Regulation of flowering and post harvest behaviour of tube rose (Polianthes tuberosa L.)

Abstract

A study was undertaken at the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the year 1998-2000 to determine the effect of bio regulators on the growth and flowering of tuberose. Experiments were also conducted to standardize pulsing and holding solutions in tuberose. The treatments, In general, significantly influenced all the morphological, floral and bulb characters. The height reduction was found to be maximum with paclobutrazol 100 ppm applied at 60 DAP and 200 ppm applied 30 DAP. Highest plant spread was given by CCC bulb dip treatment. Paclobutrazol and BA bulb dip caused a significant increase in the number of leaves. Bulbs dipped in CCC 1000 ppm, BA 50 and 100 ppm produced longer leaves, when compared to control. Maximum tiller production was noticed in bulbs treated with CCC 1000 ppm. But, in later stages of growth, BA 50 'ppm applied 60 days after planting gave more tillers. Paclobutrazol applied 60 DAP, reduced the days required for the emergence of spike. Paclobutrazol 200 ppm applied 60 DAP recorded earlier floret opening, while, BA showed delayed opening. Longer spikes were produced by BA treatments. The longest rachis was obtained with paclobutrazol 200 ppm applied at flowering. In the case of number of florets per spike, paclobutrazol applied as bulb dip was found to be the best. Size of the floret was improved by the paclobutrazol applied at flowering. Petiole length was increased by BA 100 ppm applied at 60 DAP. However, longevity of floret in the field was not affected significantly by the treatments. Best result in the case of longevity of spike in the field, was given by paclobutrazol 100 ppm applied 60 days after planting. Vase life of the spike was found to be more with CCC 1000 ppm bulb dip. Bulb size was improved by BA 50 ppm applied at flowering. Bulbs treated with CCC 500 ppm, resulted in more number of small sized bulb and bulblets, while, the weight of bulb was found to be more with plants treated with BA 50 ppm 60 DAP. Bulblet size was more in plants treated with paclobutrazol 100 ppm 30 DAP and weight of bulblets was maximum with BA 50 ppm bulb dip treatment. Treatment with 8 HQS 250 ppm, pulsing solution took maximum days for complete opening of florets. Total water uptake was found to be maximum in spikes, pulsed with AgN03 100 ppm. Vase life was the maximum with AgN03 50 ppm pulsing. Minimum Electrolyte leakage was noted with AgN03 100 ppm. Fresh weight of the spike was found to be maximum with pulsing solution sucrose 15 per cent and holding solution sucrose 4 per cent. Maximum number of days taken for each floret to open was recorded by 8 HQS 500 ppm and 400 ppm. Spikes in AgN03 100 ppm and sucrose 2 per cent took maximum days for complete opening of florets. Number of florets opened at a time, was more with 8 HQS 400 ppm. Total water uptake was significantly influenced by pulsing with sucrose 10 per cent and kept in holding solution AgN03 0.25 mM. Vase life was more in spikes. pulsed with AgN03 50 ppm and put in holding solution AgN03 0.25 mM. Minimum electrolyte leakage was recorded with 8 HQS 500 and 400 ppm.