Number Of Ray Florets Research Articles

Mutagenic effect of gamma rays and EMS on agronomical traits of niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.)

This study was conducted to augment genetic variability in niger plant (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) using gamma rays and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) Niger (G. abyssinica) seeds of cultivar N-71 were exposed to various doses of gamma rays which ranged from 24 to 28 KR and different concentrations of EMS which ranged from 0.2 to 0.4% and in combination. Morphogenic and agronomic traits in the M1 and M2 generations that analyzed included: percentage of germination and survival, plant height, number of branches, capitulum size, number of ray florets per capitulum, number of disc florets per capitulum, head size, number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitulum, seed yield per plant and 1000-seed weight. The results of the present study showed that the three gamma irradiation doses used (24, 26 and 28 KR) had decreasing effect in most of the agronomic and morphological traits evaluated in M1. However, combination treatments like 24 KR+0.2% EMS and 26KR+0.4% EMS showed a noteworthy increase of grain yield and yield related components. In general, for the three irradiation doses in M1 population, there were no significant changes observed in morphological traits, however, in progenies of collective mutagenic treated seeds some potential high-yielding mutants were identified.

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

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

Genetic analysis of anemone-type and single-type inflorescences in chrysanthemum using genotyping-by-sequencing

Flower shape is a key trait of ornamental and commercial importance in breeding programs for chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.). Understanding the genetic basis of the phenotypic variation seen in inflorescence-related traits will contribute to genetic improvement and to the development of new varieties. In this study, we investigated the genetic determinants of inflorescence traits using an F1 segregating population derived from a cross between two cultivars with different inflorescence types, ‘Puma White’ (anemone-shaped inflorescence) and ‘Dancer’ (single-type inflorescence). Genotyping-by-sequencing identified 26,847 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between 182 F1 progenies and their parents. A genome-wide association study highlighted 17 SNPs mapping to 15 GBS-tags as being significantly associated with three inflorescence traits: flower type, number of ray florets, and disk flower diameter. No single SNP was associated with flower diameter. These SNP-harboring sequences defined ten candidate genes associated with inflorescence traits. We explored the transcript levels for nine of these in flower buds, disk florets and ray florets using publicly available genome and transcriptome data. These results will provide the genetic and genomic foundation to harness important horticultural traits and explore new avenues in chrysanthemum breeding.

Germplasm Innovation and Establishment of Comprehensive Evaluation System for Hedgerow Garden Chrysanthemum

Garden chrysanthemums are a group of chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) that are mostly used in garden landscape collocations. Because most garden chrysanthemum varieties have low plants and poor space effects, they have certain limitations in garden landscape applications. In this study, we selected seven garden chrysanthemum varieties with excellent characteristics for artificial hybridization and intercross parentage to obtain new varieties with good traits we need. The phenotypic characteristics of the F1 offspring in terms of plant height, crown width, crown height ratio, number of main branches, branching intensity, plant form, inflorescence diameter, number of flowers per plant, number of ray florets, flower color, and days from planting period to coloring period were analyzed and systematically evaluated. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation system was established using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and k-means clustering method. We built a comprehensive analysis model, calculated the weighting of each evaluation factor, and multiplied the weight value by the score of the evaluation index standard of each factor to obtain the comprehensive score of each plant. All F1 plants were divided into four grades: excellent grade accounting for 13%, good grade accounting for 28%, medium grade accounting for 36%, and poor grade accounting for 23%. Then, we analyzed the differences of some quantitative traits between Group E (hybrids in excellent grade) and Group O (hybrids in good, medium, and poor grades). There were significant differences in plant height, crown height ratio, and the number of main branches but no significant difference in crown width. Combining with comprehensive score showed that Group E performed well overall. Finally, we selected five hybrid offspring with the highest overall scores in Group E as excellent variety materials of garden chrysanthemum for hedgerow. They were CH22, YQ73, HY08, CQ80, and HY07, respectively. We also found that plant height, lodging resistance, crown height ratio, plant form, crown width, and the number of main branches could be the main indicators in the AHP, which can be effectively applied to the comprehensive evaluation and breeding of garden chrysanthemums for hedgerows.

