Browsing by Author "Shajma Nafeesa Basheer"

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Collection and evaluation of marigold (Tagetes spp.) genotypes for humid tropics
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Shajma Nafeesa Basheer; Sabina George, T
The present study entitled ‘Collection and evaluation of marigold (Tagetes spp.) genotypes for humid tropics was conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2012-2015, with an objective to collect and evaluate the genotypes of Tagetes spp. for growth, yield of fresh flowers and floral attributes in two planting seasons, ie, October and May planting and to select promising genotypes for loose flower production and for landscaping. The experimental material consisted of twenty five genotypes of Tagetes erecta and five genoytpes of Tagetes patula. These were evaluated in the field in a randomized block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for plant growth characters, foliage characters, flowering and yield characters and flower characters in both planting seasons. In both October and May plantings, TEG 5 and TEG 6 maintained greater plant height and the lowest plant height were found to be in TPG 17 and TPG 18. The maximum plant spread was recorded in TEG 5 in October planting and in TPG 21 in May planting. The highest number of primary branches per plant was recorded in TEG 6 followed by TEG 5 in October planting and in TEG 16 followed by TEG 5 and TEG 8 in May planting. The highest number of secondary branches was recorded by TEG 14 in October planting and by TPG 21 in May planting. Among flowering and yield characters, in October planting, the lowest number of days to flowering was recorded in Tagetes patula genotypes, TPG 19, TPG 18 and TPG 21 (33.33 days) and the lowest number of days to flower opening in TPG 21 and TPG 17 (45.33 days). In May planting, the Tagetes erecta genotype TEG 11 recorded the lowest number of days to flower initiation (49.00) and flower opening (68.33). TEG 29 recorded the longest flowering duration in both October and May planting. The maximum number of flowers per plant and flower yield per plant was observed in TEG 16 in October planting. In May planting, TPG 18 followed by TEG 16 recorded the maximum number of flowers. The genotype TEG 16 also recorded the highest flower yield per plant in May planting and the highest number of viable seeds per plant in both the seasons. TEG 11 recorded higher values for fresh weight of flower in both the seasons of investigation. In October planting and May planting, the highest value for petal meal per kg of fresh flowers was recorded in TEG 29 and the maximum petal meal per ha was recorded in TEG 5 in October planting and in TEG 29 in May planting. The highest total carotenoid content was recorded by TEG 3 followed by TEG 2 in both the seasons. Among the flower characters, TEG 5 the highest number of ligulate floret whorls and TEG 11 recorded the highest value for length of floret, flower diameter, girth of floral receptacle in both the seasons. Significantly higher flower stalk length was observed for TEG 3 and the longest vase life was recorded by TEG 7 in both the seasons of investigation. Genetic variability studies showed that genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was higher than phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all the characters. High GCV and PCV and high heritability was observed for all the characters studied. Correlation studies revealed a highly significant positive correlation of flower yield with number of flowers per plant, plant spread, fresh weight of flowers, length of floret, crop duration and number of secondary branches per plant. Path analysis studies showed that fresh weight of flowers had the highest direct positive effect on flower yield per plant followed by number of flowers per plant and plant height. Cluster analysis based on D2 values divided the thirty genotypes of marigold into six clusters with Cluster V recording the maximum number of genotypes and Cluster I, the minimum number of genotypes.Seasonal evaluation of the genotypes showed that May planting was found to be better than October planting in terms of plant growth characters, flower yield and flower characteristics. Earlier initiation of flowering was however observed in October planting in all the genotypes. The present study revealed that, the Tagetes erecta genotypes TEG 5, TEG 29, TEG 25, TEG 30, TEG 22, TEG 11 and TEG 7 may be suitable for commercial loose flower production. The genotype TEG 16 with semiupright habit may be suited for plant compactness and flower production. The genotypes TEG 3 and TEG 2, with higher carotenoid content may be suitable for pigment extraction. The Tagetes patula genotypes, TPG 21 and TPG 18 with dwarf spreading plant habit and the Tagetes erecta genotype TEG 11 with semiupright plant habit may be suitable as flowering ground covers in landscaping. The wide range of genetic variability available in marigold genotypes can be utilized for further crop improvement programmes through direct selection and hybridization.
