Browsing by Author "Sreelatha, U"

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Effect of growth regulators on rooting of cuttings and layers in Jasmine (Jasminum auriculatum Vahl.)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1987) Sreelatha, U; Gopikumar, K
Systematic studies were carried out to standardise various aspects of asexual propagation in jasmine through cutting and layering. For propagation studies using cuttings, semihard wood cuttings of jasminum auriculatum and Jasminum grandiflorum were treated with IBA and NAA each at 2000, 3000 and 4000 ppm concentrations and planted under mist and open conditions. The results revealed that all the auxin treatments particularly IBA were superior to control with regard to rooting percentage. Other root growth parameters such as number, length, fresh weight and dry matter production of roots were also maximum with IBA treatments. However, in Jasminum auriculatum, the effect of growth regulators was not statistically significant and this may be attributed to the shy rooting behaviour of this species due to some endogenous inhibitors. Regardless of the growth regulator treatments mist had profound influence on root growth as well as vegetative growth parameters in both the species of Jasminum studied. To find out the effect of growth regulators and season on rooting of layers, layering was done at monthly intervals with ISA and NAA each at a concentration of 100 and 250 ppm. The results indicated that all the growth regulator treatments were superior to control with regard to rooting percentage, number, length, fresh weight and dry matter production of roots. Study on seasonal effect on success of layering has clearly shown that layering should be done during the rainy season particularly from June to September for getting maximum success. However, further studies to find out the role of inhibitory substances present in the shoots which cause failure of rooting of cuttings and layers may perhaps yield valuable results.
Evaluation of african marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) hybrids/ varieties for yield and resistance to bacterial wilt
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Umesh, C; Sreelatha, U
Improvement of propogation efficiency of anthurium species in Vitro
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1992) Sreelatha, U; Ramachandran Nair, S
Attempts were made, to improve the propagation efficiency of Anthurium species through enhanced release of axillary buds and callus-mediated somatic organogenesis/embryogenesis, in the plant tissue culture laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1990-92. Four species of Anthurium namely, A. andreanum, A. crystallinum, A. veitchii and A. grande were selected for the study. Shoot tips from in vitro grown seedling were used as explants for the enhanced release of axillary buds. Cent percent survival was observed in all the cytokinin treatments. The maximum number of shoots (4.50) was observed with kinetin 2.0 mg/1 as well as BA 1.0 mg/1. Treatments with kinetin was free of callus growth. In treatments with BA and 2ip, callus growth was observed at the base of the explant. Treatments with Ms inorganic salts as well as sucrose did not influence multiple shoot formation. One fourth strength of MS major rutrients with full strength of micro nutrients was ideal for multiple shoot induction. Glucose produced less number of shoots than sucrose. One percent sucrose did not influence multiple shoot induction. The longest shoot (0.95cm) was observed at 0.4 percent agar. Light was necessary for the enhancement of axillary buds. In darkness, callus growth was observed, from which many adventitious shoots were produced. Segments of leaf, petiole, spathe, spike and inflorescence stalk were used a explants for callus initiation. Combinations of 2, 4-D and BA were efficient in initiating callus. In A.andreanum, 2, 4-D 0.08 mg/1 and BA 1.0 mg/1 was ideal for callus initiation. Combination of 2, 4-D, 0.2 mg/1 and BA 1.0 mg/1 was the best for callus initiation in A. veitchii. In A. grande, the best callus initiation was observed with 2, 4-D 0.5 mg/1 and BA 1.0 mg/1. Modified MS medium with reduced salt concentrations was ideal for callus initiation in all the species. Inositol when reduced to half concentration (of the normal) influenced callus initiation. The leaf explant (with the smallest vascular bundles) among the other explants, had the highest number of cultures free of microbial contamination. Basal portions of leaf responded, better than the apical portions, to in vitro culture. Continuous darkness was necessary for callus initiation and growth. MS medium with ¼ strength major nutrients was ideal for callus multiplication. Attempts,made on callus-mediated somatic embryogenesis, were not successful. Shoot regeneration and growth of the shoots were the best in MS medium with BA 0.5 mg/1 and IAA 2.0 mg/1. No rooting treatments were required as the shoots rooted spontaneously. Plantlets survived, better than micro shoots, exvitro. The plantlets required less hardening treatments. Sand was the best potting medium for planting out. Nutrient solutions when used for the irrigation the plantlets, had a negative influence on the survival of plantlets. Treatments with VAM (Glomus constrictum and G. etunicatum) was beneficial for the survival as well as growth of the plantlets. Cytological examinations of the root tip squashes made on random number of plantlets, at planting out, showed a normal diploid chromosome count. Attempts, to correlate the biochemical properties with in vitro response, of different explants as well as species, were not successful. Based on the existing facilities of the plant tissue culture laboratory of the department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, the cost of single anthurium plantlet was worked out to be Rs.3.00/=.
