CHARACTERIZATION OF CHRYSANTHEMUM GE RMPLASM

Abstract

The experiment was carried out at the Landscape. Ornamental and Floriculture Division of Horticulture Research Centre (HRC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BAR!), .Joydebpur, Gazipur, Bangladesh during July 2007 to June 2008. l'wenty seven germplasm of chrysanthemum were evaluated and characterized in respect of yield and yield contributing characters to select promising line(s). The results indicated the existence of wide variability among the germplasm on their physio-morphological characters along with yield and yield attributes. The genetic parameters, correlation and path coeflicient analysis revealed that stalk length. flower number, flower size, sucker number and vase life were the most important traits to be selected for the development of chrysanthemum. Based on these selection criteria the germplasm CM-004, CM-0 15, CM-022, CM-023. CM-024 and CM-025 were identified as good germplasm for cut flower and CM-009, CM-012, CM-OIR, CM.019 and CM-021 for pot culture. The effect of different potting media like soil, cocodust and rice husk was used singly and in combination on morphological and floral characteristics of chrysanthemum. The highest number of flowers (40), the longest stalk (13.3 cm) and maximum durability of flowering (40 days) was produced by coco dust medium. There were six pinching like without pinching, once 40 days, once 50 days, once 60 days, twice 40 and 50 days and thrice 40, 50 and 60 days. Maximum number of leaves (235). branches (12) and flowers (45) were produced by pinching thrice in chrysanthemum. Foliar application of ISO ppm GA3 was the best for obtaining maximum number olcut blooms (40) with longer stalk (15 cm) as well as big flower size (7.3 cm).