Crop growth regulation in african marigold
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2024-03-13) Archana, Devadas; Shajma Nafeesa Basheer
The study entitled “Crop growth regulation in African marigold” was carried out in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during 2021-2023. The objective of the study was to control seedling height in protrays and to induce compactness in potted African marigold plants. The study consisted of two experiments. The first experiment was focused on standardization of the concentration and soaking time of hybrid marigold seeds with paclobutrazol (PBZ). Hybrid marigold seeds ‘Royal orange’ were subjected to various concentrations of paclobutrazol (C1: 750 ppm, C2: 1000 ppm, C3: 1250 ppm, C4: 1500 ppm and C5: 2000 ppm) and distilled water (C0). The seeds were soaked for different durations (D1: 2 hours, D2: 4 hours and D3: 6 hours). Additionally, an untreated control group was also included in the experiment. Significant variations were observed in various seedling and physiological characters due to the influence of the different concentrations, soaking duration and their interactions. The length and weight of shoots of seedlings (10 DAS) were observed to be minimum in C5 (2000 ppm PBZ) and soaking duration of D3 (6 hours) whereas the length and weight of roots were maximum for the same concentration and duration of soaking. The height of seedlings and height upto the first node (30 DAS) was the shortest in C5 (2000 ppm PBZ) and D3 (6 hours). However, the minimum germination percentage (33.50 %) was recorded at higher concentration (2000 ppm) and longer soaking time (6 hours) of paclobutrazol. Significantly lower shoot length (1.83 cm), height up to the first node (0.52 cm), and overall seedling height (13.04 cm) was noticed in C5 x D3 (2000 ppm PBZ + 6 hours). Further, the shoot weight was lowest (24.60 mg) for C5 x D3 which was on par with C4 x D3 (33.60 mg). The root length was highest for the treatment C5 x D2 (3.19 cm) which was on par with C5 x D1 (3.18 cm) and C4 x D3 (3.18 cm). The root weight was recorded highest in C5 x D3 (32.00 mg). The curving of stems was absent in seedlings treated with C4 x D1, C4 x D2, C4 x D3, C5 x D1, C5 x D2 and C5 x D3. The physiological parameters like chlorophyll, carotenoid, IAA and GA content, catalase and peroxidase activity were superior for the concentration C5 (2000 ppm PBZ) and soaking duration D3 (6 hours). The maximum photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant activity and minimum IAA and GA contents were recorded for C5 x D3 (2000 ppm PBZ +6 hours).¬ The second experiment was standardisation of the concentration of paclobutrazol for drenching. Potted African marigold plants were drenched with various concentrations of PBZ (A1: 60 ppm, A2: 90 ppm, A3: 120 ppm, A4: 150 ppm and A5: 200 ppm at different stages (S1;15 and 30 DAP, S2: 30 and 45 DAP). Paclobutrazol treatment A5 (200 ppm PBZ) produced the shortest plants with maximum plant spread, number of branches and leaves. The first stage of application S1¬(15 and 30 DAP) recorded the shortest plant height, larger plant spread and greater number of branches. The stage of application had no significant effect on the number of leaves per branch. Among the interaction effects, the shortest plants (25.33 cm) with maximum plant spread (25.88 cm) were recorded in A5 x S1(200 ppm PBZ +15 and 30 DAP). The number of branches per plant was recorded as maximum (8.67) for A5 x S1 on par with A4 x S1 (8.47) and A5 x S1 (8.33). The maximum number of leaves per branch (33.00) in A5 x S2 which is on par with A5 x S1 (31.60). Among the floral characters, the days taken for flower bud emergence, fifty per cent flowering, were recorded as minimum in A1 (60 ppm PBZ). The number of days taken for flower bud initiation to flower opening was recorded to be minimum for all concentrations except A5 and A4. Flowers with larger diameter and greater longevity of flowers were observed in A5 (200 ppm PBZ). The number of flowers were maximum in A4 (150 ppm PBZ) which was on par with A5. Flowers with larger diameter and greater longevity of flowers were observed in A5 (200 ppm PBZ). The flower duration was prolonged for the treatment with A4 (150 ppm PBZ) which is on par with A5 (200 ppm PBZ). The minimum number of days taken for flower bud emergence, flower bud initiation to flower opening and fifty percent flowering and maximum number of flowers were recorded in S1(15 and 30 DAP). The diameter of flowers, longevity of flowers and duration of flowering was maximum in S2 (30 and 45 DAP). The minimum number of days for flower bud emergence (35.80) and days for fifty percent flowering (35.56) was recorded in A1 x S1¬ (60 ppm PBZ + 15 and 30 DAP. The minimum days taken for flower