Vol. 12, Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
Bellapakonda Goutham Kishore, Indrajit Sarkar, Soumen Maitra, Arpita Mandal Khan, Puspendu Dutta and Partha Sarathi Patra

Abstract:
The present investigation entitled ‘‘Influence of planting dates on growth and flowering of spray Chrysanthemum var. Aparajita in terai regions of West Bengal’’ was carried out at the Instructional Farm, Department of Floriculture, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Faculty of Horticulture, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya during the years 2019-20 and 2020-21. Planting was done at an interval of 30 days starting from 6^th July in both the years with planting dates as; 6^th July (T₁), 6^th August (T₂), 6^th September (T₃), 6^th October (T₄), 6^th November (T₅), and 6^th December (T₆). The pooled data of the two subsequent years regarding the height of the plant, (64.62 cm), plant spread {(E-W) (26.08 cm)} & (N-S) (23.37 cm)} and number of branches per plant (12.81) were found better when rooted cuttings planted at 6^th July of the both the years. The field life of individual flowers was also found more (13.66 days) when planted at 6^th July of the both the years. The spray chrysanthemum mostly used as loose flowers for making of garlands, veni, and bracelets, as well as for religious purposes. The weight of flowers also most important for reducing the transport cost. The maximum weight of ten fresh flowers and minimum weight of ten fresh flowers were observed with the treatment T₁ (7.90 g) and T₆ (6.38 g) respectively was found maximum under 6^th July planting (T₁). However, earliest flower bud initiation was recorded under December month (T₆). The overall performance of the spray Chrysanthemum var. Aparajita was better when planted in the month of July. Therefore, it may be recommended that for qualitative and quantitative produces of spray chrysanthemum in the terai region of the West Bengal, the rooted cuttings might be planted in the month of July.