Maximum Number Of Flowers Research Articles

Standardization of growing medium and primary nutrients for anthurium cultivation under greenhouse

The present experiment was carried out for two consecutive years (2013–14 and 2014–15) to standardize the media alongwith primary nutrients for anthurium variety ‘Tropical’ under fan and pad type greenhouse. According to pooled data of two years, among different combinations of growing media and weekly foliar spray of NPK, plants grown in coconut husk + charcoal media (3: 1) with foliar spray of 30: 10: 10 NPK @ 0.2% on anthurium plants performed superior with respect to vegetative growth parameters where maximum plant height (46.77 cm), number of leaves per plant (8.14), leaf area (180.46 cm2) and plant spread (33.08 cm) was recorded. While plants grown in coconut husk and charcoal as growing media with foliar application of 12: 61: 40 NPK @ 0.2 per cent weekly produced significantly maximum flower stalk length (39.12 cm), spathe length (10.87 cm), spathe width (8.53 cm) and maximum number of flowers per plant (8.04). The same treatment had also resulted in advanced flowering (90.00 days).

Response of Pot Marigold to Different Applied Levels of Humic Acid

A research study was conducted to determine the effects of different dozes of humic acid on growth and yield of marigold at Horticulture Nursery University of Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during spring season. The experiment was laid under Completely Randomized Design with 05 replications and 08 pots pre replications were used. The treatments of humic acids were (T1= control, T2= 250, T3= 750, T4= 1000 ml/L respectively). Significant differences were found in treated flowers. The higher values were noted in leaf length, number of flowers plants, flower width, and flower length. The higher values of leaf length (7.4 cm), number of flowers plant (2.9), flowers width (9.92 cm) and flowers length (20.18 cm) were found by the application of 750 mg of humic acid. However the maximum number of flowers per plant was (5), flower width (1.48 cm) and flower length (3.28 cm) were found with the application of 1000 mg humic acid.

Evaluation of plus trees in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) for growth, flower, yield and yield contributing characters during the initial growth phase

The aim of this study was to evaluate the plus trees of cocoa for growth, flower, yield and yield contributing characters during the initial growth phase. Thirty five (35) plus trees in two different farmer’s field were recorded for their growth, flower, yield and yield contributing traits. Among the 35 plus trees, first branching height was observed highest in Tc (Vedapatti) 41, maximum stem girth was recorded in Tc (Vedapatti) 64, maximum number of fan branches was noticed in Tc (Vedapatti) 1. Flower characters like maximum number of flowers per cushion, number of cushions per tree and number of flowers per tree was recorded in Tc (Vedapatti) 61, while highest pod set percentage was recorded in Tc (Vedapatti) 121. The yield parameters like pod length, pod girth, pod weight, fresh seed weight per pod, single fresh bean weight, bean length, single dry bean weight and dry bean weight per pod was found maximum in Tc (Vedapatti) 99, while number of pods per tree was recorded maximum in Tc (Vedapatti) 110. The maximum husk weight and husk thickness was recorded in Tc (Vedapatti) 31, while lowest pod value index was recorded in Tc (Vedapatti) 99. The maximum number of bold beans per pod, number of beans per pod was recorded in Tc (Vedapatti) 72, while highest number of flat beans per pod was recorded in Tc (Vedapatti) 15. Among the 35 plus trees husk to seed ratio was highest in Tc (Vedapatti) 111 and highest estimated dry bean yield per tree was recorded in Tc (Vedapatti) 91. This study showed the variability for growth, flower, yield and yield contributing characters during initial growth phase and the variability present in the plus trees can be used in future breeding program to identify a suitable type for yield or these identified plus trees can be effectively utilized as parents for hybridization programme.