bud initiation to flower opening (21.20) was in A1 x S1 (60 ppm PBZ+ 15 and 30 DAP) which was on par with A2 x S1, A3 x S1, A1 x S2, A2 x S2 and A4 x S1 (21.47, 21.93, 22.00, 22.07, 22.40 and 22.53 days respectively). The maximum number of flowers (11.07) was recorded for the treatment A4 x S1 which is on par with A5 x S1 (10.87) and A5 x S2 (10.53). The maximum diameter of flowers was recorded (4.70 cm) for the treatment A5 x S2 on par with A5 x S1 (4.65 cm). The greater longevity (8.33) of flowers was recorded for the treatment A5 x S2. The photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant activity were highest in the concentration A5 (200 ppm) and in the stage S1(15 and 30 DAP). The IAA as well as GA content was lowest in A5. Among the interactions, the treatment A4 x S1¬ (150 ppm +15 and 30 DAS) recorded the highest chlorophyll a content (1.643 mg/g) which was on par with A5 x S1 (1.637). The maximum chlorophyll b (0.663 mg/g) was obtained for the treatment A5 x S1 (200 ppm PBZ+ 15 and 30 DAP) and total chlorophyll (2.930 mg/g) for the treatment A5 x S1 which was on par with the treatment A4 x S1 (2.883 mg/g). The maximum carotenoid (0.310 mg/g) was obtained for the treatment A5 x S1 which was on par with A5 x S2 (0.293 mg/g). The minimum IAA (1.26 µg/g) and GA content ((0.71 ng/g) was in A5 x S2 (200 ppm PBZ+ 30 and 45 DAP). The maximum catalase activity (17.14 µg of H2O2 /mg/ minute) and peroxidase activity (121.30 units/min/mg) was recorded for the treatment A5 x S1. From the present study it can be concluded that the marigold seeds treated with 2000 ppm paclobutrazol for a duration 6 hours produced desirable results such as shortest shoot length, overall height of seedlings, least curvature of stem and highest length of roots. However, the germination percentage was lowest in this treatment. The seed treatment with 1000 ppm PBZ for 6 hours produced a better germination percentage of 61% and lower seedling height (22.5 cm). Thus, a paclobutrazol concentration of 1000 and 2000 ppm PBZ for a duration of 6 hours can be recommended for seed treatment. Paclobutrazol concentration of 200 ppm PBZ applied at 15 and 30 DAP resulted in superior characters like shortest plant height, more plant spread, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per branch. Therefore, 200 ppm PBZ at 15 and 30 DAP can be recommended for media drenching for producing compact potted marigold plants.
Native ornamentals for water- wise landscaping
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture , Vellanikkara, 2024-03-05) Bhukya Mahesh; Shajma Nafeesa Basheer
The investigation entitled “Native ornamentals for water-wise landscaping” was conducted in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, with an objective to conduct the morphological evaluation of native ornamentals and to assess the suitability of selected native ornamentals for water wise landscaping. The study was conducted as two experiments i.e., morphological evaluation of native ornamental species and evaluation of native ornamental plants for drought stress tolerance. The native species selected for the first study were Murraya paniculata, Barleria mysorensis, Rauwolfia tetraphylla, Barleria strigosa, Clerodendrum inermi, Carmona retusa, Melastoma malabathricum, Ecbolium viride, Eranthemum capensis and Pogostemon quadrifolius. Significant variations were observed for vegetative and flower characters and air pollution tolerance index among the ten native species. Maximum plant height was observed in Murraya paniculata (65.00 cm), which was on par with Clerodendrum inermi (60.87cm). Plant spread was also maximum in Murraya paniculata (41.33 cm). The number of primary branches was the highest in Clerodendrum inermi (6.43), which was on par with Pogostemon quadrifolius (6.15). Clerodendrum inermi also recorded the highest number of secondary branches (11.33), which was on par with Eranthemum capensis (10.33). The highest number of leaves was observed in Clerodendrum inermi (95.33). The leaf length recorded the highest value in Ecbolium viride (9.01 cm), which was on par with Barleria strigosa (8.00 cm). The leaf breadth was recorded highest in Barleria strigosa (7.33 cm) followed by Eranthemum capensis (4.33 cm). The qualitative vegetative characters like leaf type (simple/ compound), shape of leaf lamina, type of leaf base, margin and tip, leaf surface texture (coarse or fine), pubescence (present or absent) and leaf colour (as per RHS colour chart) were also exhibited wide variability. Among the floral characters, the maximum flower diameter was recorded in Melastoma malabathricum (4.83 cm), maximum length of the flower stalk in Barleria strigosa (3.67 cm), maximum number of flowers in Barleria mysorensis (50.00), flowering duration in Melastoma