Evaluation of different chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) genotypes under mid hill conditions of Garhwal Himalaya

Abstract

Fifteen chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) genotypes were assessed for their performance under mid hill conditions of Garhwal Himalaya during 2009–10. Uniform healthy suckers were planted at a spacing of 30 cm×20 cm in randomized block design with three replications. Significant differences were obtained among the genotypes for all morphological and floral characters studied. Genotype Saifali recorded maximum (149.71 cm) plant height, followed by Terry (132.92 cm) but plant spread was maximum in genotype Paris White (45.04 cm), followed by Suneel (44.50 cm), however it was minimum in Saifali (25.96 cm). Genotype Paris White produced maximum number of primary (15.16) and secondary branches (19.16)/plant while minimum, i e 4.41 and 8.16 was recorded in genotype Saifali, respectively. Earliest bud burst (9.33 days) was observed in genotype Red Queen, whereas genotype Charming was late (30.00 days). The highest number of flowers/branch (10.43) was produced by genotype White Anemone followed by Gauri (9.08) and Appu (7.66), but number of flowers/plant was higher (301.00) in Paris White and minimum (66.33) was recorded with genotype Suneel. Extended period of vase life was recorded in Gauri (24.66 days), followed by Shanti (22.00 days), while it was low with Red Queen (5.33 days). Keeping these characters in view, genotypes White Anemone, Shanti and Charming were found to be highly suitable to grow under these conditions for cut and loose flowers.