Nigella-1, Ajmer Nigella-20, Rajendra Shyama, Nigella Sativa ,Local variety -1, Azad Kolonji, Local variety- 2 obtained from different sources to find out the best performance in terms of growth and yield in prayagraj agro climatic conditions. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design, were each variety replicated thrice the results from the present investigation concluded that black cumin genotype Azad Kolonji was recorded with maximum number of flowers / plant (77.87), number of umbels / plant (57.27), Seed / umbel (95.73), Seed yield t/ha (2.48) and with maximum gross return, net return and Cost Benefit Ratio of (4.12) which was found to be more productive and economically viable.

Effect of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Fruit Yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) c.v. Pusa Cherry Tomato-1 under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse Condition

The present investigation was carried out at Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) during winter season of 2021 - 2022, to evaluate the most suitable treatment combination of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers for growth, fruit yield and Quality of Cherry Tomato. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 13 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of different combinations of organic manures i.e., FYM (Farmyard Manure), Poultry manure and Vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers. Among thirteen treatments under study, treatment T3 100% Organic Manures (33% FYM+ 33% Poultry manure + 33% Vermicompost) recorded maximum plant height (235.20 cm), minimum days to first flowering (45.36), minimum days to 50% flowering (61.42), maximum number of branches per plant (11.33), maximum number of fruits per cluster (24.17), minimum days to first fruit setting (55.97), maximum number of cluster per plant (12.2), maximum average number of fruits per plant (237.53), maximum fruit set Percentage (86.65%),maximum fruit weight (13.25 g), maximum fruit width (3.04 cm), maximum fruit yield per plant (3.91 kg), maximum fruit yield per hectare (130.59 tonne), maximum TSS (10.64 Brix), maximum Juiciness (27%).Maximum number of flowers per cluster (29.33) was observed in T6(75% RDN + 25% Vermicompost), Maximum ascorbic acid content (24.57 mg/100 g) was observed in T11( 25% RDN + 75% Poultry manure),Maximum B:C ratio was found in treatment T3 100% Organic Manures (33% FYM+ 33% Poultry manure + 33% Vermicompost), i.e., (5.97).

The Role of Nanozeolite and Biocapsule in Improving Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Low Chilling Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) Cv. HRMN-99 in Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition

The present investigation was conducted at the Research farm of Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj, on 30-month-old plant during January 2021 to July 2021 with the objective to find out suitable treatment of Biocapsule and Nanozeolite with combination of NPK in relation to plant growth, yield and quality of apple. The statistical design adopted for the experiment was randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and nine treatment combinations. viz, T1 (NPK (RDF)), T2 (Biocapsule 500 ppm), T3 (Nanozeolite 250 ppm), T4 (Nanozeolite 250 ppm + Biocapsule 500 ppm), T5 (Nanozeolite 250 ppm + Biocapsule 250 ppm), T6 (NPK (RDF) + Biocapsule 500 ppm), T7 (NPK (RDF) + Nanozeolite 250 ppm), T8 (NPK (RDF) + Nanozeolite 250 ppm + Biocapsule 500 ppm), T9 (NPK (RDF) + Nanozeolite 250 ppm + Biocapsule 250 ppm). The treatments were applied by soil drenching at initiation of experiment, pre-flowering stage and the last one at the fruit setting stage to assess the effect on growth, yield and quality of apple. The results of present investigation revealed that, the treatment T8 (NPK (RDF) + Nanozeolite 250 ppm + Biocapsule 500 ppm) outstand in all the aspects like Maximum plant height (2.8 m), Maximum number of Primary and Secondary branches (3), (28) respectively, maximum number of flower (319), maximum no. of fruit (63.6), maximum yield Plant-1(7.2 kg) and quality parameters like Maximum TSS (11.56 ºBrix) and Maximum acidity (0.71 %) followed by T9 (NPK (RDF) + Nanozeolite 250 ppm + Biocapsule 250 ppm). The lowest observation was recorded in T3 (Nanozeolite 250 ppm). Biocapsules and nano zeolite with combination of NPK played an important role in fixing the nutrients in soil and protecting the apple plant against pathogen effect. That’s why a positive response has to be seen in particular treatment during the research trail.

Effect of Mycorhizal and Vermicompost Application on Growth and Quality Flower Production of Annual Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum coronium L.)