malabathricum (7.33 months) and field life of flowers in Barleria strigosa (3.67 days). Qualitative characters of flowers like flower type (solitary / inflorescence), colour of flower (as per RHS colour chart), fragrance (presence/absence), season of flowering and field life of flowers (days) also recorded wide variation. Based on their APTI value Carmona retusa can thus be included under the moderate tolerant group and Pogostemon quadrifolius under the sensitive group. Melastoma malabathricum can be used as edge, hedge and flower borders. Murraya paniculata having the highest plant height and plant spread can be used as hedge. Barleria strigosa can be used for hedge planting. Clerodendrum inermi which recorded the highest number of leaves and plant height can be used as hedge and for topiary. In the second experiment the native ornamentals were evaluated for their drought stress tolerance. Morphological characters like plant height, shoot and root biomass, stem diameter, leaf fresh and dry weight and stem diameter decreased in drought condition when compared to control. Total root length and root-shoot ratio increased under drought condition compared to control. Physiological parameters like RWC and membrane stability reduced under 5-day and 10-day water stress. Biochemical parameters photosynthetic pigments and starch decreased under 5 day and 10-day stress. Anatomical characters like higher stomatal index and lowest cell size were observed in plants subjected to 10-day stress. Clerodendrum inermi recorded the highest root length (92 cm) under 10-day stress. Clerodendrum inermi recorded highest relative water content (86.98 %) under control. Rauwolfia tetraphylla recorded the highest root-shoot ratio (0.97), carotenoid (0.10 mg/g), proline (96.44 μmol g-1FW) and MDA (1.63 μmol g-1FW) under 10-day water stress. Barleria mysorensis showed the highest membrane stability index (100.46) and lowest MDA (0.14 μmol g-1FW) under control. Thus Rauwolfia tetraphylla, Clerodendrum inermi, Murraya paniculata, Melastoma malabathricum and Barleria mysorensis can be suitably used for water-wise landscaping
Nutrient management for cut flower roses under rain shelter
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2024-03-04) Apoorva, M N; Shajma Nafeesa Basheer
Rose (Rosa spp.) is the top-ranking and largest traded cut flower in the world and it is saluted as the queen of flowers due to its majestic fragrance brilliant colours, attractive shape, varying size, and excellent keeping quality. A balanced supply of nutrients ensures maximization of productivity and quality. Therefore, an efficient and judicious use of fertilizers along with micronutrient application is essential for attaining higher yield per unit area. However, a nutrient management schedule for roes under Kerala conditions is not yet standardized. Hence the present study entitled “Nutrient management for cut flower roses under rain shelter” was carried out in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2021-2023. The objective of the study was to assess of response of the rose variety Taj Mahal to different levels of NPK and foliar supplements for commercial production of cut roses in agro-climatic conditions of Kerala. The experiment consisted of 13 treatments, which included different combinations of 3 doses of fertilizers viz; 4:1.5:5 N: P2O5: K2O g/plant/year, 8:3:10 N: P2O5: K2O g/plant/year and 12:4.5:15 N: P2O5:K2O g/plant/year and three levels each of foliar supplements viz; BA 200 ppm, 2% seaweed extract, 0.5% Sampoorana KAU vegetable multimix and control (without fertilizers and FYM). Six months old grafts of the rose variety ‘Taj Mahal’ were used for the study. Observations on vegetative characters, floral characters, post-harvest aspects as well as nutrient status of the growing media and plant nutrient uptake were recorded. Throughout the observation period, different doses of fertilizers, foliar supplements, and the interactions between fertilizers and foliar supplements had a significant impact on vegetative characteristics. Among the fertilizer treatments, plant height was significantly highest in A3 (12: 4.5: 15 N: P2O5: K2O) (55.94 cm) at 10 MAP. Application of 0.5% Sampoorna (54.58 cm) and BA 200 ppm (53.02 cm) resulted in the highest plant height at 10 MAP. Application of fertilizers and foliar sprays significantly influenced plant spread. The fertilizer treatments A3 (12: 4.5: 15 N: P2O5: K2O) (27.95 cm) and A1 (4: 1.5: 5 N: P2O5: K2O) (26.96 cm) recorded the highest plant spread at 10 MAP. Among the foliar supplements, B4 (0.5% Sampoorna) (27.71 cm) and B2 (BA at 200 ppm) (27.54 cm) were superior compared to other treatments at 10 MAP. Different levels of fertilizer had no significant effect on the number of branches per plant