Number Of Corms Research Articles

Optimizing the Growth and Flowering of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv. Arka Amar: Date of Planting & Gibberellic Acid Effects

Twelve treatment combinations of the date of planting and gibberellic acid treatment of the corm were replicated three times in the Randomized Block Design (RBD) factorial concept investigation conducted in Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv. Arka Amar during the 2022–2023 rabi season at SOADU, Bhubaneswar (Odisha). The findings showed that on September 15, the planting date and dipping the corms with 150 ppm GA3 concentration resulted in the maximum number of sprouting (2.56), plant height (62.42 cm), number of floret per spike (20.72), floret length (11.56 cm), rachis length (68.41 cm), vase life (7.33 days), and diameter of harvested corm (5.71 cm). Comparably, on November 15th planting with a 100 ppm GA3 concentration of corm treatment, the number of leaves/plant (14.47) and spike length (88.49 cm) demonstrated the greatest results; on October 15th planting, with a 150 ppm GA3 concentration of corm treatment, the least number of days required for spike initiation (72.73) and total number of corms per plot (67) was concluded. Maximum flowering time of 10.2 days was noted in planting on September 15th, using corms bathed in 100ppm GA3. The optimal way to maximize gladiolus cv. Arka Amar flowering and yield was determined in treatment 15th of September planting with dipping corms at 150 ppm GA3 concentration. In general, the research of maximizing gladiolus development by taking into account planting dates and the impacts of gibberellic acid is crucial for raising scientific understanding of gladiolus agriculture as well as yield, quality, and resource efficiency.

Effect of Land Configuration and Planting Depth on Corm and Cormel Production of Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.)

The present experiment was carried out at department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat) during the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 with randomized block design (Factorial) having three replications. The treatment combinations consisting three land configuration methods (L1- Flat bed, L2- Raised bed with 2 rows and L3- Ridge and furrow) and two planting depth (D1- 3.5 cm and D2- 5.5 cm). The results indicated that maximum number of corms (1.58), number of cormels (26.98), diameter of corms (63.77 mm), diameter of cormels (3.16 mm), weight of corms (64.13 g) and weight of cormels (22.11 g) were recorded with raised bed with 2 rows (L2). The variation due to planting depth was also found significant for all the parameters and maximum number of corms (1.46), number of cormels (25.52), diameter of corms (56.43 mm), diameter of cormels (3.09 mm), weight of corms (56.02 g) and weight of cormels (21.78 g) were obtained with planting at 3.5 cm depth (D1). Raised bed planting had favourable effects on growth and flowering of gladiolus as compared to ridge and furrow and flat bed planting.

Impact of Silicon Application on Corms and Cormels Growth in Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus Hort.) cv. ‘White Prosperity’

The objective of present study was to assess the impact of different doses and method of silicon application on growth of underground corms and cormels in gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus Hort.) cv. White Prosperity. The experiment was conductedat Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India during 2021-22. The experiment was designed in split plot randomized block design with three replications. It encompassed five basal doses of silicon (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kgha-1 as SiO2) along with four foliar sprays at 3rd and 6th leaf stage (water spray, 1%, 2% and 3% as SiO2). The results showed that corm and cormel production was enhanced with linear increase in silicon dose as basal as well as foliar application with maximum at 100 kgha-1(1.40 and 28.74) and 3% (1.42 and 29.42). However, combined application recorded significantly maximum number of corms and cormels per plant (1.80 and 37.12) with 75 kgha-1+ 3% and 100 kgha-1+ 3%. Combined application of silicon @75 kgha-1as basal and 2% as foliar produced maximum corm weight (38.46 g), whereas cormels weight per plant (28.47 g) was observed maximum with 100 kgha-1basal application along with 3% foliar spray. Basal application of silicon dioxide gave more values for corm traits as compared to foliar application. Hence, it was concluded that silicon application at 100 kgha-1as basal along with 3% foliar spray at 3rd and 6th leaf stage could be recommended to improve underground corm and cormel production in gladiolus.

Effect of different soil compositions and growth conditions on the corm production of Gladiolus grandiflorus L.

