MSc

Investigations on “Microclimatic relations on the growth, yield and quality of anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden) under different growing systems” were carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during 2003-05.
Four cut flower varieties of Anthurium andreanum were grown under four growing structures adopting three times of planting in a year, at an interval of four months. Weather parameters viz., air temperature, relative humidity and light intensity were recorded daily both inside and outside the four growing structures.
The results showed that planting time, variety and growing system differed significantly with respect to growth, flowering and flower quality of anthurium. Based on the results obtained, October planting is recommended for anthurium. Varieties recommended are ‘Pistache’ and ‘Tropical’. Low cost structure with UV stabilized shade net to divert 75- 80 per cent light intensity and UV stabilized polyethylene film (120 gsm) to provide protection from rainfall on top and sides, covered with 25 per cent of shade net and with irrigation facilities at a cost of construction of Rs. 300/ m2 was found suitable for growing anthurium in tropical areas.
The significant interaction effects showed that a suitable planting time – variety – growing system combination could maximize growth and production in anthurium. Pre-harvest growing conditions influenced the post harvest longevity of flower.
Air temperature both inside the growing systems showed positive correlation with all plant characters except in leaf number. In all the varieties plant height and spread showed significant negative correlation with relative humidity in all the growing structures. The number of leaves in most of the cases showed significant positive correlation. Correlation studies with growth parameters and light intensity showed that in variety Tropical plant characters like height, spread, leaf area and petiole length were positively correlated with light intensity in S1 and S3.
The R2 values obtained in multiple regression analysis showed that in certain characters the contribution towards variation by microclimatic factors was high. The variations controlled by meteorological factors were higher in leaf characters (79.60% in leaf length, 78.10% in leaf area) and plant height (76.20%).
The treatments varied significantly showing the variations in response of different varieties and the growing systems and their interactions to microclimatic factors inside the growing system. The trend curves obtained also confirmed the correlations obtained in growth parameters with microclimatic factors.
In tropical areas the best growth is obtained under 75 – 80% shade in anthurium. Under this shade level, the availability of light intensity on an average ranged from 3,953.46 lux in July to 12,318.75 lux in December; air temperature from 30.500C in July to 40.670C in March and relative humidity from 45.90% in February to 77.70% in July during the 12 month period.
The study brings out the need for an integrated air temperature – relative humidity - light intensity regime to maximize growth, production and quality of anthurium. The most important requirement is to reduce air temperature by increasing relative humidity. This could be achieved by providing humidifiers in shade houses. Under hitech cultivation providing the suitable air temperature – relative humidity – light intensity regime for each variety could maximize yield.
In shade houses which are used for growing anhurium in the plains of Kerala with tropical climate, the most important requirement is to reduce temperature. This can be done by using a plant spray system or a mist system, which increases humidity. An attempt to increase the availability of light in shade houses in the plains may result in increase in temperature which is not favourable for the crop. Anthurium may be a suitable crop for higher elevations in Kerala where the ambient temperature is low. The crop may receive the required light which need not be associated with an increase in temperature.