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INDEX

S.No. 1. Date of Practicals Title Jasmine- identificationdescription of species and varieties. Jasmine- propagation- pruningmanuring- harvesting and postharvest technology Rose- identification-description of species and varieties. Rose-propagation- special horticultural operationsmanuring- harvesting and post harvest technology Working out economics for jasmine and rose Chrysanthemum-marigold and crossandra-identificationdescription of species and varieties. Chrysanthemum- propagationspecial horticultural operationsmanuring- harvesting and post harvest technology Marigold and crossandrapropagation-special horticultural operations-manuring, harvesting and post harvest technology. Working out the cost economics for chrysanthemum-marigold and crossandra. Identification and description of orchids and anthurium Orchids and anthurium-pot mixture preparation-containersdifferent growing structuresmanuring- harvesting and post harvest technology. Date of submission Signature

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Identification-description of species and varieties of gladiolicarnation-gerbera and dahlia. Identification-description of species and varieties of asternerium-golden rod and gomphrena Working out the cost economics for orchid and anthurium Visit to cut flower production units Visit to essential extraction units.

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Practical no. 3. ROSE IDENTIFICATION DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES AND VARIETIES Rosa sp. Rosaceae According to the generally accepted classification of Rehder, there are about 120 spp. Of roses, mostly wild and indigenous to the temperate regions. The species of the rose reported to be growing truly wild in India are the following: 1. Rosa brunonii (Himalayan musk rose) 2. R. moschata (Musk rose) 3. R. sericea 4. R. foetida 5. R. gigantea 6. R. involcrata 7. R. macrophylla 8. R. webbiana Types of roses 1. Shrub/Bush rose: Plants with and upright growth habit and reaching upto a height of 1-1.5 m are shrub roses. The flowers are borne singly/in clusters and are cut mainly for indoor decoration. Cultivars suited for bush: Christian dior, Double delight, First prize, Superstar. 2. Standard rose: Based on the height of budding, they are of three types, - full standards - budded at 1-1.5 m - half standards budded at 45 60 cm - weeping standards at or more than 1.5 m Hybrid Teas and Floribundas are budded on suitable rootstock to make standards. 3. Climber and rambler: Their main purpose is to cover the walls, fences , pillars, pergolas and arches. Ramblers are very vigorous, produce heavy crop of small flowers in clusters once a year for several weeks. Climbers flowers are single or in group of 2-3 perpetually,

4. Hedge and edge: Floribundas are suitable for making hedge and planted in double rows. Edges are produced by miniatures. 5. Pot plants: Miniatures and dwarf polyanthas are used for beautifying terraces and balconies receiving less sunlight. Bush roses can also be grown in pots. 6. Rockery: Hardy miniatures may be selected for rockeries. Eg. Fairy queen and Magic.

7. Cut flowers: Rose cultivars matching the following criteria are suited as cut flowrers, - with long stems - more petallage - slow opening - long lasting quality. CLASSIFICATION: Roses belong to the family Rosaceae. The genus Rosa. Comprises of 120 spp. Placed under 4 sub genera: Eurosa, Platyhodon, Hespherodos and Hulthemia. Eurosa contains 10 sections, of which the sections. Synstylae and Indiacae contain the spp. Of importance of garden rose development. The main classes of garden roses are, 1. HYBRID PERPETUALS: Hybrid Perpetual roses are especially interesting from a historical perspective since they provide a link between the past and present of rose breeding They are the immediate forerunners of Hybrid teas and descendants R. chinensis, R. gallica and R. centifolia. They are very hardy bearing large full flowers and fragrant, flowering through out the year. Typically, a Hybrid Perpetual will have big, cabbagey blossoms at the top of a long, often arching cane. Hybrid Perpetuals offer fragrant red, mauve, white and pink blooms. Ex., Paul Neyron and Mrs. John laing. 2. HYBRID TEAS(HT): These are the large, highly centred flowered types, most popular modern roses and mostly valued in this country. They were evolved by crossing Hybrid perpetuals and Tea roses. The first hybrid tea developed La france in 1867.

Other Ex., Super star, Crimson glory, Paradise, Peace, First red. 3. FLORIBUNDAS/HYBRID POLYANTHAS: Evolved by crossing Hybrid teas X Polyanthas, and hence they combine the beautiful forms of HT and perpetual flowering habit of polyanthas. Floribundas are versatile in the garden, offering the opportunity to gain classic, high-centered Hybrid Tea style blooms on plants which are usually vigorous, relatively lowgrowing (most in the 3-5 foot range), attractive shrubs. Usually taller than Polyanthas and with larger flowers in huge upright trusses, the Floribundas are easier to grow and demonstrate greater disease resistance than the Hybrid Tea Roses. Ex. Confetti, Blue berry hill, Bella rosa, Apricot gem,Caf, Bridal pink. 4. TEAS/ TEA SCENTED CHINA ROSES: Teas are so called because many discern in their blossoms the scent of "a newly-opened sample of the choicest tea". Their supposed ancestry is R. chinensis x R. gigantea, the latter being a high-climbing Chinese rose with large primrosecolored blossoms fading quickly to white. Most special to Teas are the colors of dawn: tones of gold, warm pink, and rose. Ex. Anna Oliver, Lady Hilliingdon and Mme. Falcot. 5. GRANDIFLORAS: This was created from a cross between a floribunda and hybrid tea. The tall, strong plant with beautiful blooms of pink, was so new and unusual that the class Grandiflora was created. A typical grandiflora has the flower quality of the classic hybrid tea (longstemmed, high-centered bloom), but produced in clusters like a Floribunda. Growth is normally tall and vigorous and therefore Grandifloras are often most valuable as background plants. Ex. Queen Elizabeth. 6. POLYANTHAS: Polyanthas normally produce dwarfish, compact bushes ranging from one foot to three in height, bearing often immense clusters of small blossoms which can range through the whole spectrum of rose coloration. Some have a tendency towards leaflessness in the Summer. Ex. Echo, Chatillon rose. 7. CHINA ROSE: Belong to R. chinensis (Bengal/Monthly rose). They are the ancestor of the present day popular roses. Chinas typically make, bushy, twiggy plants, often quite irregular in outline, and range in color from deepest red and maroon through pink to white. Some hybridized with the Teas show warm tones of

yellow, saffron, salmon, and orange. The China group has long been considered a refuge for "decoratives" as opposed to exhibition roses. The green rose, R. chinensis viridiflora belongs to this class. 8. MINIATURES: They are the popular baby roses, possessing small leaves and flowers. They are hardy and suited for pot cultivation. Ex. Pupppy love, Party girl, Cup cake, Little flirt, Starina, Pixie. 9. DAMASK ROSE: They belong to R. damascene. Damask Roses are supposed to be from hybridization between R. gallica and R. Phoenicia. Damasks are once-blooming, tall (5-6 feet or more), with relatively flexible canes and elegant habit. Leaves are disease resistant, and many Damasks are cold hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. They have an upright frequently arching canes, grayish-green somewhat rugose somewhat hirsute leaves, large fragrant blossoms in few-flowered clusters, delicate in appearance, and ranging in color from white to deep pink.Ex. Celsiana, Mme. Hardy, Kazanlik. 10. BOURBON ROSES: Bourbon Roses are named for the Ile Bourbon, now called Reunion, in the Indian Ocean, where they traditionally are supposed to have originated from a natural cross between the China `Parsons' Pink' and a Damask Perpetual, two roses which were used as hedge material on the island. . A typical Bourbon will have the arching growth harkening back to its Damask ancestors, with the lush flowers and fragrance Ex. Edouard rose. Boule de Neige'. 11. CABBAGE ROSES: Belong to R. centifolia. The flowers are large, globular, solitary, very fragrant and pink coloured. Typically, a mature Centifolia will be 4-5 feet high, leafy, and bear lush, fragrant, pink blossoms which not only nod in themselves, but which also frequently cause the plant's branches to nod gracefully under their weight. Colors of various cultivars range from white to deep rose-red, and there are striped and spotted ones as well Ex. Tour de Malakoff. Unica, Bullata. Las Nooblesse.