English

The present study was carried out in an experimental farm in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) during March to December, 2010. The experiment was laid out in split plot design, comprising of eight different planting dates and two spacing, (viz., 30 × 20 cm and 30 × 30 cm) as sub-plot treatment at monthly intervals from, mid-March to October, 2010. Maximum flower size was recorded for April planting date crop, whereas, June planting date gave the best results for plant height and plant spread. However, maximum number of flowers and maximum yield per plant were recorded in March planted crop. Plant height, plant spread flower size and yield per plant were at maximum in a wider spacing S2 (30 × 30 cm). Maximum number of flowers per plant as well as maximum yield per plant was recorded in March planting at closer spacing S2 (30 × 20 cm). Key words: Horticulture, floriculture, flowering, plant. &nbsp

Adaptability of Exotic Variety of Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus Var. Chabaud) under Different Doses of Nitrogen

Nitrogen (N) is said to be an important limiting factor in carnation. A low level of N causes weak stems and stunted plants whereas excess N causes delayed flowering and reduces post harvest quality of flowers. Present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different doses of N on growth and flowering of exotic variety of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus var. chabaud). Pot experiment was carried out at green house in IAAS, Lamjung during November, 2016 to May, 2017 in Completely Randomized Design with five treatments (0 kg, 100kg, 200 kg, 300 kg and 400 kg N/ha) and three replications each. Parameters including plant height, plant width, length of flower stalk, flower width, number of branches, days to flowering and flower number were observed and analyzed using SPSS. Results were found to be significant for all the parameters and revealed that maximum flower number (9.83) was recorded at 400 kg N/ha whereas minimum (2.16) was found in controlled while 100kg, 200kg and 300 kg application were found to be statistically at par. Maximum day to flowering (115) was recorded with control treatment while minimum day to flowering was recorded with 300 kg N/ha and 0kg, 100kg and 200kg were statistically at par. Maximum plant height, length of flower stalk, number of branches and plant width were recorded at the rate of 400 kg N/ha except flower width which was maximum at the rate of 300 kg N/ha and the minimum was recorded in controlled treatment for all parameters. These results suggested that increasing the doses of N has positive effect on most of the growth and flowering attributing parameters while excess N causes delay in flowering.

Effect of plant growth regulators and pinching on growth and flower yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

Marigold is one of the commercially exploited flower crop that belong to the family Asteraceae. Presently, in our country the commercial extraction of marigold carotenoids is becoming popular in many states. The production of economical yield and better quality of marigold flowers, requires proper crop management techniques. Crop regulation and flower forcing are important techniques to make the marigold production profitable. This can be done by adopting pinching and application of PGRs. Hence, an experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, in factorial randamized block design replicated thrice with 14 treatments with two F1 hybrids viz., Gold Benz tall and Maxima yellow. The experiment comprised of GA3 @ 50, 100 and 150ppm, NAA @ 50, 100 and 150ppm, MH @ 250, 500 and 750ppm, Alar @ 200, 400 and 600ppm and pinching with untreated control. The study revealed that the growth parameter like plant height, number of laterals per plant, number of leaves per plant were significantly influenced by the application of GA3 and NAA. Among the varieties, Gold Benz tall performed better for all the growth attributes but var. Maxima yellow performed better for the number of laterals per plant. The plant sprayed with of GA3 @ 150ppm registered the maximum plant height (70.44cm), number of laterals per plant (16.13), number of leaves per plant (383.76) and leaf area (113.51cm2) and control evinced the least values in the growth parameters. Application of GA3 and NAA significantly enhanced flowering when compared to control, while pinching delayed flowering. The treatment of GA3 @ 150ppm in both Gold Benz tall (30.13 and 406.21 g plant-1) and Maxima yellow (33.16 and 402.83 g plant-1 recorded maximum number of flowers per plant and flower yield respectively as compared to control. Based on the above results, it is revealed that foliar spray of GA3 @ 150 ppm was found to be superior in increasing the yield of flowers in both the varieties.