ABSTRACT Gladiolus grandiflorus L. is widely grown in most regions of Pakistan. However, propagules production per unit area is not sufficient. Therefore, pot experiments were undertaken at the Centre of Plant Biodiversity, University of Peshawar during 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 with the aim of investigating the effect of different soil compositions (substrates) and growth conditions on corms and cormels production. The experiment was performed according to two factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), repeated twice. For the first time four substrates, i.e. Clay+Silt (2:1), Farmyard manure (FYM)+Clay+Silt (1:1:1), Poultry manure (PM)+Clay+Silt (1:2:2) and PM+FYM+Clay+Silt (1:1:2:2), were used at different growth conditions, i.e. Control, Single lath, Double lath, Plastic and Double lath+Plastic, to explore their effects on corms yield. The FYM+Clay+Silt substrate significantly stimulated number of leaves per plant, leaf area, chlorophyll content, spikes emergence, spike length, plant height, flowers opening, number of florets per spike, number of corms and cormels per plant, fresh weight and diameter of corms in both seasons. The PM+Clay+Silt substrate had shown negative results in the first season. However, this noxious effect was minimised during the second trial. Among growth conditions, Single lath shade significantly enhanced spike length and all corm yielding parameters. Thus, treatments of FYM+Clay+Silt (1:1:1) and Single lath shade were found to be effectual in obtaining the maximum number of corms and cormels of Gladiolus grandiflorus L. in the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar.

Effect of Different Spacing and Corm Size on Growth and Corm Production of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv Punjab Dawn under Malwa Plateau of Madhya Pradesh

The present experiment was carried out at Bahadari research farm of College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh) during rabi season of 2020-21 with an aim to find out the effect of different spacing and corm size on growth and corm production of gladiolus, using the three spacing’s (S1 30 × 30 cm, S2 30 × 20 cm and S3 20 × 20 cm) and three corm sizes (C1 <3.0 cm, C2 3.0-4.0 cm and C3 >4.0 cm). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. The result revealed that, the plant produced from wider spacing with larger corm size (30 × 30 cm + >4.0 cm) was superior in days taken to sprouting (9.07 days), number of sprouts per hill (3.07), plant height at 60 DAP (62 cm), number of leaves per hill at 60 DAP (20.73), length of longest leaf at 60 DAP (46.47 cm), width of longest leaf at 60 DAP (2.85 cm), number of corms per hill (3.47) and weight of corms per hill (71.20 g) at maturity stage.

Phenological observations on the growth and development of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

There is a need to summarise information using phenological models to develop a sustainable saffron production technology with further regulation of flowering at a certain phenological stage and determination of the appropriate flowering period to improve yield and quality under different environmental conditions. The purpose of the study is to establish the course of phenological phases of saffron growth and development in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Phenological observations and biometric measurements were performed in the study. According to field observations, there are a total of 6 phenological stages of saffron development. The rest period lasts from the third ten days of May to October and is divided into primary and secondary dormancy. During the primary dormant period, corms do not show external morphological changes and growth, but internal physiological and morphogenetic changes occur. In the secondary dormant period, the initial emergence of leaves and flowers and their differentiation take place. During the dormant period, saffron plants were left without aboveground organs. The flowering period falls in October. The passage of this phenological stage may be affected by changes in environmental conditions or agricultural technology. The growth of the root system began with the appearance of flowers and leaves. During the growing season, the growth of the leaf apparatus and the development of the root system continue. During this period, daughter corms are also formed from the buds of the mother corm. During the winter, the replacement corms continue to grow using the nutrient reserves of the mother corm. In early March, the development of the root system slows down and the daughter corms reach almost the final size. At the end of the growing season, the root system of the mother corm stops growing. The leaves begin to age from the top to the base. By the end of May, the daughter corms are fully developed and are preparing for the transition to a dormant state. The number of corms produced per unit area depends on the age of the plot, nutrient supply, and the level of agricultural technology. Older fields produce more corms. Due to the higher density, a larger yield of stamens is formed. Therefore, understanding the phenological reactions and influence of climatic factors on the stages of saffron growth and development in certain soil and climatic conditions is useful for future forecasting of harvest time

Evaluation of cultivated gladiolus varieties of Bangladesh and radio sensitivity test for varietal improvement