12. MOSS ROSE: The buds and stems of the Moss roses are covered with tiny perfumed hairs or "moss" and exude a sweet fragrance that lingers after handling the roses. Mosses are actually mutations or "sports" of other types of Old Garden Roses, most commonly the Centifolias. While both Centifolias and Mosses are predominately pink, Glandular growth on the sepals and down the flower stem presents a 'mossy' effect. 13. FRENCH/GALLICA ROSES: These are selections bred from the "French Rose," R. gallica. A Gallica will typically have a stocky plant, an open blossom which shows the stamens and is held upright, usually in colors varying on one side or the other from rose-red. The plants are easily propagated by their runners or suckers when on their own roots. Ex. Rosa mundi, Variegata di Bologna, Tuscany, Versicolor. 14. ALBAS: Possible origin of albas(R. alba) are considered to be a cross of R. corymbifera x R. gallica. Albas typically make large, healthy shrubs with fragrant white or light pink blossoms, usually in few-flowered clusters. The delicate pale pink, blush and white Albas, with their bluish-green leaves, are probably the most cold hardy of the Old Garden Roses. They thrive under the most adverse conditions, are quite shade tolerant, very disease resistant and easy to grow. Albas are hardy shrubs with exceptional form in habit and flower. All these features not withstanding, only a limited variety of Albas are offered commercially. They bloom once a year in spring. Fragrance is normally excellent, and foliage is a gray-green tint which complements the softness of the flowers and contrasts nicely with darker evergreens. Albas tend to be larger shrubs, many growing six feet tall and wide or more. Ex. Queen of Denmark, Great Maidens Blush. 15. MUSK ROSES: Musk roses belong to R. moschata possessing a musky fragrance. They are cluster flowering and make good shrubs and pillar roses. Ex. Felicia, Pax, Vanity, Prosperity.

16. NOISETTE ROSES: They are the hybrids of R. chinensis R. moschata. They include the popular climbers. Ex. Lamarque. 17. RUGOSAS: Rugosa roses are those derived from the thorny Japanese rose R. rugosa, the two mains forms of which are wine-red and white. They are extremely vigorous, hardy and resistant to cold. Nealy all are very thorny, have deeply veined healthy leaves, are very fragrant, remontant and bear edible hips in fall. They even grow in poor soils. They make good shrubs and hedges. Colors range from white through pink to red and purple, and yellow can be found as well. Ex. Pink grootendorst. 18. AUSTRIAN BRIARS(R. foetida): They are the main source of modern yellow roses. EX. Austrian yellow, Persian Yellow. 19. RAMBLERS: R. wichuraiana is a wide-spreading cluster-flowered climber/groundcover rose from Japan and the Orient generally. Multiflora rambler(R. multiflora)also belongs to this group. 20. SEMPERVIRENS: R. sempervirens is a climbing species from the Mediterranean area which has glossy, persistent leaves and large clusters of small white flowers. They were hybridized with China or Noisette roses to come up with a series of climbers in shades of pink to white.Ex. Dona maria. 21. PIMPINELLIFOLIA: These roses are extremely hardy, have attractive foliage with various tints in the Fall, and bear sprightly single or double blossoms in most all the colors roses have, white, pink, red, yellow. Many are very compact, neat-looking bushes. 22. SPECIES: Species, or "wild", roses adapted and survived without coddling by humans and therefore have developed according to their native habitat. Species

roses reproduce true from seed, while hybrid species do not. These roses are vigorous, usually exhibit excellent disease resistance, and most bloom only once yearly. Habit ranges from small ground-covers to shrubs to enormous climbers. Flowers tend to range from white to pink to dark red. Based on the show purposes, roses are classified as, large flowered cluster flowered miniatures shrubs climbers Indian varieties Poornima, Priyadarshini, Abhisarika, Abhaya, Suganda (has glorious perfume), Indian Princess, First Prize Banjran, Kum Kum, Arunima Pushkala, Chunmun Foreign varieties Super star, Eiko, giant,Century two

class Hybrid Teas

Floribundas Miniature

Play boy, Judy Garland, Confetti, Summer snow

Polyanthas Climbers

Chandrika, Dazzler, Dazzling flame, Galkaxy, Rise and Shine, Teddy bear Barani, Priti, Red May wonder, Pink vatertagh showers Climbing ramba, Gold bunny, Dynamite, Climbing Matangi, Landora, Show Garden

Some of the popular varieties for cut flower trade: Colour Red White Yellow Pink Purple Orange Cream varieties Feed, Dallas, Vega, Escada Tineke Texas Noblesse, Vivaldi, Livia Jacaranda Tennesse, Corvette, Monica small flowering varieties Mercedes, Jaguar, Gabrielle Escimo Golden times, Frisco Flirt, Presto, Europa Lambada, Calibra Vanilla, Florence

Practical No. 4.ROSE- PROPAGATION- SPECIAL HORTICULTURAL OPERATIONS- MANURING- HARVESTING AND POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY. Propagation Commercial method of propagation is by cutting and budding. a) Cutting Rootstocks for Budding and Grafting are raised by cutting. This method is useful for multiplying vigorously growing cultivars. Ex. Climbers, Ramblers, Polyanthas, Miniature roses. Root cuttings: the following species are raised by root cuttings, R. nitida, R. blanda, R. virginiana. The main advantage of root cuttings is, plants are resistant to frost than stem cuttings. Root cuttings collected from young, healthy plants are planted with the proximal end up. Stem cuttings: Hardwood cuttings are used for raising root stocks. Ex. Polyanthas, climbers, Ramblers. Semi hardwood/Soft wood cuttings are used fro Miniatures. Season for raising cuttings: June-Nov. Media : sand is the best Growth regulators: IBA/NAA improves rooting. B) Budding This is the most popular method of propagation. This provides large number of plants than cutting and layering. T-Budding/Patch budding are followed of which the former is ordinarily used. On the rootstock, buds are inserted into a T-shaped incision and tied with a wrapping material. Plastic film strips are the best wrapping material than the polyethylene tape, adhesive tape, raffia etc. Budding is done 5-7 cm above the ground but in temperate countries budding is done close to the root stock. Bud union takes place within 3-4 weeks. The ideal temperature fro bud union is 10-25 0 C. Hybrid and Floribunda roses mainly propagated through budding. Root stock influences the , vigor, precocity, productivity, quality of flowers, longevity of bushes, disease resistance and adaptability to soil conditions. Qualities of a good rootstock: - Must produce fibrous root system - Must be easily propagated by cuttings

Should have vigorous growth habit(healthy and resistant to disease and frost) Must have uniform growth habit Should have thick bark to hold the bud firmly and provide sap to the budded plant Must be free of suckers Must with stand wide range f soil and climatic conditions.