Precision farming techniques for quality seed produciton in okra (abelmoschus esculentus (l.) moench)
(Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Rosna, S; Sreelatha, U
Standardization of grafting techniques in african marigold (tagetes erecta L.) for combating bacterial wilt
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Athira Baburaj; Sreelatha, U
The present study entitled “Standardization of grafting techniques in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) for combating bacterial wilt” was taken up in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, during the year 2017-2018. The work was carried out under three experiments viz.,standardisation of grafting techniques, assay of enzyme activity and histological studies. The rootstock used in the study was the bacterial wilt resistant local collection M- and the wilt susceptible F1hybrid Maria 91 was used as scion. Grafting was done in the month of January. Three methods of grafting viz., cleft, splice and hole insertion were tried at different ages of rootstock (4, 5, 6 and 7 weeks after sowing) and different ages of scion (3, 4 and 5 weeks after sowing). Observation of graft survival was taken at 15 DAG (Days after grafting). It was observed that cleft grafting four week old scion on to six week old rootstock was found to be the best with a graft survival of 61 percent. It was also observed that there was no survival when grafting was done on four week old rootstock irrespective of age of scion and grafting method followed. Estimation of catalase and peroxidase was carried out to study the activity of these enzymes in graft union formation. Sampling was done at 4,8 and 15DAG. It was observed that, activities of both the enzymes increased from 4DAG to 15DAG. Highest catalase activity at 4th (0.85 EU/g), 8th (1.39 EU/g) and 15th (1.60 EU/g) DAG was observed in cleft grafting of four week old scion on to six week old rootstock. Similar results were also observed in peroxidase activity. Correlation of catalase and peroxidase activity with survival of grafts indicated that both the enzymes are positively correlated with graft survival. Histological studies of the grafts consisted of both anatomical studies and histochemical staining for lignin. It was observed that there was an intensification of the stain from 4DAG to 15DAG with advancement of lignification process in graft union. Histological studies also revealed the formation of necrotic layer in the graft union, as a result of wound repair and cell proliferation. Cleft grafting of four week old scion on six week old wilt resistant rootstock is the best method in African marigold for combating bacterial wilt.
Standardization of growth promoters for mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) seedlings
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Athira, A S; Sreelatha, U
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a promising fruit crop for Kerala due to high price and consumer demand. Slow growth of the seedlings and prolonged pre bearing period are the major factors limiting large scale cultivation of mangosteen. In this context, the present study entitled ‟Standardization of growth promoters for mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) seedlings” was carried out in the Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2018 to 2019. The main objective of the study was to identify the ideal combination of plant growth promoters for enhancing the growth of mangosteen seedlings. The experiment was laid out in CRD with seventeen treatments replicated thrice. In each replication ten plants were maintained per treatment. Six month old seedlings planted in eight inch pots containing a medium composed of soil + sand + vermicompost in 2:1:1 ratio. Foliar application of NPK mixture (3:1:1) at 0.5 % and 1 % and growth promoters such as GA3 (300 ppm), thiamine (100 ppm), ascorbic acid (100 ppm) were given at monthly intervals during the entire study period (April 2018 to April 2019). Observations on growth characters, root characters, physiological parameters were recorded periodically at different stages of the study. Growth characters such as plant height, plant spread, number of leaves, length and breadth of leaves, total leaf area and internodal length, number of branches were recorded at quarterly intervals upto twelve months after planting. Significant difference was observed among the treatments with respect to plant height and taller seedlings (33.32 cm) with the longest internode (9.44 cm) were observed in T6 (NPK (3:1:1) 0. 5 % + GA3 300 ppm + ascorbic acid 100 ppm. Better plant spread (34.27 cm) was observed in seedlings sprayed with NPK (3:1:1) 0. 