The study was conducted at the research field of Nalitabari Sub-station, BINA, Sherpur during the period November 2019 to May 2020 to characterize, evaluate and select promising gladiolus varieties suitable for Bangladesh and to determine the optimum dose of radiation for LD50 for varietal improvement. The parameters studies were plant height, days to 1st flowering, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, length of spike, length of rachis, number of flower per spike, flower diameter, number of corms per plant, weight of single corm, vase life, per cent germination, per cent survivability, shoot length and root length. The longest plant (154.2 cm) was observed in White Prosperity, while the shortest plant (101.7 cm) was in Regency. The longest leaf (70.3 cm) was found in Red Cascade and the shortest leaf (48.0 cm) was found in Her Majesty. The highest number of floret per spike was produced by Red Cascade (17.3) followed by White Prosperity (17.0). The Regency produced the lowest number (8.0) of floret per spike. The longest vase life (9.3 days) was observed in American Beauty followed by (8.7 days) Red Cascade, while the shortest vase life (5.7 days) was recorded in Wine and Roses. In radio sensitivity test, 30-40 Gy of gamma irradiation would be the optimal dose for inducing useful mutation in gladiolus. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 43-56, 2023

Propagation of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Using Cross-Cuttings under a Controlled Environment

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a valuable geophyte plant and one of the most expensive spices in the world. Recently, the demand for saffron spice has increased in worldwide markets owing to its enormous application and value. However, the production of saffron is limited by the vegetative propagation technique and the limited number of high-quality corms planted. Furthermore, climatic changes, notably increasing temperatures, negatively influence saffron multiplication and growth. Thus, it is important to develop alternative cultivation and propagation techniques for saffron under a controlled environment, which could ensure an increase in saffron yield and avoid the negative impact of climatic changes. The present study aimed to develop an alternative method for vegetative propagation of Crocus sativus under controlled conditions. The effect of different cross-cuttings, including basal cuttings (BCs) and top-to-bottom cuttings (CTBs), was evaluated on shoot, leaf, flower, and daughter corm production. All the growth parameters examined were influenced by the cutting treatment applied. The results showed that the highest number of shoots formed was obtained by BCs and CTBs, with an average of 6.68 and 5.47 shoots per corm, respectively, compared to the control with an average of 2.70 shoots per corm. The cutting treatment positively affected the formation of daughter corms in which, the high mean number of corms recorded was obtained by the BC treatment. Meanwhile, the lower size of the daughter corms was obtained after the cross-cutting treatment. This is the first report that provides an alternative propagation for saffron using a controlled environment, which could help to improve the production of saffron.

Effect of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Flowering and Corm Yield in Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv. Nova Lux

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Janta College, Bakewar, Etawah, India, during 2021-22. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with 10 treatments in three replications. Different combinations of Vermi-compost, F.Y.M., and NPK were used as treatments. The results revealed that, amongst all the treatments, the application of N.P.K. 120:80:80 kg + V.C. 10 t/ha in treatment (T8 ) produced significant results. height of plant in 66.91 cm, number of leaves per plant 8.56, length of longest leaf in 48.14 cm (final stage), number of sprouts per corm 2.43, Number of days for emergence of spike 103.84, length of spike in 87.70 cm (full blooming stage), number of florets per spike 15.62 (full blooming stage), diameter of florets in 9.33 cm (full blooming stage), diameter of corms 7.50 (cm), number of corms per plant 4.80, weight of corms per plant 150.51 (g), corm yield per plot 1.90 (kg).

Assessment of Vegetative, Floral and Corm Characteristics in Gladiolus Genotype at Malepatan, Pokhara, Nepal

Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandifloras L.), recognized for its bright, distinctively textured blossoms, is first commercially grown cut flower in Nepal. A study was carried out to assess vegetative, floral, and corm characteristics in gladiolus genotypes in Maltepatan, Pokhara. Twelve genotypes namely NGRV0130 (ARSDG-04), RARSLG-014-1.1, RARSLG-014-1.11, RARSLG-014-2.8, RARSLG-014-3.10(A), RARSLG-014-3.11, RARSLG-014-6.8, RARSLG-014-6.12, RARSLG-014-6.13, RARSLG-014-7.27(A), RARSLG-014-8.22, RARSLG-014-9.10 were evaluated from March 02-August 07, 2022. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized complete block design with three replications. The crop geometry was maintained at 50 cm × 28.5 cm in a four-meter square plot containing twenty-eight corms per plot. The genotype RARSLG-014-3.11 was found earliest on days to 50% sprouting, spike initiation, and floret opening. The genotype RARSLG-014-6.12 was noted to have maximum number of florets per spike and number of spikes per hill, longest rachis length, and a maximum number of cormels. Similarly, the genotype RARSLG-014-1.11 was a promising genotype in having a maximum number of corms. The longest length of the spike (140.66 cm) was found for genotype RARSLG-014-6.8.