Some common Root stocks used are: R.multiflora (Briar root stock), R.indica var. odorata, R.bourboniana. R. laxa, R. canina. R. noisettiana. 1. R. bourboniana(Edward rose): this is most popular in North India. The plants are hardy, vigorous, easily propagated by cuttings. They produce straight stems and are suitable for standards. 2. R. canina(dog rose): This is most common root stock in Europe. This is propagated by seeds as cuttings do not produce roots easily. They are well adapted to drought and alkaline conditions. 3. R. indica var. odorata: this root stock is extensively used for greenhouse forcing roses. This is easily propagated by cuttings and well adapted to both dry and wet soils. They with stand high pH and the plants are vigorous an flowers with longer stems are produced. They are quite tolerant to powdery mildew. 4. R. laxa: In Europe this is a common root stock. The plants are well adapted to rich heavy soils. This is propagated both by seeds and cuttings. Budded plants on this rootstock produce vigorous growth. 5. R. multiflora(Briar rootstock) this is highly suitable to hills and is a root stock fro outdoor roses. This has adaptability to wide range of soil and climatic conditions. The cuttings root easily and develop a vigorous, nematode resistant root system. 6. R. noisettiana: this is used for propagating Dwarf roses in Europe. This is suitable for sandy soils and is easily propagated by cuttings.

SPECIAL HORTICULTURAL OPERATIONS: 1. PRUNING: Pruning maintains the floriferous of rose, improves the flower quality and plant vigour, removes the diseased and unproductive growth and develops strong shoots. Time of pruning: The best season for pruning is when the activity of the rose plant is in dormant stage. But the weak and diseased shoots can be removed at any time. The best seasons are, In North Indian hills Oct - Nov For commercial purpose Staggered pruning - 23rd Sep 16th Oct (ensures regular supply of flowers from Dec Mar) South India pruning is done twice a year in some places Bangalore End of June and End of Nov. Tamil Nadu end of Nov early Dec. Hills - Mar Apr. R. damascene(perfume purpose) end of Dec. R. bouboniana - Nov. Method of pruning: The basic rule is to make a cm cut above a vigorous bud that points to the direction one desires the new shoot to grow. In case of bush roses, the centre is to be kept open and hence the cut is made at an outer growing bud. - The cut must be clean, sharp and slightly slanting to avoid accumulation of moisture and to avoid fungal attack. - Care should be taken not to cut the shoot high above the buds to prevent die back of the shoots. - Also Care should be taken not to cut the shoot very close to the bud as the bud dies because of want of sap flow. Types of pruning: Based on the intensity pruning is of three types: - light pruning - medium pruning - hard pruning Light pruning: After thinning out, the healthy shoots are cut at 2nd or 3rd bud immediately below the flower bearing point. Strong and vigorous plants are light pruned. Moderate pruning:

Moderate growers are pruned moderately by cutting back the ripe main shoots and laterals of previous year growth at an outward growing eye at about the length of the growth. Hard pruning: Weak plants are hard pruned keeping only 3-4 shoots of last year and heading them to 3-4 eyes from the base. Hybrid teas - hard pruning Floribundas - moderate light pruning Polyanthas - little or no pruning Miniatures / climbers no pruning 2. WINTERING: The base of the plant is exposed to sun and air to 10-15 cm depth and 2030 cm diameter. After few days the dug out soil is mixed with well decomposed FYM and put back, firmed and irrigated. This is mainly done to expose and kill the microbes and increase the porosity of the soil. 3. PINCHING: This is the removal of terminal growing portions and is mainly done toe reduce the plant height and encourage lateral branching. Maturity of flower bud is also delayed by pinching. 4. DISBUDDING: Undesirable bud is removed keeping only the central bud intact. 5. DESHOOTING: This is mainly done in Hybrid Teas. The young vegetative shoots developing from leaf axils of basal and lateral shoots re removed. If deshooting is not done, the entire plant gets crowded, unhealthy and unproductive. This also increases the yield to 50-75%. 6. DEFOLIATOIN: Defoliation is the removal of leaves during pinching manually/using chemicals. This improves the flower production. When the uppermost axillary bud fails to grow after flower harvest removal of subtending leaf resulted in bud growth. 7. REMOVAL OF FADED AND MATURE FLOWERS: Removal of faded flowers earlier encourages straong lateral with good quality flowers. If not removed Hips(rose fruit) are formed which ultimately affects the growth and flowering. MANURING:

After pruning basins formed around the plant sand manures are applied 10-15 cm depth. for TN conditions: - 6:6:12 g NPK/plant - edward and Red rose - 8:8:16 g NPK/plant HT/Polyanthas/FB - Application in 3 doses 1. 15 DAP 2. After first flush of bloom 3. After second flush of bloom Dose/plant FYM 10 kg, Urea 65 g, Super phosphate 25 g, MOP 50 g FOLIAR FEEDING - micro-nutrients 20 g MnSO4+ 15 g MgSO4+ 10 g FeSO4+ 5 g Boron @ 2g/l of water results in bright coloured flowers. Organic manure- oil cakes and bone meal are excellent sources of N and P respectively and may be applied after pruning. HARVESTING AND POST HARVEST HANDLING: The stage of harvest depends upon the purpose. Cut flowers for local markets harvested when the outer petals start curling outwards For distant markets tight bud stage with buds showing full but petals not unfolded Loose flowers harvested when fully open. Post harvest handling: The stems for cut flowers are harvested are cut a little more than required fro cut flowers with good number of leaves. The cut is given above a healthy pointing bud. The cut stems are immediately dipped in clean water upto the neck, delay of which will cause air entry. The stems are re cut under water above 2 cm. If not immediately transported, the thorns and foliage are removed upto 20 cm and the stems are placed at 4.4-7.2 0 C for 6-12 hours to harden he buds. This ensures longer vase life. Grading: Qualities of a cut flower : - strong straight stem - flowers upright - uniform stem length and development - flowers free from injuries and discolouration

EEC(European Export Council) grades of rose based on the stem length. CODE STEM LENGTH(cm) 0 < (or) = 5 5 5-10 10 10-15 15 15-20 20 20-30 30 30-40 40 40-50 50 50-60 60 60-80 80 80-100 100 100-120 120 > (or) = 120 EXPORT STANDARDS IN INDIA Grade Stem Length (cm) A 60 and above B 45 - 59 C 30 44 D Below 30 cm

Packaging: The cut stems are grouped into 10/12/25 flowers per bunch and packed in Corrugated card board(CCB) boxes of 100 x 32.5 x 6.5 cm size. This accomadates 80 roses having 65-70 cm length. The flower bunches are wrapped in cellophane sleeves (prevents the direct contact of flowers with the container and protects the flowers from temperature changes and desiccation). Paper pillows are placed below the flower neck and flower are placed in layers. The lower halves of bundles are wrapped n tissue paper and a wad of moistened tissue paper is placed at the bottom of each stem. VASE LIFE: Krislilte VB in water at 21 0 C at 60 % RH increased the vase life by 6-10 days. Sucrose(3-5%) makes flower brighter+ 300 ppm AlSO 4 also increased the vaselife by 6-10 days. Sucrose(3%) + 100-200 ppm of 8-HQC + 0.1% AlSO4 increased the vase life till 16 days. Products obtained from Rose petals: Rose oil Rose water

Rose ghulkhand Rose pankhuri Gul roghan hair oil Rose petal conserve Rose oil(otto of roses): The essential oil of rose is extracted by steam distillation. Yield of essential oil from flowers is 0.02-0.05%. Too high heat during distillation may damage the aroma of the oil. From 4000 kg of petals 1 kg of rose oil is obtained. Some suitable species used for essential oil extraction are , R. damascene, R. centifolia, R. bourboniana, R. alba, R. gallica. The main composition of rose oil is, - citronellol - geraniol - nerol - farnesol - geranic eugenol Bulgarian rose oil is recognized as the ultimate best rose oil world wide.

