Performance of Heliconia-An Exotic Cut Flower Crop as Intercrop in Coconut under Coastal Climatic Conditions of Goa

Abstract

A study on the performance of twenty three heliconia types/varieties was under taken under twenty year old coconut plantation as intercrop under coastal humid conditions of Goa for three years during 2010-2013. Suckers of different varieties/types of heliconia were planted at 1.5x1.5m spacing so as to accommodate twenty five plants in four coconut trees. Analysis of variance indicated that all the traits observed differed significantly. The earliest flowering was noticed in heliconia type Choconiana (124 days) and Sexy Pink took 445 days for first flowering. Number of flowering suckers per clump was highest in Bihai (15) followed by Lobster Claw Two (13). Spike length was highest in Sexy Pink (108.15 cm) indicating its potential as cut flower followed by Kenya Red (67.83 cm) and St. Vincent Red (66.41 cm). It is concluded from the study that intercropping heliconia in coconut plantation can give an additional income in the range of Rs. 32,160 in H-4 (Rostrata type) to Rs. 1, 37,200 in H-6 (Hybrid type). The heliconia types Golden Torch (H-2), Hybrid type (H-6), Sexy Pink (H-8) and Wagneriana (H-9) recorded a total income of more than one lakh rupees by sale of flower and suckers from an area of one hectare under coconut plantation and recommended as suitable intercrop in coconut.