Annual Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum coronarium L.) is one of the most widely cultivated garden flowers and is highly suitable for loose flower, pot culture and bedding purposes. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of different mycorrhizal strains and vermicompost on growth and flowering of Chrysanthemum coronarium. The treatments comprise of 4 mycorrhiza treatments (No application, Glomus mosseae, Acaulospora laevis, Gigaspora margarita) and 4 vermicompost doses (0 g/ m2, 500 g/ m2, 750 g/ m2, 1 kg/ m2). After one year experiment, results revealed that chrysanthemum plants showed improved growth and flowering with the application of vermicompost and mycorrhiza. The highest plant height (107.00 cm), maximum number of side shoots per plant (18.22), maximum number of flowers per plant (107.88), flower diameter and flowering duration (57.00 days) was recorded with the application of Glomus mosseae + vermicompost @ 1 kg/m2 while maximum flower weight (8.64 g), maximum flower yield (902.36 g) and shelf life (8.40 days) was recorded with Gigaspora margarita + vermicompost @ 1 kg/m2). Thus, integration of mycorrhiza and vermi-compost serve as a way for sustainable chrysanthemum flower production.

Morphological Variability Assessment of Worldwide Germplasm of Pharmaceutically Important Plant Nigella Sativa L.

N. sativa is an important industrial crop globally but neglected crop in Pakistan, hence imported. It has been used for revitalizing body system in almost all ancient civilizations. In the present investigation worldwide accessions of N. sativa were cultivated for three years to select the most diverse accessions for cultivation and future breeding purpose in Pakistan. More diverse and acclimatized accessions with enhanced morphological traits were observed. Seed length, seed width, plant height, number of flowers and number of follicles showed maximum considerable variation in three years. Morphological variations observed and collected for all three years were not consistent among all accessions, due to some environmental fluctuations while some of the accessions like ACC 20662, ACC W626529, ACC 20878, ACC 21545, ACC 21428and ACC 20990 showed consistency at some extent among results of different morphological markers (number of flowers, number of stamens, number of follicles, follicle length, follicle width and seed per follicle). 50% accessions germinated in 26-35 days consecutively three years and showed optimum growth. The maximum height was noticed as 108cm in two accessions ACC 20878 and ACC 20780. The maximum frequency of flower initiation days was noted 101-110 days. The maximum frequency distribution for number of branches was noted in frequency class 11-15 during all three years. The maximum frequency of flower initiation days was noted 101-110 days for 2015-16 and 2017-18. The data recorded in 2017-18 depicted the maximum number of flowers as 15 (ACC 20780 and ACC 20878). The rate of follicle production per plant was 10 among accessions (ACC W626529, ACC 20545 and ACC 21295). The largest frequency class for stamens number was 21-25 stamens, whereas the plants with frequency class 31-35 stamens were least frequent. The flower color varied in the recombinant plants (RC) as Purple White whereas in the parents it was White (Jordan) and Bluish white (Ukraine). In general the accessions belonging to Gujranwala, Jordan, Lahore, Haripur, Attock and Sargodha were found morphologically more significant and diverse.

Evaluation of dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) genotypes for quality, yield and shelf life

The experiment on “Evaluation of dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) genotypes for quality, yield and shelf life” was carried out at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Sirsi, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka during the year 2018 to 2019 with a view to find out the best genotypes for quality, yield and shelf life of dahlia. The genotype HUBD-30 recorded highest individual flower weight (15.33 g), flower diameter (13.52 cm) and length of petals (7.25 cm) whereas, maximum width of petal (3.05 cm) was registered in HUBD-19, highest stalk length (14.04 cm) was observed in the genotype HUBD-12, genotype HUBD-34 registered the more shelf life (6.30 days). Maximum number of flowers per plant (67.40) was observed in the genotype HUBD-26.