Rose water: Rose water is obtained by water distillation. In Modern stills, large quantity of flowers are placed in a batch/still (Copper stills) with a steam jacket and a closed steam coil. Flowers are distilled with saturated low pressure steam. The distillate obtained is the rose water. In olden days, rose water placed in earthen/metallic vessels was exposed to cold night air in open. In the morning the fragrant butter like material floating on the surface is cooled by means of sheets stored in glass bottles. As the temperature raises this becomes liquid and is treated as rose oil, which develops amber colour on ageing. Rose gulkhand: This is prepared by pounding together a mixture of rose petals with white sugar in equal proportions. Edward rose is mainly used for making gulkhand. It is a tonic and a laxative. Rose pankhuri: Dried rose petals are called Pankhuri and are mainly used for preparing cool drinks. Gul roghan hair oil:

Rose flowers are placed over sesame seeds till the seeds get saturated with the rose oil. The seeds are then crushed and the oil extracted. Rose petal conserve: Prepared by mixing rose petals + sugar + orange flower water.

Practical.No. 6.CHRYSANTHEMUM, MARIGOLD, CROSSANDRA DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES AND VARIETIES CHRYSANTHEMUM Chrysanthemum morifolium Compositae Native: Europe and Asia Second largest cut flower grown all over the globe. Queen of the East. National Flower of Japan. It has a wide range of type, size and colour and also forms. Short day plant Photo sensitive (10 hours day light) The chrysanthemum is the floral emblem of the imperial family of Japan; the highest officials are honored by orders of the chrysanthemum. The flower heads are mostly late blooming and of various shades of red, yellow, and white; they range from single daisylike to large rounded or shaggy heads. Most are varieties of C. morifolium, a species of indeterminate origin and no longer known in the wild form. Chrysanthemums rank with roses in commercial importance as cut flowers and pot and garden plants. Classification I. Classified based on kind and arrangements of florets into 5 broad groups. (National Chrysanthemum Society, England). a. Single: Have one or more outer pistillate flower (ray) with disc florets at the centre. b. Anemones: Similar to the singles except the disc florets are elongated and tubular forming a cushion. Disc flowers may be the same or a colour different from the ray flowers. c. Pompons: A globular head formed by short uniform ray flowers, the shape is considered formal, disc flowers are not apparent, further classified into three distinct size, (1) Small buttons (4 cm or less in diameter) (2) Intermediate (4-6 cm in diameter) (3) Large (6-10 cm in diameter)

d. Decorative: Have a floret arrangement similar to pompons since they are composed mainly of ray flowers but the outer rows are longer than central flower giving the flowers a flatter appearance or informal shape, sizes are mostly intermediate and large. e. Large flowered: Blooms are greater than 10 cm and are classified in many shapes, disc florets are not apparent in most of these forms. (i) Incurved double: Globose and formal with ray flowers similar in size to the disc flowers and that curve inward and towards the top. (ii) Reflexed double: Less formal and globose than the incurved double with over lapping ray flowers curved downward except for the ray flowers. (iii)Tubular ray florets: (a)Spider: Ray flowers tubular and elongated into the outer rows but short in center. The dropping outer row ray flowers are some times hooked on the ends. (b)Fuji: Similar to the spider except the ray flowers may be shorter, droopless and hooks on the ends. (c)Quill: Tubular ray flowers, long on the outside and short near the center, resembling feather quills. Ends of flowers are open and not flattened. (d)Spoon: Similar to the quill except the outer row flowers are open and are flattened, resembling a spoon. II. Classification based on temperature requirement for flowering (Cathey 1954). 1. Thermo zero cultivar: Varieties which flower at any temperature between 1027oC but most constantly at 16oC night temperature. 2. Thermo positive cultivars: A minimum of 16oC required for initiation and at 27oC there will be rapid initiation but delayed flowering. 3. Thermo negative cultivars: Bud initiation occur at low or high temperature between 10oC and 27oC but continuous high temperature delay bud development. III. Varieties are also classified depending upon and late varieties: Early Medium 90 days to bloom from final 100-110 transplanting bloom from final transplanting SPECIES : duration as early, medium Late 110 and more days to bloom from final transplanting

The genus Chrysanthemum comprises of 250 spp. Of which some of the them are: 1. C. boreale: Believed to have been involved in the evolution of florists chrysanthemum. 2. C. cinerarifolium: Grown in temperate regions fro making an insecticide called Pyrethrum 3. C. carinatum: Tri colour chrysanthemum , flowers 5 cm in dia., winter season annual 4. C. coronarium: Garland chrysanthemum, winter season annual. Flowers are yellow or white. 5. C. frutescens(Paris daisy/ Marguerite): Small shrub, 60-90 cm tall, bearing white and soft yellow flowers. Popularly grown as pot plants. 6. C. maximum: Most widely grown cut flower type. Perennial and bearing white and yellow flowers. 7. C. morifolium (Florists chrysanthemum): Hybrid sp. Resulted from repeated interspecific crosses among the elemental sp. Extending over a period of more than 2500 years. Pereannial, bear blooms as a composite inflorescence with two types of florets arranged on a flattened axis called capitulum. The outer florets are called ray florets(with only female parts) and the inner ones are disc florets(bear male and female florets) and a tubular corolla is made up of five united petals. 8. C. indicum: Bears yellow flowers, supposed to be involved in the evolution of florists chrysanthemum. 9. C. japonicum: Found growing in the pacific coastal region of Japan and is widely used as an ornamental plant. 10. C. sinense: Native of china and bears blooms of white ray florets.

CULTIVARS: Large no. of cultivars are present in chrysantahemum. In japan - > 50,000 cvrs. In India - > 500 cvrs. In Britain - > 6000 cvrs. INDIAN CULTIVARS: LARGE FLOWERED: White: Beauty, Snow ball, Innocence, Premier Yellow: Chandrama, Mountaineer, Super Giaint, Evening star Purple and Pink: Pink cloud, Peter May, Royal purple, Classic beauty Red and Bronze: Bravo, Alfred Wilson, Distinction SMALL FLOWERED(pot cultivation): White: Mercury, Sharad shoba, Sharad mala yellow: Topaz, Liliput, Archana Red and Bronze: Flirt, Jean SMALL FLOWERED(cut flowers): White: Himani, Birbal Sahni, Illini Cascade Yellow: Sujatha, Basanti, Freedom Mauve: Apsara, Alison, Nilima Red: Dainty, Flirt, Jaya SMALL FLOWERED(Garlands): White: Carol, Lilith, Sharad shoba Yellow: Basanti, Hosur yellow. SPRAY CHRYSANTHEMUMS IN INTERNATIONAL FLWOER TRADE: White: Reagan white, Spier whte, Cassa, Stallion] Yellow: Reagan yellow, Spider yellow, Cassa sunny Salmon: Reagan salmon, Pink: Reagan improved , Glance improved Orange: Tiger, Reagan orange Red: Reagan red Varieties released from IIHR, Bangalore Chandrakant Kirti Chandrika Indira - yellow coloured flowers

Arka swarna Nilima - It bears purple coloured decorative flowers. Floriferous, good for cut flower and has a vase life of 14 days. Pankaj Rakhee Arka ganga PAU, LUDHIANA Baggi Birbal Sahni Ratlam selection Punjab gold VARIETIES FROM TNAU: CO1 Selection from Hosur type Flowers are attractive canary yellow Single flower weight 2.5 g Flower yield 16.7 t/ha CO2 Selection from the variety Jaya from Lucknow Flowers are purple coloured Flower yield 20.3 t/ha MDU.1 Selection from germplasm type. It is an early type, coming to first flowering in 104 days as against 120 days by the local type. The flowers are large and attractive sulphur yellow in colour. Yield: 30.59 t/ha. VARIETIES RELEASED BY NBRI, LUCKNOW Shanti Y2K Kargil Sadbhavana Appu Bindiya The Floriculture Division of NBRI has recently developed four new varieties of chrysanthemum through selective crossing and seedling collection. These varieties, are being released as `NBRI Golden Jubilee Year Varieties '.

