Vol. 12, Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Anjana Sisodia, Shweta Rathour, Anil Kumar Singh and Vandana Sisodia

Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted during 2022-2023 at Horticulture Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Fifty varieties of gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.) were evaluated for various growth, flowering and yield parameters. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The varieties differed significantly from one another with regard to growth, flowering and yield characteristics. Maximum number of sprouts per hill was exhibited by variety Arka Amar (2.53). Maximum plant height was recorded by variety Dhanvantari (72.05 cm). The variety Sunayana (3.83 cm) was reported for maximum leaf width. The present study revealed that varieties with more leaf width maintained an upright position, prevented bending or lodging which is especially important in areas with occasionally strong winds like Varanasi region. Minimum days to colour show of 3^rd floret was reported by variety Chandni (82.40 days). Variety Chandni (85.59 days) took the minimum number of days to opening of 3^rd floret and also minimum days to opening of 5^th floret (86.24 days). Maximum days to withering of 3^rd floret and 5^th floret was observed by the variety Arka Darshan (108.80 days) and (109.80 days) respectively. Maximum number of corms per hill was observed with variety Pusa Shubham (3.00). The maximum weight of corms per hill was observed with variety Sunayana (55.70 g). Variety Urvashi (60.00 mm) was recorded by maximum diameter of corm. The experiment revealed that corms with higher weight and diameter are generally more robust and less susceptible to environmental stresses such as drought and nutritional deficiencies. Whereas, maximum number of cormels per hill was recorded by variety Shubhangini (72.13). The maximum weight of cormels per hill was exhibited by variety Shubhangini (13.37 g).