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv.VL-1) Seed Production through Organic Farming”

Present investigation entitled ‘Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv.VL-1) Seed Production through Organic Farming’ was carried out with the objectives to produce the fruit of high nutritional quality in sufficient quantity, maintaining and increasing the long-term fertility of soil and to avoid all kinds of pollutions that may result from agricultural techniques. It was also an objective to use renewable resources in locally organized production systems and work with a close system with regard to organic matter and nutrient. The variety of tomato used in this study namely, VL Tamator -1, released in 2003 was collected from VPKAS, Almora, Uttarakhand. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 13 treatments and 3 replications with the combination of organic and inorganic manure namely Farmyard Manure (FYM), Vermicompost, and inorganic fertilizers NPK during the two-year cropping seasons. In the first year, the maximum field emergence per cent, maximum average height of the plants, maximum average number of leaves per plant, maximum average thickness of stem, Maximum leaf area and maximum number of flowers per plant have been recorded in T2 (15t/h vermi-compost) in comparison to T0 used as a control. This T2 combination of 15 ton per hectare vermi compost exhibited the maximum number of fruit/plants, maximum number of seed per fruit and highest weight of fruit. It was recorded that T2 exhibited the maximum average length of roots per plant and plant yield. During the second year, similar observation has been recorded where maximum achievements were obtained in field emergence per cent, height of plant, number of leaves per plant and thickness of stem. The difference among the treatments found significant for leaf area, number of flowers per plant and number of fruit per plant in T2 (15t/h vermi-compost). Similarly, the maximum numbers of seed per fruit, weight of fruit, average diameter of roots per plant, plant yield (kg/plot) were recorded highest. With the maximum adoption of organic manures can lead in high yielding of above-mentioned variety to fulfill demand of the organic produce.

Evaluation of Different Varieties of African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) in Chhattisgarh Plains

Evaluation of seven genotype/verities of African marigold, has been taken up at Instructional farm,College of Agriculture, Raipur during 2021–2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation for most of the parameters. The results revealed that highest plant height (110.89cm), number of secondary branches (32.67), peduncle length (10.17cm) was noted in AM-19-TL-Do-1. Arka Agni recorded maximum number of leaves (40.22), plant spread (106.11 cm), and flower diameter (4.64cm). Earliest 50% flowering (50.56), heaviest flower weight(4.87g), highest yield per plant (330g), highest yield per plot (9.9 kg) and yield per hactare (16.29t). Maximum number of flowers (78) in single plant observed in Pusa Basanti.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MULCHING MATERIALS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus cv. Bhaktapur local), IN GOKULESHWOR, BAITADI

The experiment titled “Effect of Different Mulching Materials on Growth and Yield of Cucumber” was conducted during March to June 2021 at Gokuleshwor , Baitadi district of Nepal. Cultivar Bhaktapur local was used as principal cultivar for this research. The experiment was done by using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Accordingly, four different mulching material,viz.silver on black polythene mulch, black polythene mulch, rice straw and wheat husk mulch were used as treatment. Each treatment was replicated five times. Un-mulched plot served as control. Results reveals that the application of mulching significiantly influence both growth and yield parameters of cucumber. The broad objectives of this study was to determine the effect of mulching on the growth and yield of cucumber plant. The primary data was obtained through experimental analysis of sample plants of each plot without replacement. Plant height and number of leaves were significantly higher when black polythene mulch was used. Similarly, maximum leaf area was shown in paddy straw mulching at 75 days of transplanting (2318 cm square) . Mulching enhances flower production by 3-4 folds and increases the amount of blooms and fruit per plant. Likewise maximum number of flowers (80.00) and fruit (65.00) were observed in paddy straw mulching. Also highest weight (33.52) and yield (16.76) is seen in paddy straw mulching. And shortest height (977cm) , least number of leaves( 402) and leaf area (1911cm square ) was observed in control at 75 days after transplanting. Due to these mentioned reasons no mulch gave lowest yield per plot. Finding of this experiment thus clearly suggest the benefit of using paddy straw mulch as well as silver and black polythene mulch in cucumber compared to the other common mulching materials.

Efficacy of Growth Regulators on Flowering of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii B.) cv. Goliath in Open Field Condition

Background: Application of plant bioregulators at specific concentration modify growth, flowering, flower yield and post harvest quality of flowers. Growth promoters like auxin, gibberellins and cytokinin modify physiological process by accelerating plant growth while growth retardant like cycocel and abscisic acid inhibit plant growth. But in open field cultivation of gerbera, little is known about use of growth regulators on flowering regulation. A good knowledge on use of growth regulators in gerbera is required before going to any recommendations. The current study aimed to standardize suitable bioregulators on flower production in gerbera in open field condition. Methods: The study was carried out in premises of Biotechnology cum Tissue Culture Centre, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during 2015-16 and 2016-17. Apart from control eight treatments of growth regulators were used like GA3 @ 100 ppm and 150 ppm, cycocel @ 700 ppm and 800 ppm with or without amino acids as foliar spray. The observation were recorded from 5 randomly selected plant within each replication of treatment for different floral parameters. Result: The result revealed that days taken to flower bud initiation and days taken to flowering was minimum in GA3 @ 100 ppm + amino acid. The stalk length of flower was maximum in treatment GA3 @ 150 ppm + amino acid while largest flower diameter, maximum number of flowers and longest bloom life was observed in treatment with cycocel @ 700 ppm + amino acid. Maximum stalk thickness was found in treatment with cycocel @ 800 ppm + amino acid. The present work will be a complementary contribution to the researchers and gerbera growers in increasing productivity of this flower crops.