These varieties are: NBRI INDIANA: It is a small flowered, yellow, pompon type, suitable for mini and pot culture. It is also a very good cut flower and garland variety. It is a profusely branching, long, erect stem, green leaves, uniform bloom, opening in late November, easy to multiply by suckers and cuttings. Flower head diameter 3.6 cm, floret colour bright yellow. It has been developed by crossing `Little Darling' (orange) as female and `Nanako' (yellow) as male parents. NBRI KUSUM: It is a small flowered, yellow open disc, single Korean type chrysanthemum good for pot culture. It is a bushy compact with profuse blooming habit in late November. The plant habit and shape is most attractive for exhibition. Plant height 45 to 50 cm, flower head diameter 4.2 cm, floret colour bright yellow. It has been developed by crossing `Haldighati' (yellow) as female and `Sharad Kanti' (yellow) as male parents. NBRI LITTLE DARLING: It is a small flowered, terracotta pompon type mini chrysanthemum. It requires neither `Pinching' nor `Staking'. It is a unique genetic strain with dwarf, bushy, compact round shape, profuse blooming habit in early December. The plant habit and shape is most attractive for `mini culture'. Plant height 32.5 cm, flower head diameter 2.6 cm, floret colour yellow-orange . It has been developed by crossing `White Charm' (white) as female and `Jubilee' (bronze) as male parents. NBRI MINI JESSIE: It is a small flowered, cineraria type mini chrysanthemum. It requires neither `Pinching' not `Staking'. It is a unique genetic strain with dwarf, bushy, compact round shape, profuse blooming habit in early December. The plant habit and shape is most attractive for `mini culture'. Plant height 34.4 cm, flower head diameter 2.4 cm, floret colour red purple [72/C (Fan2)]. It has been developed by crossing `Cameo' (pink) as female and `Jessie' (purple) as male parents. MARIGOLD Tagetes erecta African Marigold Tagetes patula French Marigold Compositae Species Tagetes erecta(African marigold) Hardy annual 90 cm tall,erect & branched Leaves pinnate & leaflets lanceolate,serrated Flowers single to fully double

Flowers large sized of globular heads Colour varies from lemon yellow to orange Requires wider spacing

Tagetes patula French Marigold Hardy annual -30 cm tall Widely branched,dense little shrubby Stems often veined in dark violet or reddish brown Flowers solitary,terminal Unopened buds swollen & grooved,2.5 long Single flowered forms are popular Colour varies from yellow to mahogony red Other species T .tenuifolia (T.signata) Bushy type (less than 30 cm) Annual,much branched ,bushy compact plants Flowers single,,5 rays,,roundish,obavate T.t cv.pumila is dwarf,bushy & <30 cm Bright yellow & small but numerous T .lucida Sweet scented Marigold Sweet scented marigold Tender & perennial Stem erect straight,bushy plants Leaves entirely dentate,produce agreeable fragrant Var.floridus is widely cultivated with large flowers Flowers borne in dense terminal corymbs,scented T .lacera Californian Marigold Discovered in california Height is upto 120-150 cm Flower profusely with agreeable flavour Flowers are yellow in colour T. lemmonii Shrubby Marigold Shrubby,grows upto 60 -70cm Leaves slender,oppsite Flowers showy 2-3 cm diameter T. sarmentosa Sarmentosa means climbing

Mystery marigold Annual, possibly a form of T. lacera Grows upto one foot, late flowering Single, solitary bloom Foliage is aromatic

Other spp., T. minuta, T. pusila, T. corymbosa, T. argentina. Types Tagetes erecta African Marigold 1. Carnation flowered 2. Chrysanthemum flowered Tall double chrysantahemum flowered Luxor series Dwarf double chrysantahemum flowered Rexor series 3. Tall F1 hybrids F1 gold coin series F1 climax series 4. Semi tall F1 hybrids 5. Dwarf F1 hybrids Inca series Space age series Galore series 6. F1 triploid Tagetes patula French Marigold Dwarf double (20-30 cm) Dwarf double Scabious flowered (flowers with crested centre) Dwarf double Petite (15-20 cm) French Dwarf single (20-35 cm) VARIETIES Tagetes erecta African Marigold MDU-1, Giant double African orange, Giant double African yellow, Cracker Jack, Climax, Dusloom, Golden Age, Chrysanthemum Charm, Crown and Gold, Spun Gold IARI varieties of T. erecta, Pusa Narangi Gainda Pusa Basanti Gainda

Tagetes patula French Marigold Red Brocade, Rusty Red, Butter Scotch, Valencia Sussana, Golden boy, Star dust. Tagetes tenuifolia Golden Gem, Lulu, Pumila, Ursula

CROSSANDRA Crossandra undulaefolia Acanthaceae There are 20-25 species but only few like C.guineensis , C.mucronata, C.subacaulis are cultivated C. undulaefolia syn. C. infundibuliformis: A shrub 30-90 cm tall, overlap and another in dense close bracted spikes. This is a native of East Indies and probably India also. This is the species grown for commercial flower production in India. C. flava: Unbranched, short stemmed shrub with bright yellow flowers and yellow green bracts which are spiny pointed and origin is in Tropical West Africa. C. nilotica: A 30 90 cm tall, overlap and another in dense close bracted spikes. This is a native of East Indies and probably India also. This is the species grown for commercial flower production in India. Cultivars Orange : With orange coloured flowers Delhi : Bright deep orange flowers Lutea yellow : Orange yellow colour flowers Sebaculis Red : hardy cultivar TNAU has developed two hybrids. One resistant hybrid is developed from crossing two local types collected from Palani and Marudhamalai hills. The flowers are large, very attractive with yellowish orange petals. The plants have high degree of field tolerance to nematode fungus complex. Another hybrid evolved by crossing the orange flowered cultivar and Sebacaulis Red produces very attractive dark pink flowers.