Aeroponics approach for production of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) corms and cormels

Gladiolus is a popular commercial flower crop among top ten cut flowers of international trade. In order to improve the rate of multiplication, eleven gladiolus varieties with three nutrient regimes (N1- 96:18:108, N2-128:24:144 and N3-160:30:180 ppm of NPK) were evaluated under aeroponics system. The results revealed that different varieties and nutrient regimes had significant influence on plant growth, corm and cormel production. Among the genotypes, Arka Naveen recorded maximum plant height (109.44 cm), on par with Arka Amar (104.77 cm). The genotype Arka Amar (1.89) recorded highest number of corms per plant, on par with Arka Ranjini (1.78), Arka Aayush (1.44), Arka Naveen (1.44) and Arka Shobha (1.67). However, number of cormels were recorded highest in Arka Aayush (1.67), on par with Arka Amar (1.67) and Arka Ranjini (1.44). Among the nutrient regimes, N2 (128:24:144 ppm NPK) registered maximum plant height (85.44 cm), on par with N3 (160:30:180 ppm NPK) (77.42 cm). The number of corms (1.39) and cormels (3.56) per plant were recorded highest in N2 (128:24:144 ppm of NPK). The genotype Arka Manorama did not produce cormels under aeroponics system. Gladiolus varieties Arka Amar, Arka Aayush and Arka Naveen were found as best suited under aeroponic system for better corm multiplication under the nutrient regime of N2 (128:24:144 ppm of NPK).

Effect of gamma irradiation on growth and corm yield of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) varieties

The data analysis has revealed distinct performance trends among different aspects of gladiolus cultivation. Specifically, Arka Kesar, a gladiolus variety, demonstrated superior growth characteristics, excelling in terms of plant height, the length and width of the longest leaf at both 30 and 60 days after planting (DAP). On the other hand, Arka Tilak outperformed in the number of corms and cormels per plant. Furthermore, the application of gamma irradiation at a level of 1.25 kr was found to be advantageous for several growth parameters. It positively influenced plant height, the number of leaves per hill, the length and width of the longest leaf at both 30 and 60 DAP, as well as the number of corms and cormels per plant. In conclusion, the study suggests that the Arka Kesar variety, when subjected to 1.25 kr gamma irradiation, displayed significant superiority across multiple growth parameters in gladiolus cultivation in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India. However, for corm yield specifically, Arka Tilak irradiated with 1.25 kr demonstrated better performance. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing gladiolus cultivation practices in the region.

Effect of Foliar Spraying with Boron and Brassinolide on the Growth and Flowering of Gladiolus

Experiments were run in a greenhouse at the University of Baghdad’s College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences to examine the impact of foliar spraying with boron and brassinolide on gladiolus development and blooming. Using a two-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD), a factorial experiment was conducted. The treatment with B4bl3 showed the greatest improvement in terms of plant height (90.75 cm), number of leaves (10.67 leaves), leaf area (125.83)dm2, chlorophyll content in leaves (54.33) mg.g-1, dry weight (58.17 g), number of corms (7.33 corms), corm diameter (4.800 cm), and corm weight (58.17 g). The number of flowers produced (9.67) and the length of time they last in a vase (14.67) were also improved upon. The flowering period was shortened from 75.00 days to 14.67 days.

Study of Evaluation of Genetic Variability of Gladiolus Cultivars under Agro-climatic Conditions of Prayagraj, India