Effect of plant growth regulators and pinching on growth and flower yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

Marigold is one of the commercially exploited flower crop that belong to the family Asteraceae. Presently, in our country the commercial extraction of marigold carotenoids is becoming popular in many states. The production of economical yield and better quality of marigold flowers, requires proper crop management techniques. Crop regulation and flower forcing are important techniques to make the marigold production profitable. This can be done by adopting pinching and application of PGRs. Hence, an experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, in factorial randamized block design replicated thrice with 14 treatments with two F1 hybrids viz., Gold Benz tall and Maxima yellow. The experiment comprised of GA3 @ 50, 100 and 150ppm, NAA @ 50, 100 and 150ppm, MH @ 250, 500 and 750ppm, Alar @ 200, 400 and 600ppm and pinching with untreated control. The study revealed that the growth parameter like plant height, number of laterals per plant, number of leaves per plant were significantly influenced by the application of GA3 and NAA. Among the varieties, Gold Benz tall performed better for all the growth attributes but var. Maxima yellow performed better for the number of laterals per plant. The plant sprayed with of GA3 @ 150ppm registered the maximum plant height (70.44cm), number of laterals per plant (16.13), number of leaves per plant (383.76) and leaf area (113.51cm2) and control evinced the least values in the growth parameters. Application of GA3 and NAA significantly enhanced flowering when compared to control, while pinching delayed flowering. The treatment of GA3 @ 150ppm in both Gold Benz tall (30.13 and 406.21 g plant-1) and Maxima yellow (33.16 and 402.83 g plant-1 recorded maximum number of flowers per plant and flower yield respectively as compared to control. Based on the above results, it is revealed that foliar spray of GA3 @ 150 ppm was found to be superior in increasing the yield of flowers in both the varieties.

Pruning effects on Sardar guava planted in ultra high density orcharding under different rainfall scenarios

The Eastern plateau and hills agro-climatic zone of India has been a traditional guava growing region particularly under rainfed conditions. Pruning once in May (pruning to 80% and 60% of canopy height), pruning once in October (pruning to 80% and 60% of canopy height) and pruning thrice a year in March, May and October to 50% shoot length were imposed on guava plants of cv. Sardar planted during 2007 under ultra high density orcharding at a spacing of 1 m × 2m. The treatments were imposed during all the three years of experimentation. The three consecutive distinguished rainfall scenarios observed from 2009 to 2011. During the year 2009, there was normal rainfall whereas during 2010 and 2011, there were deficit and excess rainfall, respectively. Result indicated that during all the three years, the maximum number of shoots was recorded with pruning thrice a year to 50% of shoot length (7.31, 7.19 and 8.32 during 2009–10, 2010–11 and 2011–12, respectively). Pruning in May or October did not result in marked change in the time of appearance of 1st flowering during 2009–10 and 2010–11. However, during 2011–12, pruning in May resulted in extension of the period of 1st flowering by one month. Pruning three times a year resulted in maximum number of flowers per plant (20.13) during winters of 2009–10. During first two years, the maximum total yield was recorded in case of pruning thrice a year to 50% shoot length (34.88 t/ha and 37.24 t/ha during 2009–10 and 2010–11, respectively). However, during the third year, it was highest in case of 80% pruning in October (29.51 t/ha). Hence, the study clearly indicated the efficacy of pruning in May for removal of rainy season crop particularly under the conditions of normal rainfall.

Foraging ecology of insect pollinators on apple blossoms in Kashmir Himalaya

A study was undertaken in five districts of Kashmir during 2012–15 at 15% bloom to study the foraging time, foraging rate, foraging speed and loose pollen grain load by insect pollinators visiting apple blossoms. This revealed that among the insect pollinators/visitors, the earliest mean initiation foraging activity of 0723 ± 0012 h was reported with Apis cerana followed by Xylocopa spp. (0742 ± 0019 h), Andrena spp. (0747± 0015 h), Lassioglossum spp. (0756± 0016 h) and Apis mellifera (0859± 0016 h), respectively. Late cessation was recorded in A. cerana (1800± 0019 h) followed by A. mellifera (1735± 0014 h), Xylocopa spp. (1659± 0021 h), Andrena spp. (1658± 0013 h) and Lassioglossum spp. (1656± 0015 h). The observations on the number of flowers visited/min and time spent/flower revealed that Xylocopa spp. visited maximum number of flowers (14.6± 1.14) in 6.2 ± 2.60 sec. Maximum pollen grains (11121± 635 and 10937± 492) under caged conditions was observed with A. mellifera and under natural conditions, and maximum pollen grains (15636± 1026 and 14034± 1136) was carried by Xylocopa spp.

Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on the Performance of Chilli, Dahlia and Marigold

An experiment was conducted at the Moinar Mor Sabuj Nursery, Mymensingh to evaluate the effects of compost prepared from solid wastes of Mymensingh municipality area on the yield and yield attributes of three crops viz. Chilli, Dahlia and Marigold grown in pots. Each crop was grown under six different treatments viz. 100% compost (T0), 75% compost + 25% soil (T1), 50% compost + 50% soil (T2), 25% compost + 75% soil (T3), 100% soil (T4) and farmers practice- (T5) (75% of recommended rate of NPK plus soil). A single factor experiment was laid out in a with three replications. The results revealed that in Chilli, application of 75% compost plus 25% soil (T1) produced significantly the tallest plant (45.50 cm), maximum number of flowers (25.00) and fruits (21.00) plant-1, longest leaf (11.67 cm), longest root (5.43 cm) and greater yield of fruits plant-1 (168.30 g). This treatment also produced the tallest plant (45.33 cm), maximum flowers plant-1 (2.33), longest leaf (11.55 cm) and higher fresh weight of single flower (7.34 g) of Dahlia. Compost treatment also significantly influenced various plant characters of Marigold where 75% compost + 25% soil (T1) gave the tallest plant (16.33 cm), higher weight of fresh flower (10.52 g), longest leaf (10.10 cm) and maximum flowers plant-1 (16.33). Plants grown in 100% compost showed the longest duration in case of Dahlia (19 days) and Marigold (23 days) flowering. From the findings, it can be inferred that use of 75% compost prepared from solid wastes of Mymensingh municipality area plus 25% soil appeared to be the best practice for obtaining the maximum yield of Chilli, Dahlia and Marigold.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 10(1): 149-155 2017

Evaluation of cowhage (mucuna pruriens L.) genotypes for growth and flowering characters in arecanut plantation under hill zone of Karnataka

An experiment was conducted to examine the performance of eight cowhage (Mucuna pruriens L.) genotypes for their growth and flowering parameters in arecanut plantation under hill zone of Karnataka. Significant differences were observed in genotypes with respect to growth and flowering attributes. The genotype Arka Dhanvantari recorded the maximum plant height (282.03 cm) and number of trifoliate leaves (71.03) at harvest. The maximum leaf area (20064.39 cm2), leaf area index (7.43) and leaf area ratio (246.25 cm2/g) was recorded in genotype Arka Dhanvantari. The maximum absolute growth rate (1.38 g/plant/day) and crop growth rate (5.12 g/plant/day) was recorded in genotype IIHR Selection-2. The days taken for first flowering and 50 per cent flowering were minimum (65.73 and 72.33, respectively) and maximum (132.20 and 140.67, respectively) in the genotypes Arka Aswini and Arka Dhanvantari, respectively. The maximum number of inflorescence per plant (8.30) was recorded in genotype IIHR Selection-2. Genotype Arka Dhanvantari recorded maximum number of flowers per inflorescence (15.50) and inflorescence length (18.10 cm).

Efficacy of bio-fertilizers and mulching on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cv. Chandler

