Vegetative Growth and Flower Yield as Influenced by Differ-Ent Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema Grandiflora Tzvelev) Cultivars in Alfisols of Coastal Andhra Pradesh

Fifteen cultivars of chrysanthemum were evaluated to study their performance at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Venkatramannagudem. Positive and significant variations were observed for growth, and flower yield. Among the cultivars, maximum plant height was observed in Cv. Geethanjali, while the Cv. Aparijitha recorded maximum plant spread and number of primary branches per plant. Days taken for flower bud initiation and days taken to 50 per cent flowering varied significantly with the varieties. Local check was early to flower, whereas Cv. Red Stone was late to flower and Cv Punjab Gold has taken more number of days to 50 per cent flowering. Duration of flowering was maximum for local check and minimum for Cv. Aparijitha. Local check took less number days to first and final harvest which was on par with Cv. Meera. The cultivars Meera and Aparijitha had more number of flowers per plant and Cv. Aparijitha significantly superceeded the other varieties by recording more yield per hectare.