A field experiment was carried out to “Study of Evaluating Genetic Variability of Gladiolus (Gladilous grandiflorus L.) Cultivars Under Agro –Climatic conditions of Prayagraj” was conducted at the Departmental research field of Horticulture, Naini, Agriculture Institute during Rabi season of 2022-2023. The experiment involved 15 cultivars arranged in randomized block design with three replication. The analysis of the data showed that phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all characters studied, indicating that environmental factors had a significant influence on these characters. Several traits, including number of leaves at 30DAS, corm yield per plant, number of cormels per hectare, cormel diameter, number of corms per hectare, and number of corms per plant, exhibited high PCV and GCV. Furthermore, the study found high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean for traits such as the number of leaves at 30DAS, corm yield per plant, number of cormels per hectare, cormel diameter, number of corms per hectare, and number of corms per plant. This suggests that these traits are under strong genetic control and have the potential for effective selection and improvement. Moreover, positive and highly significant correlations were observed between corm yield per plant (in grams) and various other traits, including the number of leaves at 30DAS, 60DAS, and 90DAS, number of shoots per plant, days to first flowering, rachis length, number of florets per spike, number of spikes per plant, floret length, floret diameter, number of corms per plant, corm diameter, weight of corm, number of corms per hectare, and number of cormels per hectare. These correlations indicate that these traits have a strong influence on corm yield. Based on the study's results, genotypes Yellow stone, followed by Joshka, Pusa suhagan, and Arka Naveen, were identified as high spike and corm-yielding genotypes under the agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj.Overall, the study highlights the significant impact of environmental factors on the observed traits and provides valuable insights into the selection of gladiolus genotypes with desirable characteristics for cultivation in the Prayagraj region.

Do effective microorganisms and supermagro fertilizers improve Gladiolus quality?

In this study, we evaluated the response of different gladiolus cultivars (Traderhorn, Joyeuse Entrée, and Purple Flora) to Effective Microorganisms (EM) and Supermagro fertilizers under the hypothesis that a combined EM+Supermagro fertilizer raises gladiolus floral stem and corm production to commercial standards of quality. The field experiment had a randomized block design in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement totaling to 9 treatments in 3 replications. Of the 10 plants per plot, 6 each were evaluated for this study. Gladiolus stem and corm quality was assessed via analysis of variance and the means compared using Tukey's test at 5% error probability. The plants that received EM+Supermagro had a 15% higher final corm number compared to plants that received the chemical fertilizer with NPK+Urea. For final corm fresh mass (g), plants with NPK+Urea exhibited higher post-harvest values, with the Joyeuse Entrée cultivar producing the most and newer corms. Commercial floral stem quality parameters such as stem and tassel length and stem perimeter were met with both EM+Supermagro/NPK+Urea use and without fertilization, though EM+Supermagro especially improved floral stems and gladiolus corms. These parameters indicated that EM+Supermagro biofertilizer use assures national (stem) and international (corm) gladiolus quality standards, making it compatible with sustainable gladiolus production. EM+Supermagro fertilizer further serves as a social technology that favors small and medium producers due to its reduced input costs; it is also useful in the development of organic agriculture, one of the main agricultural demands in the modern day.

Corm Yield and Economics of Gladiolus Cultivars Affected by Micronutrients Grown under Open Field Conditions in under Subtropics of Jammu

A field experiment was conducted during the 2019-20 at the Experimental Farm, Division of Vegetable Science & Floriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, to evaluate the effect of micronutrients on corm yield and economics of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv. ‘Nova Lux’. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and nineteen treatments. The results revealed that the maximum number of corms per plant, corm weight per plant (118.31 g), diameter of corms (5.74 cm),Yield of corms per plot (1866.33 g), net income per hectare ( Rs 7,18,463.9/ha) and cost- benefit ratio (1:2.34) were obtained with the application of ZnSO4 at 0.2 % and FeSO4 at 0.2 %. However, maximum cormels weight per plant (8.67 g), number of cormels per plant (22.85) and yield of cormels per plot (178.73 g) were recorded with the application of ZnSO4 @ 0.4% + FeSO4 @ 0.4%. Thus, foliar application of micronutrients i,e ZnSO4 at 0.2 % and FeSO4 at 0.2 % proved to be most effective in increasing the production and productivity of gladiolus.

Effects of Chelated Iron (Eddha-Fe) Treatments on Corm And Stigma Quality in Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.)

Effects of different doses of chelated iron (EDDHA-Fe) on the yield and quality of saffron leaf, corm and stigma were investivated. The highest weight of harvested corms was obtained when treated with 2 g of iron chelate per corm, 366.57 g, and the highest number of corm was obtained when treated with 4 g of iron chelate per corm, 73.00 g. When the effects of the iron chelate treatments on the quality of the stigma studied, it was found that the treatment with 2 g of iron chelate per corm gave a yield of dry stigma 754.00 mg and the highest average amount of safranal of 1386.50 mg/kg. The treatment with iron chelate had a positive effect in increasing the yield of the corm, the yield of dry stigma, and the quality of stigma saffron. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(1): 97-103, 2023 (March)

Biostimulant enhances growth and corm production of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in non-traditional areas of North western Himalayas.