5 % (T1). Application of plant growth promoters had no effect on number of leaves produced by mangosteen seedlings. Control plants recorded the highest number of leaves (15.11), which was statistically on par with NPK (3:1:1) 0. 5 % (T1). Leaf length was found to be superior in T1 (NPK (3:1:1) 0. 5 %) at twelve months after planting. However, breadth and total leaf area and Leaf Area Index (LAI) were not influenced by foliar application of nutrients and growth promoters. In general, there was a reduction in all leaf parameters such as number of leaves, leaf length, breadth, total leaf area and LAI in treatments involving GA3. Application of growth promoters could not induce branching in mangosteen seedlings during the period of study. Total number of roots (85.67) was the highest in T1 (NPK (3:1:1) 0. 5 %). Length of the longest root did not show any significant difference among the treatments. However, root spread differed significantly. NPK (3:1:1) 0. 5 % (T1) and NPK (3:1:1) 0. 5 % + thiamine 100 ppm (T3) were the two superior treatments with respect to root spread. Treatments involving GA3 alone and in combination with other growth promoters had an inhibitory effect on root growth and development. Shoot: root ratio was found to be higher (4.64) in T6 (NPK (3:1:1) 0. 5 % + GA3 300 ppm + ascorbic acid 100 ppm) which was on par with control plants. Root hairs were absent in the plants even after twelve months of planting. Highest fresh weight (24.48 g/plant) and dry weight (9.83 g/plant) were noticed in T1 (NPK (3:1:1) 0. 5 %). Plants were analysed for major nutrients (N, P and K) twelve months after planting. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in the seedlings ranged from 1.4 % - 2.17 %, 0.03 % - 0.10 % and 1.01 % - 1.65 % respectively. Highest nitrogen uptake (190.10 mg/plant) was found in seedlings applied with NPK (3:1:1) 0. 5 % (T1). Higher uptake of phosphorus (5.01 mg/plant) and potassium (120.23 mg/plant) was recorded in T4 (NPK (3:1:1) 0. 5 % + ascorbic acid 100 ppm). The study clearly indicated that foliar application of NPK (3:1:1) 0.5 % (T1) at monthly intervals can be recommended for enhancing the growth of mangosteen seedlings, as superior growth parameters were observed in this treatment. No significant increase in seedling growth was noticed with the foliar spray of NPK 1%.
Standardization of production technology for African marigold(Tagetes erecta L.)
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Jeevan, U; Sreelatha, U
Suitability of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) genotypes for the plains of Kerala
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2023) Shravani, J; Sreelatha, U
Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) is a herbaceous perennial flowering crop commercially cultivated for cut flower and loose flower production in India. The flowers are highly prized for their unique forms, sizes, shapes and their distinctness in various floral colours. This crop holds great potential for commercial cultivation due to its early blooming habit, effective propagation techniques and ease of handling in cultural practices. The successful cultivation of chrysanthemum mainly depends on the selection of suitable varieties, therefore, evaluation of suitable cultivars for particular region is of utmost importance. However, there has not been an attempt to study the suitability of chrysanthemum as a floriculture crop in Kerala. Hence the present proposed programme would help to select suitable types for cultivation in the warm humid climate of Kerala. The experimental study entitled “Suitability of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) genotypes for the plains of Kerala” was conducted in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara with an objective to evaluate the performance of different genotypes of chrysanthemum and to select suitable cultivars for different purposes such as cut flower, loose flower and potted plants. Fifteen genotypes of chrysanthemum viz. Karnool Pink, Dolley Orange, Autumn Joy, Roopanjali, Coffee, Pink Cloud, KAU C-1, KAU C-2, KAU C-3, KAU C-4, KAU C-5, KAU C-6, KAU C-7, KAU C-8 and KAU C-9 were evaluated for vegetative, floral and post harvest parameters. Significant variations for various vegetative, floral and post harvest parameters were recorded among the fifteen genotypes of chrysanthemum. The greatest plant height was observed in the genotype Coffee (45.96 cm) which was on par with KAU C- 5 (44.84 cm). The genotype KAU C-7 was found promising in terms of plant spread (47.95 cm), number of