On the identity of Synotis ionodasys (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) from Yunnan, China

Based on morphological comparisons of specimens and observations of living plants in the field we conclude that the key characters as the color of setae on the abaxial leaf sides and pedicles, and the number of ray florets which Jeffrey and Chen used to distinguish Synotis ionodasys from S. cappa are variable and not reliable, and all the characters of the former species (ferrugineous tomentum, 14–20 ray florets) are not distinct and fall within the variation range of the latter, thus making S. ionodasys conspecific with S. cappa.

Asterquanzhouensis (Asteraceae), a new riparian species from eastern China.

Asterquanzhouensis sp. nov. (Asteraceae) from Fujian, eastern China, is described and illustrated. It grows on rocks in the riparian zone. Morphological, cytological and molecular investigations of A.quanzhouensis were carried out. The morphological data and phylogenetic analysis based on combined ITS, ETS and trnL-F dataset suggest that A.quanzhouensis is a separate species closely related to A.tonglingensis. The new species differs from the latter by the shorter stem length, leaf morphology, colour of phyllaries, number of ray florets, and achene shape. The cytological observation shows that the new species is diploid with a karyotype of 2n = 18.

Assessment of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in spray chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat)

In this study, nine genotypes of spray chrysanthemum were evaluated to determine genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance among thirteen different quantitative parameters. The research was conducted in Biotechnology-cum-tissue culture Laboratory, Department of Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from July 2017 to February 2018. The result showed high estimates of phenotypic and genotypic co-efficient of variations for flower weight (47.82, 47.27), number of ray florets per flower (44.81, 44,77), weight of flowers per plant (37.55, 37.02), number of flowers per plant (36.44, 36.19), and flower diameter (25.68, 25.36). The study also revealed that the PCV estimates were greater than GCV with respect to all the quantitative parameters. The narrow difference in PCV and GCV were obtained for most of the parameters studied. The high heritability values and heritability estimate coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed in flower weight, weight of flowers per plant, number of flowers per plant and flower diameter suggesting that the gene action is mostly of additive type and therefore, direct selection of such parameters will be rewarding. It was observed that heritable variability in the breeding materials, characters like flower weight, flower diameter, number of flowers per plant, weight of flowers per plant and number of ray florets per flower could be exploited for improvement through crop improvement programme.

Studies on Varietal Diversity and Selection of Potential Varieties of Gerbera (Gerbera Jamesonii H. Bolus Ex Hook. F.) For Commercial Cultivation in Bangladesh

Ten commercial genotypes of Gerbera jamesonii were evaluated for a number of qualitative and quantitative traits in RCBD at the Botanical Garden of Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka. Qualitative morphology among 10 genotypes showed significant similarities and dissimilarities. The analysis of variance for all the quantitative traits showed highly significant variations among the genotypes. Genotypes Dutch Diva, Classic Fabio Gold, Candela and Dune proved to be the most suitable and sustainable as they were the best performer for different growth and flower quality parameters. Number of flowers per plant found best in Candela and Dutch Diva (11.33). The phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) were found higher than the genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for all characters. Maximum GCV and PCV were observed for number of suckers per plant (30.984 and 39.568) followed by number of whorls of ray florets per flower and days to flowering from bud initiation. High heritability values were obtained for all the characters. In high heritability estimate coupled with high genetic advance as percentage of mean was maximum for days to first flowering (32.442), plant height (cm) (17.026) and number of suckers per plant (15.992). Selection would be effective for the character showing high performance in genetic parameter. Path analysis revealed that the diameter of disc florets per flower, stalk girth (cm), number of disc florets per flower, number of ray florets per flower would be selection criteria for improvement in flower number. Based on D2 statistics, 10 genotypes were grouped into 3 clusters, namely cluster I, II and III. Highest number of genotypes was found in cluster I containing 5 genotypes. Scatter diagram represents pattern of genotypic distribution into clustering through principal component scores. Highest inter-cluster distance (22.94) was observed between cluster I and III. The genotypes of cluster II possessed heterogeneous nature and showed highest intra-cluster distance (11.35). Highest cluster mean was observed in cluster II containing four genotypes regarded as the superior than another cluster. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(3): 541-550, 2021 (September)