A study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of bio-fertilizers and mulching on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler during two successive years, i.e. 2012-13 and 2013-14 at Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), India. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and ten treatments. One year old runners were used for planting. Significantly increase in plant height (19.20 and 18.70cm), number of leaves (17.15 and 16.75), number of runners (2.28 and 2.17) and number of crowns (2.78 and 2.64) per plant, whereas minimum number of days (66.00 and 65.33 days) to produce first flower, maximum number of flowers (16.18 and 15.87) and fruits set (15.13 and 14.72) per plant during both the years of experimentation was observed with strawberry plants treated with Azotobacter 7 kg/ha+black polythene mulch. Maximum duration ofharvesting (67.85 and 67.00 days) with higher yield (109.12 and 107.00 g/plant) of berries was also recorded with Azotobacter 7 kg/ha+black polythene mulch treated plants in both the years. As far the quality characters of berries are concerned, strawberry plants produced berries of significantly maximum length (2.92 and 2.90 cm), width (1.83 and 1.79 cm), weight (7.15 and 7.11g), volume (4.39 and 4.36 cc), TSS (7.19 and 7.16 0Brix), total sugars (5.63 and 5.60 %) and ascorbic acid (56.13 and 56.00 mg/100g pulp) with minimum acidity (0.250 and 0.249%) when treatedwith Azotobacter 7 kg/ha+black polythene mulch in northern plains of India.

Effect of GA3, urea and ZnSO4on growth and yield parameters of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. SWEET CHARLIE under protected condition

An experiment was conducted under protected condition to study the effect of foliar application of GA 3 (100 and 150 ppm), urea (1.0 and 1.5 %) and ZnSO 4 (0.5 and 1.0 %) on growth and yield of strawberry ( Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. SWEET CHARLIE. The results revealed that the applications of GA 3 at 150 ppm significantly influenced the growth related parameters viz. , highest plant height (18.34 cm), maximum numbers of runners/plant (10.31), highest length of runners/plant (39.76 cm) and maximum number of leaves/plant (36.70) whereas, GA 3 at 100ppm significant effect on flowering parameters viz. , minimum days to flowering (71.55), maximum number of flowers per plant (19.77) and maximum fruit set/plant (91.80 %) and yield parameters like, maximum number of fruit per plant (18.15), highest yield/plant was 0.17 kg and yield/plot was 4.19 kg. Therefore, from present investigation it can be emphasized that high concentration of GA 3 promote vegetative growth and moderate concentration significantly controls flowering and yield attributes in case of strawberry.

Impact of grafting methods, scion materials and number of scions on graft success, vigour and flowering of top worked plants in tea (Camellia spp.)

Flowering onset in newly developed tea clones is essential for their exploitation in hybridization programme for deriving genotypes with desirable traits. In this regard, three field experiments were carried out in top working technique to identify an appropriate grafting method, scion material and optimum number of scions per rootstock for obtaining maximum graft success, precocity and maximum number of flowers in a short duration. The newly released high yielding and superior quality clone TRF-4 was used as scions and the drought tolerant clone UPASI-9 field planted in 2006 was used as the rootstocks for all experiments. All the grafting methods and scion materials were evaluated in semi-hard green as well as on lignified brown primary shoots of the pruned rootstocks. Among the tested grafting methods, top-cleft and tongue grafting methods proved to be more suitable for obtaining high graft success, scion vigour and maximum number of flowers than saddle and side-cleft methods of grafting. When testing with different scion materials, the undetached rooted sleeve grown plants grafted by spliced approach grafting method gave the best graft success, scion vigour and maximum number of flowers than the detached scion materials used. Among the detached scion materials, scions consisting of one leaf and an internode proved to be the best scion material than two and three leaves and internodes in terms of graft take, flowering onset and flowering. Both semi hard, green shoots and brown lignified shoots of the rootstocks proved equally good for top working. The results of the experiment by grafting different numbers of scions per rootstock clearly indicated a gradual decrease in scion vigour and flowering when more number of scions was used. Therefore it is optimum to maintain 2–4 number of scions per rootstock for getting maximum numbers of flowers in a top worked plant.