primary branches per plant (17.50) and number of leaves per branch (21.50) followed by Dolley Orange with 16.00 number of branches per plant and Roopanjali with 20.00 number of leaves per branch. Floral characters showed significant difference for all the flowering parameters. Among the fifteen genotypes, the bud initiation was observed only in twelve genotypes excluding Autumn Joy, Coffee and KAU C-5. The earliest flower bud initiation and 50 per cent flowering was recorded in the genotype KAU C-1 (38.85 and 42.80 days) which was on par with KAU C-4 (38.95 and 43.20 days), Karnool Pink (39.95 and 46.61 days) and KAU C-8 (41.65 and 44.20 days) respectively. In genotypes viz. Dolley Orange, Roopanjali and KAU C-9 the flower buds were withered and failed to open. The genotype KAU C-4 had the maximum duration of flowering period (104.29 days) followed by Karnool Pink (101.52 days). Significantly the greatest flower diameter was recorded in Karnool Pink (8.35 cm) which was followed by KAU C-4 (7.11 cm), KAU C-1 (6.88cm) and KAU C-6 (6.56 cm). The flower stalk length was found significantly greatest in KAU C-6 (26.77 cm) followed by Karnool Pink (24.07 cm) and KAU C-4 (21.85 cm). Significantly highest flower weight was recorded in the genotype Karnool Pink (8.07 g). More field life of an individual flower was observed in Karnool Pink (12.37 days) followed by KAU C-7 (11.56 days). The genotype KAU C-4 recorded more number of flowers per plant and highest flower yield per plant (96.95 and 0.31 kg) which was on par with KAU C-1 (79.55 and 0.27 kg) and KAU C-6 (70.45 and 0.25 kg) respectively. Longest shelf life and vase life was recorded in the genotype KAU C-7 (4.89 days) and KAU C-3 (14.48 days) respectively. Wide variance was seen across the fifteen genotypes, which differed considerably for all of the characters evaluated. Estimation of genetic parameters revealed the high range of heritability (>90 %) and high genetic advance (>20%) for all the characters, indicating additive gene effect and ample scope for selection and improvement. The genetic correlation coefficient was greater than the equivalent phenotypic correlation coefficient, indicating negligible environmental influence on performance of genotypes. Correlation and path coefficient analysis indicated that the parameters such as number of primary branches per plant, duration of flowering, number of flowers per plant, flower stalk girth and flower weight were having positive and significant correlation with flower yield per plant with a direct effect. Ranking of genotypes was done individually for cut flower and loose flower types. As a result, the genotypes KAU C-4 and KAU C-6 can be recommended for both cut flower and loose flower purpose whereas the genotypes Karnool Pink, KAU C-1, KAU C-7, KAU C-3, KAU C-8 and KAU C-2 are best preferred for loose flower purpose and based on morphological and floral characters the genotype Pink Cloud was found ideal for both garden type and loose flower production.
Utilisation of male sterility and polyploidy for genetic improvement in targets spp.
(College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2023-05-11) Shilpa, P; KAU; Sreelatha, U
Marigold (Tagets spp.) is a multifunctional annual crop which can be grown in wide range of climatic conditions. The area of this crop is being expanded with the wide use of marigold flowers in cosmetic, food coloring, poultry and pharmaceutical industries due to its high carotenoid content. Among 33 Tagetes species, African marigold (Tagetes erecta) and French marigold (Tagetes patula) are highly preferred for the commercial cultivation. Even though these two species together hold a large extent of area under cultivation in the country, prominent steps taken for the development of superior hybrids (inter varietal as well as inter-specific) from public sector is still narrower. One of the major reasons for this might be the complex flower structure of marigold as in any other Asteraceae crop. The way out from this problem is the utilisation of genetic male sterility that exists in Tagetes erecta. In this context, the study entitled “Utilization of male sterility and polyploidy for genetic improvement in Tagetes spp.” was undertaken in the department of Floriculture and Landscaping during 2019-2022. As a preliminary parental evaluation, 20 marigold genotypes with 12 testers (10 African marigold and 2 French marigold genotypes) and 8 male sterile lines were evaluated during 2019-20. The analysis on plant characters showed the superiority of the line KAU - Ms6 in terms of plant height (47.27 cm), plant spread (31.39 cm) and stem girth (2.98 