Interactive effect of gamma irradiation and varieties on growth and corm parameters of gladiolus under Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during November, 2022 to April, 2023 to study the response of gladiolus varieties to gamma irradiation at the K.N.K. College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (RVSKVV, Gwalior), M.P. The experiment was taken in Factorial Randomized Block Design(FRBD) with four varieties (Arka Aayush, Arka Pratham, Arka Kesar and Arka Tilak) and five gamma doses G1 (0.0 kr),G2 (1.25 kr), G3 (2.25 kr), G4 (3.25kr) and G5 (4.25kr). Results from data revealed that Arka Kesar, a gladiolus variety, performed the best in terms of days taken to sprouting, corm diameter & weight of corms/plant. While, Arka Tilak performed better with respect to weight of cormels per plant. Arka Ayush variety was also having significantly higher number of sprouts/hill. Gamma irradiation at a level of 1.25 kr was found to be advantageous for days taking to sprouting, number of sprout/hill and weight of cormels/plant. Nevertheless, 2.25 kr was found positive for corm diameter and weight of corms per plant. Interactive effect of gamma irradiation and vari eties showed that variety Arka Kesar irradiated with 1.25 kr (V3 G2 ) required shortest time to sprout and Arka Pratham without irradiation (V2 G1 ) displayed the maximal width for the longest leaf however, number of leaves at 60 DAP & number of corms per plant were significantly higher in Arka Tilak exposed to 1.25 skr (V4 G2) . In terms of corm diameter and corm weight per plant, the most substantial results documented in V3 G3 (Arka Kesar irradiation with 2.25kr) treatment combination.