Evaluation of marigold genotypes for growth, flowering, yield and essential oil content

Ten genotypes of marigold (both African and French types) were evaluated for their morphological characters as well as essential oil content at experimental orchard of Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India. The experimental results revealed that maximum plant height (117.67 cm) was recorded in MGH 160-9-2 African genotype and maximum plant spread (69.87 cm) was observed in MGH 8–2 French genotype, while maximum number of primary branches (37.83) was observed in MGH 109-1-2 genotype. Among flowering and yield parameters, flower size (9.03 cm), fresh weight (12.69 g), dry weight of flowers (2.390 g), flower yield per plant (568.5 g), flower yield per plot (9.09 kg) and flower yield per acre (14.21 t) were recorded maximum in MGH 160-9-2 and significantly superior over other genotypes, while maximum number of flowers per plant (122.92) was recorded in MGH 109-1-2 genotype. In case of essential oils extracted from hydro distillation method, maximum oil content (0.800 ml/kg) was obtained in MGH 8–2 followed by MGH 17-1 (0.717 ml/kg), both French types.

Standardization of harvesting methods in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. Bombai

Standardization of harvesting methods with different intensity of pruning (non removal of fruiting branch i.e. removal of fruits from the branch only; harvesting of fruits along with the fruiting branch from the base; pruning of 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm branches along with fruiting branch) during harvesting and their effect on flowering and fruiting was studied at the farmer's field, Beniagram, New Farakka, Murshidabad, West Bengal during 2009. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications on 25 years old plant at spacing of 10 m x 10 m. Pruning of 10 cm branches produced the maximum number of primary (1.94) and secondary rachis (19.58) per panicle with more number of hermaphrodite flowers (390.86) and the lowest sex ratio (2.81, M/F) whereas maximum number of flowers (1499.38) per panicle was noted due to 15 cm pruning. Initial (61.80 fruits/panicle) as well as final (20.47 fruits/panicle) fruit set per panicle was found maximum by pruning of 10 cm branches followed by 15 cm branches with 59.73 and 17.51 fruits/panicle, respectively. Pruning of 20 cm branches increased fruit weight (22.06 g), pulp weight (15.96 g) and size (3.94 x 3.53 cm) of fruit. Higher cumulative yield per plant by pruning of 10 cm (91.59 kg) and 15 cm (85.86 kg) branches was noticed as compared non removal of fruiting branch (64.06). From the investigation it was suggested that moderate pruning of 10 to 15 cm branches during harvesting is beneficial to obtain higher yield with quality fruits.

Effect of GA3 and Azotobacter on growth and flowering in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. PUSA NARANGI GAINDA

The field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm of Choudhary Charan Singh University campus, Meerut U.P. during 2011-12. The nine treatments A 1 ( Azotobacter by root treatment 0.20g/15 plants), A 2 ( Azotobacter by soil treatment 0.40g/plot), G 1 (Gibberellic acid 100 ppm spray at 30 DAT), G 2 (Gibberellic acid 150 ppm spray at 30 DAT), A 1 G 1 ( Azotobacter by root treatment 0.20g/15 plants and gibberellic acid 100 ppm spray at 30 DAT), A 1 G 2 ( Azotobacter by root treatment 0.20g/15 plants and gibberellic acid 150 ppm spray at 30 DAT), A 2 G 1 ( Azotobacter by soil treatment 0.40g/plot and gibberellic acid 100 ppm spray at 30 DAT ), A 2 G 2 ( Azotobacter by soil treatment 0.40g/plot and gibberellic acid 150 ppm spray at 30 DAT) and A 0 G 0 (No Azotobacter and no gibbrellic acid) were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The experimental finding revealed that the treatment A 2 G 2 (Soil treatment with Azotobacter + spray of GA 3 @ 150 ppm) gave the maximum plant height, maximum number of primary branches per plant, maximum number of secondary branches per plant, maximum plant spread, minimum number of days taken for flower bud appearance, maximum number of flowers per plant, maximum flower diameter, maximum fresh weight of flowers per plant and maximum yield of flower in comparison to individual application of GA 3 and Azotobacter .