cm) while Ms18 exhibited with the early flowering habit in terms of bud initiation (17.07 days) and 50 per cent flowering (24.33 days). Superiority with respect to floral characters viz., flower size and flower weight was observed in KAU - Ms42 (3.70 cm and 4.30 g respectively). The analysis on yield traits exhibited the superiority of the line KAU - Ms6 in terms of number of flowers (56.77) and yield per plant (119.91 g) while KAU – Ms42 with highest number of viable seeds per plant (60.17). The estimation of total carotenoids revealed that the line KAU – Ms18 produced maximum pigment (2.01 mg/g) while the lutein content estimated was highest in KAU – Ms5 (6.23 ppm). Among testers, KAU - M1 was marked with superiority in terms of plant spread (44.00 cm), stem girth (4.97 cm) and leaf area (47.14 cm2) while French marigold genotypes (KAU - M47 and KAU - M48) were recorded lowest plant height, spread, stem girth and leaf area. However, early flowering was noticed in the French marigold genotypes, KAU – M47 and KAU – M48, in terms of days to bud initiation (19.20 and 17.20 days respectively) and 50% flowering (22.67 and 32.00 days respectively), produced small sized flowers of 3.20 cm and 2.70 cm flower diameter and 1.27 g and 1.04 g flower weight respectively. Among the African marigold testers, KAU - M1 showed delayed flowering, large sized flowers (6.80 cm flower diameter) with highest flower weight (11.87 g). With regard to number of flowers and yield per plant, the genotypes KAU - M46 and KAU - M2 showed better performance (126.16 and 253.96 g/plant; 111.34 and 266.32 g/plant respectively). The estimated total carotenoids was maximum in KAU – M47 (4.86 mg/g) and lutein in KAU – M1 (10.23 ppm). The observations on the stem color and flower color revealed the difference among the genotypes. The flower color was almost similar for all the 8 genotypes (Orange N25 C and Orange N25 B) in male sterile lines, while in the case of testers, among African marigold types, almost all the genotypes were orange colored (Orange – N25 group), except KAU – M1 (Yellow 9 A) and KAU – M46 (White NN155 C). Based on the evaluation of parental genotypes, four lines (KAU - Ms6, KAU - Ms18, KAU - Ms24 and KAU - Ms42) and six testers (KAU - M1, KAU - M2, KAU - M4, KAU - M8, KAU - M40 and KAU - M47) were selected and a crossing block was established during 2020-21 in a line x tester model. The mean performance of twenty four hybrids highlighted the inter-specific hybrid ‘KAU - Ms6 x KAU - M47’ which showed very good hybrid vigour. The combining ability analysis revealed the best general combiners KAU - M47 for number of flowers and yield per plant (108.96 and 128.93 respectively) and KAU - M1 for yield per plant (42.07). Genotypes KAU - Ms18, KAU - Ms24 and KAU - M8 were estimated with highest GCA for total carotenoids (0.09, 0.17 and 0.09 respectively). According to RHS color chart, except in the case of interspecific hybrids, all the other crosses were found to be showing the flower color of ‘Orange – N25’ group with shade of A, B and C. The interspecific hybrids KAU – Ms6 x KAU – M47, KAU – Ms6 x KAU – M47, KAU – Ms24 x KAU – M47 and KAU – Ms42 x KAU – M47 showed double colored flower heads with shades of ‘Orange N25 B and Red 46 A’. The good specific combiners identified for number of flowers and yield per plant were KAU - Ms6 x KAU - M47 (86.17 and 207.65 respectively), KAU - Ms42 x KAU - M2 (41.26 and 125.14 respectively) and KAU - Ms18 x KAU - M40 (19.95 and 93.17 respectively). In terms of total carotenoids, KAU - Ms6 x KAU - M2, KAU - Ms18 x KAU - M4, KAU - Ms24 x KAU - M1, KAU - Ms24 x KAU - M40, KAU - Ms24 x KAU - M47, KAU - Ms42 x KAU - M2, KAU - Ms42 x KAU - M8 and KAU - Ms42 x KAU - M47 were estimated with best SCA. On the estimation of heterosis for number of flowers and yield per plant, the inter-specific cross KAU - Ms6 x KAU - M47 recorded superiority in terms of relative heterosis (RH – 254.87%), heterobeltiosis (HB – 159.48%) and standard heterosis (SH – 380.63%). Other crosses which exhibited significant SH for yield per plant were KAU - Ms18 x KAU - M1 (61.22%), KAU - Ms18 x KAU - M47 (60.74%), KAU - Ms24 x KAU - M1 (47.22%), KAU - Ms24 x KAU - M47 (36.47%), KAU - Ms42 x KAU - M1 (43.73%), KAU - Ms42 x KAU - M2 (70.93%) and KAU - Ms42 x KAU - M47 (38.88%). With respect to total carotenoid, the hybrid KAU - Ms18 x KAU - M4 exhibited highest significant heterosis (RH – 104.29%, HB – 11.89% and SH – 32.0%). Experiment on polyploidisation of male sterile lines (KAU - Ms6) using two different concentration of colchicine (0.05% and 0.1%) for 1, 3 and 5 hours was conducted. Among the