throughout the experiment. The maximum number of branches were produced by B2 (BA 200 ppm) at 8 MAP (3.37) which was on par with B3 (2% seaweed extract) (3.1), and B4 (0.5% Sampoorna) (3.08). A3 (12: 4.5: 15 N: P2O5: K2O) produced more number of leaves per branch (8.2) which was on par with A2 (8:3:10 N: P2O5: K2O) (8.07) at 10 MAP. Among the foliar supplements, BA 200 ppm produced the maximum leaves per branch (8.34) which was on par with B3 (8.05) and B4 (8.03) during the same period. The treatment combination of A3 x B2 (12:4.5:15 N: P2O5: K2O and BA 200 ppm) was however found to record increased plant height, plant spread and number of leaves per branch throughout the observation period. A3 x B4 (12:4.5:15 N: P2O5:K2O and 0.5% Sampoorna) was found to be superior with regard to number of branches per plant. The floral characters were significantly influenced by different doses of fertilizers. Among the floral characters, the least number of days taken for flower bud initiation was recorded in A3 (12: 4.5: 15 N: P2O5: K2O) (21.95 days), and the least number days taken from bud initiation to commercial stage of harvest was in A3 (12: 4.5: 15 N: P2O5: K2O) (13.37 days) which was on par with A2 (8:3:10 N: P2O5: K2O) (13.69). The highest flower bud circumference was recorded in A3 (12: 4.5: 15 N: P2O5: K2O) (3.75 cm). The longest neck length was found in A3 (12: 4.5: 15 N: P2O5: K2O) (3.94 cm) which was on par with A2 (8:3:10 N: P2O5: K2O). The longest stalk length was recorded in A3 (12: 4.5: 15 N: P2O5: K2O) (28.16 cm). The highest neck girth (0.29 cm), and stalk girth (0.32 cm) were observed in fertilizer treatment A3 (12: 4.5: 15 N: P2O5: K2O) which was on par with A2 (8:3:10 N: P2O5: K2O) (0.29 and 0.32 cm respectively). However, the number of flowers per plant and the length of flower bud were not significantly influenced by the different doses of fertilizers. Foliar supplements also significantly influenced the floral characters. Among the floral characters, the least number of days taken for flower bud initiation (21.24 days), the least number of days taken from bud initiation to commercial stage of harvest (12.90 days), the maximum circumference of flower bud (3.67 cm), and the highest stalk length of flower (28.4 cm) was recorded in BA 200 ppm. The highest number of flowers per plant (40.38) and neck length (4.1 cm) was however recorded in 2% seaweed extract which was on par with BA 200 ppm. The length of flower bud was also the highest (1.8 cm) in 2% seaweed extract. In terms of days taken for flower bud initiation (20.67 days), days taken from bud initiation to commercial stage of harvest (12.45 days), flower bud circumference (3.96 cm), number of flowers per plant (40.53), neck length (4.33 cm), neck girth (0.31 cm), stalk length (32.36 cm) and stalk girth (0.33), the treatment combination of 12:4.5:15 N: P2O5: K2O and BA 200 ppm produced better results. The treatment combination of 8:3:10 N: P2O5: K2O and BA 200 ppm was observed to produce the maximum vase life and total water uptake (7.37 and 25.63 days respectively). The pH, EC, organic carbon, and available N, P, and K in the growing media were all analyzed both before and after the experiment. The pH in T9 (12: 4.5: 15 N: P2O5: K2O and 2% Seaweed extract) and T12 (8:3:10 N: P2O5: K2O and 0.5 % Sampoorna) was reduced after the experiment (5.18). T5 (8:3:10 N: P2O5: K2O and BA 200 ppm) and T7 (4: 1.5: 5 N: P2O5: K2O and 2% seaweed extract) (0.13 dS/m) had the lowest EC after the experiment. T6 (12:4.5:15 N: P2O5: K2O and BA 200 ppm) recorded the highest available K (872.04a kg/ha), and available P (590.93 kg/ha) whereas T12 (12:4.5:15 N: P2O5: K2O with 0.5% Sampoorna) recorded the highest available N (677.38 kg/ha). T1 (4:1.5:5 N: P2O5: K2O), T6 (12:4.5:15 N: P2O5: K2O and BA 200 ppm), and T12 (12:4.5:15 N: P2O5: K2O and 0.5% Sampoorna) resulted in higher plant nitrogen (1.88%), potassium (1.01%), and phosphorous (1.84%), contents respectively. T6 (12:4.5:15 N: P2O5: K2O and BA 200 ppm) treatment resulted in the highest plant uptake (N, P, and K) (0.73, 0.8, and 0.4 g/plant). From the results of the present study it can be concluded that the treatment combination A3 x B2 (12:4.5:15 N: P2O5: K2O and BA 200 ppm) of resulted in better plant height, plant spread, and number of leaves per branch, days taken for flower bud initiation, days taken from bud initiation to commercial stage of harvest, flower bud circumference, number of flowers per plant, neck length, neck girth, stalk length, stalk girth water uptake and vase life. Thus for commercial rose cultivation in Kerala under protected conditions, a combination of fertilizer dose of 12:4.5:15 N: P2O5:K2O g/plant/year as 3 split doses and BA 200 ppm application at fortnight intervals can be suggested.
