PREFLOWERING GROWTH OF GLADIOLUS IN RESPONSE TO STAGGERED PLANTING

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar, during the year 2003-05 with the objectives to introduce and explore the possibility of producing a high valued crop for the development of an emerging floriculture industry and to expend the employment opportunities in Pakistan. The corms of eight cultivars viz., Deciso, Hong Kong, Jessica, Jester Ruffled, Madonna, Peters Pears, Rose Supreme and White Friendship were planted on 1st November, 1st December and 1st January of 2003-04 and 2004-05. Plant emergence (sprouting) was earlier in 1st year (2003-04) as compared to 2nd year (2004-05). Cultivar White Friendship proved earlier in sprouting (26.0 days), spike emergence (97.8 days), first floret opening (111.3 days) and full spike opening (127.7 days). Cultivars Hong Kong, Deciso and Jester Ruffled were found late and took maximum 58.8, 56.0 and 53.3 days respectively, for plant emergence. Cultivars Jessica and Hong Kong resulted in maximum (1.9) and minimum (0.7) number of plants corm-1 respectively. Cultivar Rose Supreme was found the tallest with a maximum plant height of 137.5 cm while White Friendship was noted as the shortest stature cultivar with an average height of 86.6 cm. A delay in planting date (1st Nov., 1st Dec. and 1st Jan.) resulted in earlier spike emergence (130.3, 129.0 and 121.9 days), earlier first floret opening (146.2, 142.3 and 134.1 days), earlier full spike opening (161.2, 154.7 and 146.1 days) and decreased number of plants (1.4, 1.2 and 1.0) corm-1. Cultivar White Friendship planted on 1st November resulted in earlier sprouting (8.7 days), spike emergence (87.5 days) and earlier first floret opening (106.2 days). Cultivar Jessica planted on 1st January in 1st year (2003-04) was earlier in first floret and full spike opening. However, Jessica when planted on 1st November of 1st year (2003-04) resulted in more number of plants (2.5) mother corm-1. Rose Supreme planted on 1st November of 2nd year (2004-05) produced the tallest plants (154.3 cm).