treatments, the lower colchicine concentration for short duration (0.05% for 1 hour) resulted in highest survival of seedlings (37.00%) and potted plants (27.02%). The treatment with 0.05% colchicine for 1 hour exhibited the most dwarf, compact and sturdy plants compared to other treatments. The analysis of stomatal characters also revealed larger stomata and low stomatal density with higher concentration and duration of colchicine, with highest stomatal size of 35.97 μm length and 11.49 μm width. The lowest stomatal density was observed for the treatment 0.1% colchicine for 3 hours (107.39). The ploidy levels of the variants through flow cytometry detected tetraploids. From the overall performance the seed treatment with 0.05% for 1 hour could be observed as the best for tetraploid indction which recorded maximum survival of plants, compact sturdy growth and larger sized stomata. Vegetative propagation of male sterile lines through cuttings was experimented as an alternative to the sib-mating method of maintaining the male sterile lines. Herbaceous cuttings collected from KAU - Ms42 were treated with growth regulators NAA and IBA at 100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm concentrations. Among the treatments, of the highest per cent of rooting with good survival of plants in pots was observed with the NAA 300 ppm (50.83% and 74.12% respectively). Considering per cent rooting of cuttings and survival of plants after transplanting to pots, NAA 300 ppm could be recommended as the best treatment. The present investigation on “Utilisation of male sterility and polyploidy for genetic improvement in Tagetes spp.” resulted in two heterotic hybrids viz. KAU - Ms6 x KAU - M47 and KAU - Ms42 x KAU - M2, for loose flower as well as landscaping purpose while three hybrids for total carotenoid content (KAU - Ms24 x KAU - M40, KAU - Ms42 x KAU - M2 and KAU - Ms42 x KAU - M47).
Varietal evaluation of gerbera (Gerblera jamesonii Bolus) under low cost green house
(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Mini Sankar; Sreelatha, U
Studies were conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara.: to evaluate the performance of five gerbera varieties, viz., Essandre, Juvena, Lindessa, Tamara and Yanara and to compare ground planting with pot culture under low cost green house. The varieties differed significantly with respect to vegetative and floral characters. Variety Essandre was found to have maximum plant height, number of leaves, petiole length and leaf area. Plant spread was maximum in variety Yanara and variety Lindessa had maximum number of lobes on leaves. Variety Essandre produced maximum number of flowers per plant whereas variety Tamara was very poor in flower production. Flower diameter and stalk length were maximum in variety Yanara, while maximum stalk girth was recorded in variety Lindessa. Variety Juvena took minimum number of days for the emergence of first flower bud and from flower bud emergence to flower opening. Field life was maximum in variety Tamara. No significant variation was observed in the vase life of flowers of different gerbera varieties. A significant negative correlation was observed between relative humidity and number of leaves. A significant positive correlation was observed between plant height and number of leaves, petiole length and leaf area. Correlation between number of leaves and leaf area was also positive. No significant correlation was observed between weather parameters and floral characters. Period from flower bud initiation to flower opening was significantly and positively correlated with flower diameter, stalk length, stalk girth and field life of flowers. A significant negative correlation was observed between number of flowers and flower diameter, whereas flower diameter had a positive correlation with stalk length. Field life had a significant positive correlation with stalk length and stalk girth. As far as method of planting was concerned, it could be observed that varieties recorded better plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and more number of flowers in ground planting than in pot planting. Regarding the incidence of pests and diseases attack of flower thrips was a major problem during flowering season, especially during March-April when temperature was high. Varieties Juvena and Tamara were more prone to the attack. Even though there was no severe incidence of pathogens leaf blight was observed during May-June.
Vegetative propagation of jasmine through cuttings and layers
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1991) Sreelatha, U; Gopikumar, K; Aravindakshan, M