Performance of Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L) Varieties under Protected Condition

The present investigation was undertaken to elevate different carnation varieties for the performance of Growth, yield and post-harvest quality under protected condition. The experiment was conducted in Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, The Nilgiris, India . The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with Eleven varieties of Carnation viz., Big one, Turbo, Solex, Hunza, Easy Golem, Express Golem, Red King, Golem, Gioele, Big mama and Happy Golem. observation were recorded for plant height (cm), days to first flower, flowering duration, length of flower stem (cm), diameter of flower (cm), Number of flowers per plant and Calyx splitting (High : 60% and above, Medium: 30 – 50%, Low : less than 30%), Strength of flower stem, vase life solutions viz., AOA (25ppm), AOA (50ppm), CoCl2 (10ppm) ,CoCl2 (20ppm) and plain water for 30 minutes. The cultivar Happy Golem recorded maximum plant height of 100.50cm and the minimum plant height of 77.0 cm was noticed in Golem. Maximum number of shoots per plant was recorded in the cultivar Gioele (7.98 ) followed by Hunza (7.50) and minimum number of shoots per plant was observed in the entry Golem (5.30).Maximum number of leaves (195.20) and Leaf length (13.55 cm) was recorded in the entry Gioele. The Days to first flower ranged between 130.01 to 139.20 days from planting. The cultivar Turbo (130.01) recorded early to initiate the flower bud followed by Golem (130.10) .The cultivar Red king recorded maximum flowering duration of 13.50 days followed by big mama (13.20 days)) and minimum flowering duration was observed in Happy Golem (10.47 days).The Cultivar Gioele recorded the highest stalk length of 93.00 cm and the lowest stalk length of 68.50cm was observed by Golem. With respect to yield parameters maximum number of flowers per plant was recorded in Gioele (7.50 nos) followed by Red king (7.17 nos) and Hunza (6.97 nos) and Minimum number of flowers per plant was recorded in Golem (5.11 nos). Maximum number of A and B grade flower stems are produced in the Variety Gioele. Among the cultivar for prolonging the vase life of Carnation, treatment comprising of AOA @50ppm recorded maximum vaselife of 19 days by cultivar, minimum flower diameter (5.3cm) and maximum total water absorbed (45.0 ml) and found to be the best to increase the shelf life of carnation.

Growth and Yield Comparison of French Bean as Influenced by Three Varieties and Nutrients

The experiment was conducted in the Horticultural Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh with aim to find out the suitable variety, optimum nutrients and suitable combination variety and optimum nutrients for maximum growth, yield of French bean in Bangladesh. The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A: different varieties as V1 = BARI French bean-1, V2= BARI French bean-2, V3= BARI French bean-3 and Factor B: different level of nutrients as N1= cowdung (5 t/ha) + vermicompost (2 t/ha), N2= cowdung (5 t/ha) + N90 P30 K45 kg/ha, N3= cowdung (5 t/ha) + vermicompost (2 t/ha) + N90 P30 K45 kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. In case of different varieties of French bean the maximum number of flowers (27.83), the highest number of pod harvested per plant (22.14) and the highest pod yield (15.95 t/ha) were found from V2, whereas the lowest was from V3. For the different levels of nutrients1 the highest number of flowers (25.58), the highest number of pod per plant (20.60) and the highest pod yield (14.10 t/ha) were recorded from N2 treatment, while the lowest was from N1 treatment. Due to the combined effect, the maximum number of flowers (32.02), the maximum number of pod harvested per plant (26.50), the highest pod yield (18.92 t/ha) were observed from V2N2 treatment combination, while the lowest were from V3N1 treatment combination. Therefore, the V2N2 treatment combination appeared to be the best for achieving the higher growth and yield of French bean.