Character association and path analysis of quantitative traits among marigold (Tagetes sp.) genotypes

The path-coefficient analysis provides information about direct and indirect effect of other morphological characteristics on flower yield per plant, hence this investigation was undertaken to study the effects of various quantitative traits among marigold (Tagetes sp.) genotypes. The genetic variability and heritability in 21 genotypes of marigold confirmed that there is a colossal difference between the genotypes for yield and other 17 traits. The number of ray florets/ flower showed high heritability (99.95) together with high genetic advance (255.77) followed by fresh weight of flower and yield per plant. The study revealed that the PCV is more in comparison with GCV for all the traits which indicates, the contribution of the environment in the expression of traits. Correlation analysis between yield and yield attributing traits in marigold genotypes revealed high positive correlation of flower yield per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic levels with traits like plant height, plant spread, number of primary branches per plant, stem diameter, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight of flower, flower diameter, number of ray florets per flower and flowering duration. Path analysis revealed that the characters like fresh weight of flower and number of flowers per plant are important characters affecting flower yield since they had high direct positive effect. The magnitude of genetic divergence of marigold collected from four different states of India showed the presence of wide genetic diversity. Characters of maximum association with yield have been identified and a selection programme based on the above traits shall be highly effective in improving flower yield of marigold.

Effect of different potting mixtures on growth and flowering characters of Chrysanthemum cv. Haldighati

This study evaluates the effect of different potting mixtures on growth and flowering of Chrysanthemum cv. Haldighati. The experiment was carried out at Agriculture Farm, School of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, RIMT University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India. Different treatment methods include mixing sand, soil, cocopeat, ver powder, farmland fertilizer and perlite in equal proportions. Statistical analysis of the data show that the medium combination has a significant influence on the control value. The results show that the overall performance of Chrysanthemum is better in the medium with T7 (Perlite + FYM + garden soil (2:1:1)), but T5 is Vermicompost + FYM + Garden soil (2:1:1) has the highest main branches of each plant and the number of sub-branches per plant, the number of ray florets per flower, the length of ray florets and the width of ray florets. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that compared with perlite Chrysanthemum, the potting medium treatment combination consisting of Perlite + FYM + garden soil (2:1:1) is most suitable for producing Chrysanthemums. It has been found that the light growth medium is more suitable for plant morphological development and continuous high-quality flower production.

Gene effects on vegetative and floral characters of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L) Under Naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions

A polyhouse experiment was conducted for ten diverse genotypes of gerbera for twenty characters in Randomized Block Design with three replications at College of Horticulture, SKLTSHU, Hyderabad. Path analysis revealed that days to first-flower opening (1.976) exerted the highest positive direct effect on number of flowers per plant followed by, leaf area (0.8600), number of ray florets (0.6080) and length of the flower stalk (0.5841), number of leaves per plant (0.4315), fresh weight of flower (0.3884), number of suckers per plant (0.3381), chlorophyll content (0.2687), duration of flowering (0.2622), flower stalk diameter (0.1798) and field life (0.0514) at genotypic level indicating that the selection for these characters was likely to bring about an overall improvement in yield of gerbera cut flowers.

Linkage Map Development by EST-SSR Markers and QTL Analysis for Inflorescence and Leaf Traits in Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.).

Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) are famous ornamental crops with high medicinal and industrial values. The inflorescence and leaf traits are key factors that affect the yield and quality of chrysanthemum. However, the genetic improvement of those traits is slow within chrysanthemum because of its hexaploidy, high heterozygosity and enormous genome. To study the genetic control of the important traits and facilitate marker-assisted selection (MAS) in chrysanthemum, it is desirable to populate the genetic maps with an abundance of transferrable markers such as microsatellites (SSRs). A genetic map was constructed with expressed sequence tag–simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers in an F1 progeny of 192 offspring. A total of 1000 alleles were generated from 223 EST-SSR primer pairs. The preliminary maternal and paternal maps consisted of 265 marker alleles arranged into 49 and 53 linkage groups (LGs), respectively. The recombined parental maps covered 906.3 and 970.1 cM of the genome, respectively. Finally, 264 polymorphic loci were allocated to nine LGs. The integrated map spanned 954.5 cM in length with an average genetic distance of 3.6 cM between two neighbouring loci. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) analysis was performed using the integrated map for inflorescence diameter (ID), central disc flower diameter (CDFD), number of whorls of ray florets (NWRF), number of ray florets (NRF), number of disc florets (NDF), number of florets (NF), ray floret length (RFL), ray floret width (RFW), ray floret length/width (RFL/W), leaf length (LL), leaf width (LW) and leaf length/width (LL/W). Overall, 36 (21 major) QTLs were identified. The successful mapping of inflorescence and leaf traits QTL demonstrated the utility of the new integrated linkage map. This study is the first report of a genetic map based on EST-SSR markers in chrysanthemum. The EST-SSR markers, genetic map and QTLs reported here could be valuable resources in implementing MAS for chrysanthemums in breeding programs.

Popularization of Marigold cv. Seracole for income generation through front line demonstration in Assam

The field experiment was carried out during the year 2016 and 2017under KVK’s in Sengamari Habigaon village of Dibrugarh district and Moumaikigaon of Golaghat district of Assam for Popularization of marigold cv. Seracole for income generation through front line demonstration. The data were recorded for flower yield, quality and economics of marigold cultivation for summer and winter season. The results showed that in October planting the average weight of flower 6.35g, flower diameter 7.35 cm, number of ray florets 162.95, disc florets 75.00, self life 19.20 days, loose flower life 4.55 days, number of flower per plant 139.0, yield per plant 0.85 kg, yield per plot 14.40 kg, yield per hectare 240.00 q with good compact flower which was closely followed by March planting with 6.10g, 7.10 cm, 156.60, 65.80, 17.92 days, 3.40 days, 128.75, 0.81 kg, 11.30kg and 234.00 q respectively. But the benefit cost ratio was showed highest in March planting of 4.85 compared to October planting 3.0 due high demand and price in the summer season.

Spray Chrysanthemum ‘Field Green’ with Yellow Green Petal, Single Type, and White Rust Resistance for Cut Flower

The chrysanthemum cultivar Field Green (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) was developed at the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration (RDA) in 2012. The cultivar Field Green was derived from the artificial crossing in 2008 between two spray chrysanthemum cultivars, Laque Roicks, a maternal p arent with y ellow single t ype flower, and F rill Green, a paternal parent with a green single type and white rust disease resistance. The vigorous plants with green petals and stable flower shapes were selected in 2009. After an evaluation of the characteristics, including shading culture in summer and retarding culture in spring and consecutive selections from 2010 to 2012, the final selection was made. The flowering time of Field Green was October 26 in a natural day length, and year-round production was possible by day-length treatment. This cultivar has single-type flowers with bright green ray florets and green disc florets. The number of ray florets is 18.8, and the flower diameter is 7.1 cm. The growth of the plant is vigorous, with a plant height of 130 cm. Field Green is highly resistant to white rust disease, and vase life is about 20 days in autumn. Number 2013-153 was applied to Field Green on February 20, 2013 for variety protection; its plant variety protection rights were then registered (No. 4839) on April 2, 2014 at the Korea Seed and Variety Service.