Practical No. 7.CHRYSANTHEMUM- PROPAGATION-SPECIAL HORTICULTURAL OPERATIONS-MANURING- HARVESTING AND POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY. Propagation: Suckers: This is the commercial method of propagation. Plants raised from sucker produce taller plants. Suckers are separated from mother plant an directly planted in the field or potting media. The optimum time of separation of suckers is when 5-6 green leaves appear. The long roots of sucker is cut back to 1.25 cm and the basal leaves are to be removed before planting. Suckers are usually employed for small flowering types because of its hardy nature and good field stand. Cuttings: Terminal stem cuttings are commonly used. Modern method: One modern method of getting cuttings is t hat, initially disease free stock plants are raised and grown under controlled conditions. Cuttings taken from these stock plants are rooted and then used for planting. Stock plant production: Young vegetative plants grown from healthy cuttings are pinched to induce the growth of lateral shoots. From these plants and ideal cutting of 4 6 cm long with a basal stem diameter between 3.2 4.8 cm is taken and used. Substrate: The substrate used for rooting is, sphagnum moss, sand and peat in the ratio of 5:3:2. The ideal temperature for root formation is 18 21 0 C and the ideal pH is 7 8. cuttings dipped in NAA 150 ppm for 4 hours + a spray of kinetin at 25 ppm was effective in initiating rooting.

Special horticultural operations: Pinching . Pinching is one of most important operations in chrysanthemum culture. Pinching is most essential for small flowered chrysanthemum. After planting, the growth is mostly upward with very little branching. To arrest such tall growth, a simple procedure called pinching is used. It is also called stopping, done mainly to reduce the plant height and promote axillary branches. Only soft vegetative shoot tips 1.5 to 3 cm long are removed.

Pinching increases the number of flowering stems in each plant; it can indirectly control flowering date and bloom quality; and the number of stems to a plant can easily be controlled. Pinching done at 14-21 days after planting produced better plants with shorter and large number of shoots. Two types of pinching are performed: (a) Soft pinching: By this pinching the top soft tips of the shoot along with 2-3 open leaves are removed; (b) Hard pinching: It means removing a longer portion upto hard shoot. Disbudding and Dis-shooting These operations are mostly performed for large flowering and decorative type chrysanthemums. Many of the standard type varieties are disbudded in which the largest terminal bud is reserved and all auxiliary buds are removed. Disbudding of spray varieties is very easy because in this case only the large apical bud is removed and the auxiliary buds are allowed to develop. For taking three blooms per plant, three lateral strong shoots are allowed to grow and others are removed. Lateral buds and side shoots are removed at their early stage of growth from time to time. For taking one bloom per plant no pinching is done. Only the main stem is allowed to grow. Removal of undesirable lateral buds and shoots are done. Dis-shooting is practiced to reduce the number of branches for improving the size and form of the flower. SADH @ 2000 4000 ppm applied after disbudding reduces the stem length, produces thicker stem, enhances the flower colour and increases the vase life. De-suckering During the vegetative growth phase, plants grow upward. Few suckers continue to develop from base of plants. For proper and vigorous growth of plants, suckers are removed from time to time.It is practiced to allow single stem to develop up to a certain height. Without de-suckering the main plant will loose vigour and becomes weak. Staking of plants Staking is necessary to keep plants erect and to maintain proper shape of plants and bloom. Stakes are prepared mostly from bamboo sticks. Staking of plants is required for vertical support of the plants. The art of training Standard: For better shape of the plants and attractive extra large flower, large flowered chrysanthemums are trained as standard to produce 1-3 blooms per plant.

Sen Rin Tsukuri: In this style, the plant is designed to a geometrical shape (6-10 concentric circles in steeped manner) and it is trained in such a way that about 200-300 blooms are formed per plant having an approximate height of 153-183 cm and a diameter of 183-244 cm. Bush Form: Small flowered chrysanthemum blooms are arranged compactly to give an effect of a floral carpet. The most important is the use of soft pinching to outer or lower branches and hard pinching to central or higher branches. Cascade Form: the plants trained in Cascade form give the effect of a water fall in blooming stage. The stem is made to bent down above the rim of the container. Coniform: The shape of the plant is made conical by special training. For giving a perfect coniform shape staking and pinching are most important. Fan Form: A type of training form of small flowered chrysanthemum. In final form it looks like a hand fan. Post harvest technology: Chrysanthemum flowers are harvested at different stages depending on the cultivars. Cutting of flowers is done about 10 cm above the soil and one-third of stems are stripped off leaves and placed immediately in water containing a biocide to prevent the growth of micro-organisms. Silver nitrate at 25 ppm has been found to be the most effective biocide for chrysanthemums. The presence of old stubs on flower stems affects the uptake of water and hence should be removed. After harvest the cut-chrysanthemums open better under lighted(75 FC) and warm(18.2 23.7 0 C) conditions. The bud opening solution is an absolute necessity. An ideal bud opening solution is 200 ppm 8-HQC and 2% sucrose. The buds stored dry at 0.6 0 C opened and lasted equally well compared to buds opened immediately after harvest. An opening solution containing 2.5 3.0 % sucrose, 25 30 ppm Silver nitrate and 75 ppm citric acid is suited. GRADING Spray cultivars: Spray cultivars are wrapped in polythene sleeves and transported. They are graded on the no. of stems/sleeve. Grade Gold Silver Bronze Make-up stem/sleeve 10 15 20 specifications - 6 flowers or more out and some to come - 4/5 flowers out and some to come - 3 flowers out and some to come - all stems are not covered above filling the sleeves to some extent as other grades.

For UK markets, stem length should not be less than 66 cm and those , 51 cm are marked as shorts. Standard cultivars: Graded based on the min. stem length, min. flower diameter and stem strength. Grades Blue Red Green Yellow Min.stem l (cm) 75 75 60 60 Min. flower dia. (cm) 15 12.5 10 --Stem strength strong strong strong strong

For pot mums, No grades are available. Desirable characters are plants with bushy growth 2-2.5 times tall as pots with minimum 15 flowers. Storage: Chrysanthemum cut flowers can be wrapped in plastics and stored dry for 6-8 weeks at a temperature of 0.5 0 C. for truck shipments the flowers can be transported at 2 4 0 C. Modified atmospheric storage conditions improved the storage life upto 7 days. Pot mums can be stored upto 2 weeks at a temperature of 4 0 C. Storage at light intensity of 400 FC is beneficial because storage in dark deteriorates the quality of blooms. Packaging: The standard chrysanthemums are placed in sleeves and packed in display boxes measuring 91 X 43 x 15 cm. They are placed in the boxes according to the grades. If the blooms are large and loose, a pillow made from corrugated paper should be placed under the necks of the bottom layer at each end of the box. For bulk packing of sprays 10, 15 or 20 stems are placed in sleeves according to the grades. Six sleeves, three at each end are generally packed in each box, measuring 80 X 50 X 23 cm. Pot mums are packed by placing them in paper or polythene sleeves and then in cardboard boxes in groups of six. Vase life: Use of proper preservative solution through out the period of post harvest handling is very important to prolong the life of chrysanthemum. Dipping of stem for a very short period (5 secs.) in 1200-4800 ppm silver nitrte or soaking

the stems in 1000 ppm silver nitrate for 10 minutes was promising. Addition of 2 % sucrose to silver nitrate increased the vase life from 12 days to 20 days. 8 HQC even at very low concentration causes stem discolouration.

