Performance of anthurium cultivars in Andamans

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of 14 anthurium cultivars under shade-net house in Andamans. Maximum number of suckers, leaves and plant height was recorded in Mirage. However, leaf size, leaf area, leaf dry weight and plant spread were found maximum in Honey. The cultivar, Wrinkled Orange registered maximum leaf fresh weight. Maximum number of flowers was obtained with Honey followed by Mauritius and Wrinkled Orange. The cultivars, Mauritius and Wrinkled Orange, took minimum time for flowering from flower initiation. The maximum spathe size was recorded in Mauritius followed by Honey. The cultivar Colarado produced maximum spadix length and number of coils per spadix, while Wrinkled Orange produced maximum peduncle length. The shelf-life of flower on plant was found longest in Wrinkled Orange followed by Honey. Based on these observations, the cultivars Mirage, Agnihothri and Deep Pink were found suitable for sucker production, whereas Honey, Mauritius and Wrinkled Orange for flower production in Andamans.