Standardisation of growing media and organic nutrition for juvenile anthurium plants (Anthurium andreanum Lind.)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Shajma Nafeesa Basheer; Sabina George, T
Anthuriums are herbaceous perennials belonging to the largest genus of the family Araceae. Anthurium andreanum Lind. called the ‘Painter’s palette’ flower is the most important species grown in the tropics. Anthurium cultivation on a commercial basis is gaining popularity in Kerala because of its high demand in the foreign market. The lack of proper management practices has increased the total period taken for the production of marketable flowers to nearly 2-2½ years. The present work was thus taken up with a view to standardize growing media and organic nutrient dosage for young anthurium plants, for enhancing their early vegetative growth and for earlier production of flowers having desirable floral attributes of size and quality. The experiment was carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2003–2005 with a view to standardize the growing media and organic nutrient dosage for young anthurium plants. The anthurium cultivar chosen for this study was Anthurium andreanum ‘Tropical’, a commercially important cultivar of Kerala. The treatments consisted of thirty six combinations of four media treatments namely sand + leaf compost (M1), sand + coir pith compost (M2), granite + leaf compost (M3) and granite + coir pith compost (M4) and nine nutrient treatments including weekly application of three cowdung treatments (2, 4 and 6 g l-1 extract) and bimonthly application of three organic manure mix (25, 50 and 75 g) treatments. Growing media, nutrient treatments and their interactions influenced vegetative growth, flower characters, vase life, fresh weight and dry matter production and nutrient content of leaves. Among the media, sand + coir pith compost was found to be the best for obtaining greater plant height, leaf area, leaf duration, petiole length at third and fourth week after emergence, shortest phyllachron, the highest fresh and dry weight of leaves and their N and K content. Plants grown in this medium also recorded earlier flowering, greater number of flowers per plant, increased spathe size, greater length and thickness of flower stalk and enhanced vase life. The inclination of spadix and its length and thickness were also found to be greater tending towards those of mature plants in this medium. Vegetative growth enhancement was also obtained with 4 g l-1 and 6 g l-1 fresh cowdung extract treatments at varying stages of growth. Greater fresh weight and dry weight of leaves were recorded in plants receiving 4 g l-1 cowdung extract at 165 and 225 DAT. These plants also recorded greater N and K content during the period while the P content was greater in plants receiving 6 g l-1 at these periods. Increased spathe size, lesser number of days to flowering, maximum length of flower stalk, maximum vase life and lesser number of days to harvestable maturity of flowers was obtained with 4 g l-1 extract. Application of organic manure mix were also found to give beneficial effects. Plants receiving 25 g organic manure mix recorded greater plant heights and leaf area during the latter stages of growth. This dosage also resulted in greater leaf duration and greater petiole length during the first and second week after leaf emergence. Fresh and dry weight of the leaves recorded were greater in plants receiving 75 g mix. The shortest phyllachron was recorded with 50 g dosage and the longest was recorded with 75 g / plant. The N and K content of the leaves were greater in plants receiving 25 g mix while the P content was greater in plants receiving 50 g mix. Spathe size, length of the flower stalk as well as the vase life of flowers was greater in plants receiving 25 g OM mix. The interaction between media treatment, cowdung and organic manure treatments were also found to influence the performance of plants.