Practical No. 12. IDENTIFICATION-DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES AND VARIETIES OF GLADIOLI-CARNATION-GERBERA AND DAHLIA. GLADIOLUS Gladiolus sp. Iridaceae

Gladiolus sp.(Tourn.L) takes its name from the latin word Gladius meaning Sword like because of sword like shape of its foliage. There are some 226 recorded spp. Scattered in Republic of South Africa. The modern gladioli (30,000 no.) are developed through the crosses involving, - G. natalensis - G. cardinalis - G. communis - G. callianthaus - G. arneus - G. recurvus - G. tristis On the basis of their geographical origin Gladiolus sp. has been grouped into four, 1. Eurasian group 2. East African group 3. Natalensis group 4. South African Cape species. BOTANY: Gladiolus is grown from corms. They are modified thickened fleshy stem which store the food. The base of the corm has a depression around which is a root zone from which roots emerge. The corm normally sprouts within 10 15 days. At the base of new corm branched protuberances arise called stolons the tips of which swell and develop into small Cormels. The plant produces 6-7 leaves in all. Flowering: Initiation of flowers takes place only after a definite number of leaves are produced. Flower bud initiation starts when the plant is at 3 leaf stage. The flowering spike emerges at 6-7 leaf stage. The process of flower differentiation takes 7- 10 days. Individual flower is a funnel shaped floret. Each floret is enclosed by two green bracts and has 3 main parts, - tepals(sepals +petals) variously coloured 6 in no. and arranged in 2 whorls - stamens - pistil

CLASSIFICATION: Modern types of gladioli are classified into 6 types on the basis of plant height, flower size and arrangement on the spike. 1. Grandiflorus or Large flowered hybrids: - large exhibition types - bear large florets - florets 10 20 cm wide, spikes 90 150 cm long 2. Primulinus hybrids: - florets 5-9 cm across, hooded and dainty - spike 40- 45 cm long 3. Butterfly hybrids: - Florets 7.5 10 cm wide with attractive throat markings/blotches - spikes < 45 cm long 4. Miniature hybrids: - Florets 2- 2.5 cm - spikes 40 cm long 5. Face ups: - stem dwarf 60 90 cm tall - florets 5-6 cm wide 6. Colvillei hybrids: - flowers 5-6 cm wide and star shaped - Early flowering hybrids and more suitable for greenhouse cultivation. 7. Ochideola: - new group developed in Israel - spikes light in weight with small florets On the basis of floret size, gladiolus has been put into 5 classes, the description of which is as follows: Class Designation Floret size (cm) 1. Miniature < 6.4 2. Small 6.4 to < 8.9 3. Medium 8.9 to < 11.4 4. Large 11.4 to 14.0 5. Giant > 14.0 Cultivars Colour Pink Orange Variety America, Applause, Dawn pink, Deciso, Friendship, My love Autumn Gold, Coral Seas, Fiesta, Setting sun

Red Yellow White Purple, Violets

Black Prince, Hunting Song, Oscar, Victoria Anglia, Aurora, Folk Song, Golden Harvest, Golden Peach Amsterdam, Classic, Cotton Blossom, White Friendship Blue Moon, Her Majesty, High Style, Mayur, Pusa Sarang, Pusa Shingarika

The cultivars which are of good demand in the market are Red, Pink, Yellow and White cultivars. Spikes with good demand in the market must be, - robust, - tapering and thick with green leaves and sheaths - should have > 14 florets / spike Description of Internationally popular cultivars 1. Friendship: It takes about 86 days to flower. Spikes are 90- 100 cm inlingth, bearing 18-20 florets of 9.5-10.5 cm size. Florets are carmine rose with yellow throat. Each corm produces 15-20 cormels. 2. Peter pears: It is a mid-season cultivar with spike length of 85-90 cm and the florets diamaeter of 10 10.5 cm. 3. Priscilla: It is a mid-season cultivar with the spike length of 75-80 cm, 18 florets/spike. The florets are Lilac purple in colour with 9.5 10 cm dia. Some Indian cultivars are: 1. Mayur: It is a selection from Sylvia seedling. It is a mid-season cultivar and takes about 100 days to flower. Spikes are 75-80 cm long, each with upto 18 florets. Florets are lilac purple with dark purple throat. 2. Manisha: flowers white with tyrian-rose splashes and primrose throat 3. Manmohan: Attractive spike with primrose-yellow flowers with orchid purple splashes 4. Mohini: It is a white flower variety with tyrian rose splashes and primrose yellow throat 5. Nazrana: Hybrid between Black jack X Friendship. The flowers are attractive cardinal red coloured with barium yellow flash in the throat. 6. Poonam: the flowers are Dresden-yellow with mimosa-yellow blotch. Spikes are long, medium duration cultivar. 7. Shoba: It is a mutant developed from wild rose by irradiation. The flowers are shell pink coloured with empire-yellow throat.

Varieties developed in India INSTITUTE 1. IARI ,New Delhi Vandana, Sukanya 2. IIHR 3.NBRI

VARIETIES Agnirekha, Mayur, Suchitra, Neelam, Anchali, Archana ,Bindiya, Shweta, Chandini, Kamini, Mohini, Aarti, Apsara, Kum kum, Nazrana, Poonam, Sapna, Shoba, Sindu Archana, Arun, Hans, Indrani, Kalima, Kohra, Manhar, Manisha, Mohini, Mridula, Priyadarshini, Sada bahar, Smita Punjab Dawn, Punjab Morning, Shan-e-Punjab.

, Bangalore , Lucknow

Mukra, 4. PAU, Ludhiana

Cultivars of great demand in International cut flower trade Priscilla, Peter Pears, White Friendship, Hunting Song, Nova Lux, Fidelio, Sancerre, Teach, Jacksonville Gold. GERBERA Gerbera jamesonii Asteraceae Gerbera was first discovered in 1878 in South Africa by botanist R. Jameson. The plant has since proved to be excellent for cultivation, and has become a popular and wide-spread cut flower and pot plant. Nurseries are constantly producing new hybrids and cultivars, and new varieties are being introduced to the market all the time.

Common names: Tempo-Transvaal Daisy - Barbaton Daisy Native to South Africa, Madagascar, Asia and Indonesia. India distributed in Himalayas from Kashmir Nepal. Perennial , cold sensitive, with mono and double flowering types Clump-forming , deep-rooting. Potted gerberas are commonly called Samurai.

Botany Leaves inversely lance-shaped, deep lobed to pinnatifid leaves, 15-45Cm (6-8 in.) long. Flowers Solitary, daisy like, orange-scarlet flower heads. There are many hybrids that come in white, cream, yellow, orange-pink, crimson, purple or violet

Species There are about 40 spp. Of Gerbera of which G. Jamesonii is cultivated. All the spp. Are half-hardy and perennial flowering. 1. G. jamesonii: The plants are hairy throughout, base woody, leaves lobed, many solitary orange scarlet heads, 7.5 12.5 cm across, borne from Nov Feb. 2. G. kunzeana: A Himalayan sp. With scarce opening of flowers 3. G. asplenifolia: Leaves are narrow, 10-15 cm long, deeply lobed, leathery, glossy above, lobes roundish, concave, margins revolute. Flower heads purple. 4. G. aurantiaca: Leaves lanceolate to long, acute 12.5 15 cm long, entire/toothed. Flower heads ornage and anthers yellow 5. G. viridifolia: Leves elliptical/ oblong/obtuse green on both sides and smooth or nearly so. Flower heads dirty white and small. CULTIVARS OF COMMERICAL IMPORTANCE: Colour cultivar Red - Dusty, Vesta Pink - Fredaisy, Valentine, Terraqueen Yellow - Fredeking, Nadja, Uranus Orange - Maron Clementine M/S Terra Nigra of Holland is a leading firm developing excellent cultivars of Gerbera. Some cultivars developed by them are, Easter star, Estella, Nena, Terra parade, Terra sun. Hollandia Greenhouses Ltd., is another firm in Holland producing 10 million stems of Gerberas annually. They have 100% computer controlled greenhouses. CARNATION Dianthus caryophyllus Caryophyllaceae

Common Names: Pink, Carnation, Dianthus and Garden pink. Native to Mediterranean area, this plant thrive generally in cool-weather. Genus of annuals, biennials or perennials may be found in nature. Their many fringed flowers look as if they were trimmed with pinking shears.