The effect of climate on ornamental traits of chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants, and belongs to the family Asteraceae. It has been used in several pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Nowadays, the introduction of new ornamental plants plays a vital role in floriculture. Because of its numerous interesting characteristics, chamomile can be introduced as an ornamental plant. Environmental effects should be estimated in new cultivars and wild populations. Therefore, we compared eight cultivars and three accessions, from Germany (‘Bodegold’, ‘Goral’, ‘Zolty Lan’, ‘Kamile kultureform’), Italy (‘Italian’), Hungary (‘Hungarian’), and Iran (cultivar ‘Zardband’ and accessions Kazeroon, Khuzestan, and Bushehr). All entries were cultivated in two locations with different climates (tropical and temperate zone). Morphological characteristics were evaluated during the flowering period. Plant height, stem number, receptacle diameter, number and diameter of ray florets were affected by the environmental conditions. The average height of chamomile plants was 42.4 cm under tropical conditions compared with 35.6 cm under temperate conditions. Flower diameter (17.3 mm), number of ray florets (16.6), and length of ray florets (11.0 mm) were higher in the tropical zone than in the temperate climate, but diameters of ray florets (2.28 mm) were greater under temperate climate conditions. According to flower diameter data in temperate (18.0 mm) and tropical (19.9 mm) climates, ‘Bodegold’ from Teekanne Company was the best. Because of its water-efficiency requirement, easy reproduction and high soil salinity tolerance, chamomile could be introduced as an ornamental plant under inappropriate environmental conditions.

Identification of favorable SNP alleles and candidate genes responsible for inflorescence-related traits via GWAS in chrysanthemum

81 SNPs were identified for three inflorescence-related traits, in which 15 were highly favorable. Two dCAPS markers were developed for future MAS breeding, and six candidate genes were predicted. Chrysanthemum is a leading ornamental species worldwide and demonstrates a wealth of morphological variation. Knowledge about the genetic basis of its phenotypic variation for key horticultural traits can contribute to its effective management and genetic improvement. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on two years of phenotype data and a set of 92,617 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using a panel of 107 diverse cut chrysanthemums to dissect the genetic control of three inflorescence-related traits. A total of 81 SNPs were significantly associated with the three inflorescence-related traits (capitulum diameter, number of ray florets and flowering time) in at least one environment, with an individual allele explaining 22.72-38.67% of the phenotypic variation. Fifteen highly favorable alleles were identified for the three target traits by computing the phenotypic effect values for the stable associations detected in 2 year-long trials at each locus. Dosage pyramiding effects of the highly favorable SNP alleles and significant linear correlations between highly favorable allele numbers and corresponding phenotypic performance were observed. Two highly favorable SNP alleles correlating to flowering time and capitulum diameter were converted to derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (dCAPS) markers to facilitate future breeding. Finally, six putative candidate genes were identified that contribute to flowering time and capitulum diameter. These results serve as a foundation for analyzing the genetic mechanisms underlying important horticultural traits and provide valuable insights into molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) in chrysanthemum breeding programs.

Stephanomeria occultata (Asteraceae: Cichorieae), a New Species of Wirelettuce from Northern Utah, and a Key to all Perennial Wirelettuce

Stephanomeria occultata, a new diploid (2n = 16) species of wirelettuce endemic to the Weber River drainage of northern Utah, is herein described, and a key to all perennial members of the genus is provided. The populations of S. occultata occur in unstable gravelly slopes in close proximity to the Weber River between 590–1650min elevation. Stephanomeria occultata is characterized from other species in the region by its large growth habit, which is up to 1mtall, numerous stems, well-developed tomentose leaves, and large number of ray florets (8–14). Information on habitat, ecology, distribution, taxonomic relationships, conservation, as well as maps, photographs, and illustrations are provided. The two populations of S. occultata may contain as few as 200 genets with up to 500 ramets and these small populations are vulnerable to encroaching weeds and anthropogenic disturbance.