The usage of seaweed extracts in cropping systems is gaining attention nowadays due to their distinct bioactive properties. This study aims to assess how saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corm production was affected by seaweed extract through different application modes. The study was conducted at the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, HP, India, during the autumn-winter agricultural cycle. Five treatments using a combination of Kappaphycus and Sargassum seaweed extracts were replicated five times in a randomized block design. Treatments that were examined include T1: Control, T2: Corm dipping @ 5% seaweed extract, T3: Foliar spray @ 5% seaweed extract, T4: Drenching @ 5% seaweed extract, and T5: Corm dipping + foliar spray @ 5% seaweed extract. Seaweed extract, when applied to saffron plants (T5: Corm dipping + foliar spray @ 5% seaweed extract) resulted in significantly higher growth parameters along with the higher dry weight of stem, leaves, corms, and total roots per corm. Corm production, viz., the number of daughter corms and corm weight per m2 was significantly affected by seaweed extract application, with the maximum value recorded with treatment T5. Biochemical parameters chlorophyll, carotenoids, and photosynthetic rate were higher in T5, while nutrient concentration was lowest in this treatment. Seaweed extracts improved corm production, making it a feasible alternative to limiting the application of conventional fertilizers, attenuating the effects on the environment, and enhancing corm number and weight.

Effect of Phosphorus and Planting Distance on Corm Production of Saffron (Crocus sativus)

The influence of phosphorus and planting distance on corm production of Crocus sativus was studied at the Ornamental Horticulture Farm of Department of Horticulture, Kabul University during 2019-2020. Four different phosphorus (P) doses i.e. 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1 were applied to five different densities viz. 242, 107, 54, 30 and 20 plants m-2. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement. P effect was largely non-significant, whereas planting densities had considerable effects. The increase in corm number m-2 with increase in plant density means that more corms were planted per unit area. Hence more production in terms of corm number was obtained from the densely planted areas. However, as we know crocus is a perennial crop and the corms are left in soil to grow for several years. Maximum days to sprouting (29.8), number of cormels m-2 (441.7), number of corm m-2 (371.1) were produced by 242 plants m-2, while minimum in these were recorded at 20 plants m-2 density. Number of cormels (2.5), cormel weight (1.6 g), number of corms (2.0), corm weight (11.1 g), corm volume (10.7 ml) and corm diameter (3.1 cm) were produced by plants at 20 m-2 densities, while minimum values for the above parameters were noted in 242 plants m-2. The interaction of phosphorus doses and planting distance was significant for some parameters. A comparison of means values for plant densities revealed that maximum corm volume (10.7 ml) was produced by plants at the lowest density (20 plants m-2), while it was minimum (8.8 ml) at the highest density (242 plants m-2).

Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies in Gladiolus Hybridus Hort. Under Bundelkhand Conditions

A field experiment was conducted to estimate genetic variability, heritability and correlation among the economically important characters in gladiolus varieties at the Instructional Farm, College of Horticulture, BUAT, Banda. The healthy and uniform sized corms (4 to 5 cm) were planted at a spacing of 30 × 20 cm in each row at a depth of 5-6 cm. Before planting, corms were dipped in captan (0.2%) solution for 25-30 min as a preventive measure against Fusarium wilt disease. The varieties showed significant variability (p < 0.05) for days taken to spike emergence (66.67-86.69 days), days taken to opening of first floret (86.21-101.80 days), plant height (74.93 to 105.47 cm), spike length (67.07 to 89.93 cm), rachis length (33.89 to 55.64 cm), water uptake (17.33-46.67 ml), corm weight (39.97 to 100 g) and number of cormels per plant (4.47-41.97). Phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were high for the traits studied, except days taken to spike emergence, days taken to opening of first floret and corm diameter. High broadsense heritability value was found for number of corms per plant (90.64 %), corm weight (76.09 %) and days taken to opening of first floret, indicating the presence of additive gene effects. Positive correlation was found between days taken to spike emergence and days taken to opening of first floret (r = 0.880**); number of leaves per plant (r = 0.543*), plant height (r = 0.560*) and corm weight (r = 0.515*). Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(4): 705-712, 2022 (December)