Assessment of Standard ChrysanthemumGenotypes for Morphological and Floral Attributes in Terai Region of West Bengal, India

Aims: Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) is one of the most economically important and economically favoured floricultural crops used as cut flower, loose flower, potted plants, bedding and border plants, making garlands, flower decoration, bracelet, venis and religious offerings. The present study aimed to evaluate and select suitable large flowering chrysanthemum cultivars for commercial cultivation in Terai region of West Bengal.

Location of the Study: The experiment was conducted in the Instructional Farm, Department of Floriculture, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Faculty of Horticulture, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya during the period of September to February of 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Materials: Thirty five different cultivars of large flowering chrysanthemum were evaluated based on their growth and flowering parameters viz. Angel Bell, Autumn Blaze, Autumn Day Light, Bolare Deo, Cassa Granda Yellow, Chengis Khan, Coronation Gold, Cossak, Diamond Jubilee, Dignity, Dream Castle, Golden Yellow, Green Goddess, Innocence, J.S.Loyed, Jane Sharp, Jessie Hab Good, Kasturba Gandhi, Kenroken Pink, Kenroken White, Kikubiory, Lady Frank Klerk, Phil Houghton, Pink Cloud, Pinkling, Raja, Red Wine, Royal Prince, Royal Purple, Silk Brocade, Snowball, Sonar Bangla, Temptation, Willium Turner and Yellow Reonet.

Methodology: One month old rooted cuttings were planted at a spacing of 40 cm X 30cm (Row to row 40cm and plant to plant 30cm) in 1.6m X 1.2 m raised bed. Total 16 plants were planted in one plot.

Statistical Design: The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design replicated thrice. Collected data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance with the help of SPSS software.

Results: Significant variation was observed among the genotypes. Maximum plant spread (N-S) of 36.33±5.90, 39.00±1.55 and 37.67±4.13 cm was observed in Snowball in the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and pooled respectively whereas minimum plant spread (N-S) of 16.42±1.73 cm was observed in Cassa Granda Yellow. The maximum number of flowers per bed 282.74, 291.34 and 287.04 was recorded in Pinkling during the first year, second year, and pooled data, respectively, while the minimum number of flowers per bed (140.60 and 149.55) was observed in Autumn Blaze during the first year pooled data, respectively while in second year Pink Cloud (145.40) recorded the minimum numbers of flowers per bed.

Conclusion: From the study, it may be recommended that the cultivars like Snowball, Sonar Bangla, Pinkling, Temptation are suitable for cut flowers. The cultivars namely Silk Brocade, Pink Cloud, Diamond Jubilee, Corronation Gold, Innocence, Kenroken White and Kenroken Pink may be selected for pot plants and for garden display due to profuse uniform branching and blooming.