Evaluation of Exotic Cultivars of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) under Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse in Western Odisha

An endeavor was made during 2014–16 to evaluate and identify superior and most promising commercial variety in respect of important morphological and economic trait amongst 18 exotic cultivars of gerbera under naturally ventilated Poly house in Western Odisha. Variations in different growth parameters were prominent. Among vegetative parameters, ‘Dreamer’ recorded least mean value in terms of plant height, leaf area, number of leaves per plant, length and breadth of leaf, plant spread, number of lobes per leaf, fresh weight, vase life and yield per sq. m among quality parameters. Higher leaf area was found in ‘Shimmer’ follower by ‘Paradiso’ while ‘Dune’ has intermediate plant height and plant spread. ‘Power Play’ exhibited more number of leaves per plant with higher petiole length and more number of suckers per clump. With respect to flower and quality characters, the cultivar ‘Diablo’ found superior with respect to plant height, disc diameter and neck thickness and higher fresh weight. Minimum number of ray florets per flower with thicker petals were recorded in ‘Colt’, while ‘Artist’ have recorded highest number of ray florets with lesser petal thickness. ‘Prime rose’ had maximum flower diameter with minimum disc diameter and maximum length of ray floret. ‘Universal’ and ‘Pink Power’ recorded longest and shortest stalk length respectively. ‘Amulet’ had maximum stalk diameter and longer vase life (19.5 days).The cultivar ‘Jaffer’ recorded highest number of flowers per sq.m. Followed by ‘Yucador’ and ‘Blind Date’. ‘Shimmer’ took lesser days from flower bud formation to flowering however ‘Alex’ and ‘Colt’ recorded maximum shelf life.

Evaluation of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema Grandiflora Tzvelev) Cultivars for Flower And Post Harvest Quality in Alfisols of Coastal Andhra Pradesh

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of 15 chrysanthemum cultivars for better flower quality and flower yield at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Venkatramannagudem. Flowers are harvested at fully open stage. Positive and significant variations were observed for flower quality parameters and flower yield. The results showed that the maximum stalk length was recorded in Cv. Ratlam Selection (8.5 cm), the maximum flower diameter was recorded in Cv. Geethanjali (5.9 cm) and the maximum flower disc diameter was recorded in Local check (1.8 cm). Cv. Anjali recorded significantly higher number of ray florets per head (315.33), followed by Cv. Ratlam Selection (313.33). Among the 15 cultivars of chrysanthemum evaluated, seven were yellow in colour, three were red in colour, two were white in colour and the remaining three were lemon yellow, pinkish cream and purple in colour. Cv. Anjali recorded significantly maximum flower weight of 4.24 g followed by Cv. Yellow Gold with 3.30 g. The cultivars Meera (164.7) and Aparijitha (135.0) had more number of flowers per plant and Cv. Aparijitha significantly superceeded the other varieties by recording more yield per plant (310.3 g) and hectare (279 q). All the cultivars tested had better shelf life and vase life compared to local check. Cv. Jaya recorded maximum shelf life (5.0 days) and vase life (9.0 days).

Effect of gibberellic acid on flowering and cut flower yield in gerbera under protected condition

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of gibberellic acid on flowering and cut flower yield in gerbera cv. ALCOCHETE under protected condition using various gibberellic acid levels viz., GA3 at 50, 100 and 150 ppm. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that GA3 at 100 ppm performed better for flowering span (138.75 days), length of flower stalk (54.32 cm), flower stalk thickness (6.28 cm), number of ray florets per flower (189.67). In case of yield parameters, the same treatment was found better for fresh and dry weight of cut flower (40.99 and 13.49 g, respectively), number of cut flowers per plant (8.02), per square meter (80.20) and yield of flowers (16.04 lacs/ha). Whereas, GA3 at 150 ppm recorded the lowest number of days to the appearance of first flower bud and opening the first flower (50.98 and 57.57 days, respectively), diameter of flower (11.37 cm), longevity (15.29 days) and vase life (10.00 days). While, GA3 at 50 ppm was found for poorest response in all parameters.