How irrigation rounds and mother corm size control saffron yield, quality, daughter corms behavior and phosphorus uptake

In saffron (Crocus sativus L.) production, whether corms or stigma, irrigation management and mother corms size play a key role in nutrients uptake, daughter corms formation and stigma yield. Herein the effects of irrigation rounds and mother corm size on daughter corms behavior, phosphorus uptake, stigma yield and quality were evaluated as a two-year field experiment based on a randomized complete blocks design arranged in factorial-split with three replicates. In this study, 15 main plots [irrigation rounds at five levels (no irrigation during growing season, summer irrigation in August, summer irrigation+October irrigation, summer irrigation+October irrigation+November irrigation and summer irrigation+October irrigation+November irrigation+April irrigation)×mother corms’ size at three levels (≤5g or small-sized, 5.1–10g or middle-sized and >10g or large-sized)] and two sub-plots (the first and second year) were considered. From the results, the maximum flower number (101.9 flowers per m2) and dried stigma yield (373.8mgm−2) were obtained when large-sized (>10g) mother corms were planted. Irrespective of mother corm size, the maximum flower number and dried stigma yield were observed when four irrigation rounds were performed. Nevertheless, the maximum crocin and picrocrocin content were obtained under no irrigation conditions. In both years, large-sized daughter corms weight and phosphorus acquisition efficiency increased with increasing mother corms size. Moreover, phosphorus content in saffron parts and phosphorus acquisition efficiency significantly increased with increasing irrigation rounds. Overall, although four irrigation rounds are highly recommended, applying at least two rounds (in summer and before flowering in October) under limited water conditions is unavoidable.

Floral Initiation in Response to Planting Date Reveals the Key Role of Floral Meristem Differentiation Prior to Budding in Canola (Brassica napus L.)

In Brassica napus, floral development is a decisive factor in silique formation, and it is influenced by many cultivation practices including planting date. However, the effect of planting date on floral initiation in canola is poorly understood at present. A field experiment was conducted using a split plot design, in which three planting dates (early, 15 September, middle, 1 October, and late, 15 October) served as main plot and five varieties differing in maturity (1358, J22, Zhongshuang 11, Zheshuang 8, and Zheyou 50) employed as subplot. The purpose of this study was to shed light on the process of floral meristem (FM) differentiation, the influence of planting date on growth period (GP) and floral initiation, and silique formation. The main stages of FM developments can be divided into four stages: first, the transition from shoot apical meristem to FM; second, flower initiation; third, gynoecium and androecium differentiation; and fourth, bud formation. Our results showed that all genotypes had increased GPs from sowing to FM differentiation as planting date was delayed while the GPs from FM differentiation to budding varied year by year except the very early variety, 1358. Based on the number of flowers present at the different reproductive stages, the flowers produced from FM differentiation to budding closely approximated the final silique even though the FM differentiated continuously after budding and peaked generally at the middle flowering stage. The ratio of siliques to maximum flower number ranged from 48 to 80%. These results suggest that (1) the period from FM differentiation to budding is vital for effective flower and silique formation although there was no significant correlation between the length of the period and effective flowers and siliques, and (2) the increased number of flowers from budding were generally ineffective. Therefore, maximizing flower numbers prior to budding will improve silique numbers, and reducing FM degeneration should also increase final silique formation. From the results of our study, we offer guidelines for planting canola varieties that differ in maturity in order to maximize effective flower numbers.

Effect of foliar application of zinc and salicylic acid on growth, flowering and chemical constitute of African marigold cv. pusa narangi gainda (Targets erecta L.)

A field experiment on African marigold (Targets erecta L.) was conducted during winter season of 2014-15to study the foliar effect of Zn and SA of 20 treatment combinations having five concentrations of zinc (0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 %) and salicylic acid (0.0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 mM/L).The treatmentZn4SA3 (Zinc 1% + Salicylic acid 1.0 mM/L) recorded the maximum plant height (77.41 cm), number of leaves per plant (314.10),earliest first flower bud appearance (39.78 days), maximum number of flowers per plant (62.33), maximum chlorophyll content (3.83mg/g) and maximum carotene content (3.07 mg/g)as compared to control where it was recorded minimum. These results are conclusive that foliar spraying with zinc 1.0% + salicylic acid 1.0 mM/L may positively increasedthe growth and flowering parametersof marigold.