PJB-2024-426
OPTIMAL PRODUCTION PROTOCOLS FOR CUT CHINA ASTER (Callistephus chinensis L.) AND SNAPDRAGON (Antirrhinum majus L.)
Tazkia Hussain
Abstract
China aster (Callistephus chinensis L.) and Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.), are new specialty cut flowers, which are gaining popularity in several Asian floral markets. It is imperative to optimize production protocols to produce high-quality cut stems to meet consumer demands. Therefore, a study was aimed at evaluation of various production protocols for cut China aster and snapdragon. Four experiments: 1. planting times, 2. planting methods and planting densities, 3. macro and micronutrients along with bio-stimulants and 4. cultivar evaluation of both species were conducted. In Expt. I, least production time (72.8 and 79.6 d) was recorded when China aster and snapdragon were sown on 15 October and 15 November, respectively. Tallest plants (47.2 and 77.7 cm) were produced when China aster and snapdragon were planted on 15 October and 01 November, respectively. In Expt. II, shortest production time (79.8 and 80 d) respectively was recorded when China aster and snapdragon were planted on raised beds and spaced 22.5 × 22.5 cm, while tallest plants (47.8 and 81.6 cm), respectively were recorded when China aster and snapdragon were planted on raised beds with 22.5 × 22.5 cm spacing. Moreover, greatest stem diameter (9.5 and 2.5 cm), respectively was recorded when both China aster and snapdragon were planted on raised beds with 22.5 × 30 cm spacing. In Expt. III, tallest plants (39.5 and 101.3 cm), respectively were recorded when plants were sprayed with NPK at 90:45:45 kg ha-1 + micronutrients at 2 mL L-1 and NPK at 90:45:45 kg ha-1 + isabion at 2 mL L-1 for China aster and snapdragon. In Expt. IV, longest stems (62.2 and 83 cm), respectively with greatest flower diameter (4.9 and 1.4 cm) was recorded for ‘Bonita’ China aster and ‘Potomac Early Pink’ snapdragon. In summary, China aster and snapdragon planted on 15 October and 01 November, respectively, on raised beds with 22.5 × 22.5 cm spacing produced best quality cut stems. Moreover, both species supplied with NPK + micronutriments and NPK + isabion, had better cut stems quality. Among tested cultivars, ‘Bonita Scarlet’ China aster and ‘Potomac Early Pink’ snapdragon proved best for subtropical regions and may be grown commercially as specialty cut flowers, for local and export markets.
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