Evaluation of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema Grandiflora Tzvelev) Cultivars for Flower And Post Harvest Quality in Alfisols of Coastal Andhra Pradesh

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of 15 chrysanthemum cultivars for better flower quality and flower yield at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Venkatramannagudem. Flowers are harvested at fully open stage. Positive and significant variations were observed for flower quality parameters and flower yield. The results showed that the maximum stalk length was recorded in Cv. Ratlam Selection (8.5 cm), the maximum flower diameter was recorded in Cv. Geethanjali (5.9 cm) and the maximum flower disc diameter was recorded in Local check (1.8 cm). Cv. Anjali recorded significantly higher number of ray florets per head (315.33), followed by Cv. Ratlam Selection (313.33). Among the 15 cultivars of chrysanthemum evaluated, seven were yellow in colour, three were red in colour, two were white in colour and the remaining three were lemon yellow, pinkish cream and purple in colour. Cv. Anjali recorded significantly maximum flower weight of 4.24 g followed by Cv. Yellow Gold with 3.30 g. The cultivars Meera (164.7) and Aparijitha (135.0) had more number of flowers per plant and Cv. Aparijitha significantly superceeded the other varieties by recording more yield per plant (310.3 g) and hectare (279 q). All the cultivars tested had better shelf life and vase life compared to local check. Cv. Jaya recorded maximum shelf life (5.0 days) and vase life (9.0 days).