Their sweetly clove-scented flowers have a velvety or stainy sheen. Colors include pink, rose, red purple, and white in pure or bicolor flowers with distinctively marked eyes or frosting. Hardiness: Fully hardy, except for perpetual-flowering and Malmaison carnations, which are half hardy. The carnation is available as a standard carnation - one large flower per stem, or a spray carnation with lots of smaller flowers The blooms are borne in few to many flowered, terminal, cyme-like umbels or cymes. Dianthus in Greek means Divine flower.

Species 1. Dianthus caryophyllus (Carnation)- it grows wild in southern Europe. 2. D. barbatus, the Sweet William, is found wild in the Mediterranean region. 3. D. plumarius, the pinks belong to this group. 4. The Chinese and Indian Pinks have come from D. chinensis and are natives of China. some of the best modern Carnation varieties for the greenhouse White - White Sim, George Allwood, Northland, Purity and Olivette. Pink - Pink Sim, Laddie, Donna Lee Supreme and Sidney Littlefield. Scarlet - William Sim, King Cardinal and Scarlet Pimpernel. Deep Red or Crimson - Suzanne, Mrs. C. W. Weld and Seth Parker. Yellow - King Midas, Miller's Yellow and Golden Wonder. Two-toned Varieties - Dairymaid (white with pink stripes towards the edges of the petals), Eastern Wonder (deep heliotrope shot with deep pink), Pelargonium (white with crimson-maroon blotched on each petal), Peppermint (white with red stripes), Scarlet King (bright red with white edging the petals). Some Carnations for growing in the garden are Border Carnations (these aren't reliably hardy where winters are harsh, but they can be grown as perennials in mild climates and some named varieties are available) Grenadins (these are hardy in the North provided they are given adequate winter protection) Marguerites (these are often treated as annuals and are discarded at the end of their first season, however, they are really perennial and are hardy in the North if given the care recommended for the Grenadins).

DAHLIA Dahlia variabilis Asteraceae Dahlia are deciduous, tender, tuberous-rooted perennials, which are native to Mexico. Dahlias may be grown anywhere, but are only hardy yearround in warm climates; they can simply be grown as annuals or dug up and stored in cold-winter regions. Dahlias may also be grown in containers or tubs, depending upon the size of the variety. Dahlias range in height from about 1 foot to 7 feet. They may produce button-sized flowers or blossoms as large as a dinner plate, in most every shade except blue. The flowers may be single or double, some with twisted petals. Species 1. D. variabilis: it is the garden type 2. D. merckii : it is a medium-sized plant with lilac ray florets, which are pointed at the tips. 3. D. coccinea : it produces scarlet, single flowers with brilliant yellow disks. (These two species were the forerunners of the single and Collarette hybrids.) 4. D. imperialis: it is a tall species with white flowers and reddish central disks. CLASSIFICATION The National Dahlia Society of England has classified Dahlias into 10 groups. Group 1 Water lily Dahlias Waterlily dahlias have fully double blooms characterised by broad and generally sparse ray florets, which are straight or slightly involute along their length giving the flower a shallow appearance. Outer petals broad and slightly cupped with rounded ends The depth should be less than half the diameter of the bloom. In side view a bloom looks like a saucer. Size range < 15 cm Group 2 Anemone flowered Flowers are fully double with one or more rows of petals surrounding dense group of long tubular disc florets and showing no disc. Group 3 Collarette

Collerette dahlias have blooms with a single outer ring of generally flat ray florets, which may overlap, with a ring of small florets (the Collar) the centre forming a disc. Group 4 Laciniated (Fimbriated) Fimbriated dahlias have blooms where ray florets should be evenly split or notched into two or more divisions, uniformly throughout the bloom to create a fringed overall effect. The petals may be flat, involute, revolute, straight, incurving or twisted. 5 sub groups: Giant fimbriated Large fimbriated Medium fimbriated Small fimbriated Miniature fimbriated Group 5 Decorative Dahlias Decorative dahlias have fully double blooms showing no disc. The ray florets are either involute, scarcely involute, not involute, or revolute at apex and either come to a point, abruptly come to a point or indented. 5 sub groups: Giant Decorative Large Decorative Medium Decorative Small Decorative Miniature Decorative Group 6 Ball dahlias Ball dahlias have fully double blooms showing no disc, ball shaped or slightly flattened. The ray florets are displayed in spiral arrangement and are involute and round at the apex. Group 7 Pompon dahlias Pompon dahlias have fully double spherical blooms(like table tennis ball) of miniature size, with florets largely involute along their length (longitudinal axis). Group 8 Cactus dahlias Ray florets are narrow at the base, straight, uniform in length and reflex toward the stem, radiating uniformly in all directions from the center. They will be revolute for the majority of their length and fully revolute (touching or overlapping) for approximately half their length. A depth of about threequarters the diameter is ideal for this form. 5 sub groups: Giant Cactus Large Cactus

Medium Cactus Small Cactus Miniature Cactus Group 9 Semi cactus Semi-Cactus dahlias have fully double blooms; the ray florets are usually pointed and revolute for more than 25% of their length and broad at the base and either straight or incurving. 5 sub groups: Giant Semi Cactus Large Semi Cactus Medium Semi Cactus Small Semi Cactus Miniature Semi Cactus Group 10 Miscellaneous Orchid dahlias: A single row of uniform, evenly spaced ray florets arranged in a flat plane surround the disc flowers. The ray florets should be straight and involute for two-thirds or more of their length and fully involute for at least onethird their length. Eight ray florets are most desirable. Disc flowers with up to three rows of pollen are desirable. Peony dahlias: Two or more rows of ray florets surround the disc flowers. Ray florets adjacent to the disc flowers may be smaller, twisted, and/or curled. Novelty dahlias: Dahlias with characteristics distinct and different from the present classifications are classified as novelty dahlias. The center should be open with the disc center in proper proportion to the ray florets. Single dahlias: Single dahlias have blooms with a single outer ring of florets, which may overlap, the centre forming a disc Classification based on the colour(10 colour groups) White yellow Bronze pink Red lavender Purple blend Variegated bicolour Varietes of India 1. Decorative: Bappaditya, Glory of India, Nearest blue, Pranati, Nirmal Chandra, Prabhujee, Prime Minister 2. Cactus: Ketu, Lord Krishna

3. Semi cactus: Shib Krishna, Parama, Lahari, Santhoshima

Practical No.12. ORCHIDS AND ANTHURIUM-POT MIXTURE PREPARATIONCONTAINERS- DIFFERENT GROWING STRUCTURES- MANURING- HARVESTING AND POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY. ORCHIDS

Propagation Traditional methods of propagation are all slow processes and help in producing only a few additional orchid plants in an year. But they ensure uniformity among the plant types. Most growers multiply orchid plants by division, through off-shoots and by cuttings. Division : It is suitable for sympodial orchids. In about 4-5 years growth, an orchid clump may acquire some 8-10 good sized canes and such a plant can be divided to 4-5 individual units having at least 2 canes per division. Eg. Dendrobium, Cattleya, Epidendrum, Oncidium etc. Off-Shoots (Keikis) : Off-Shoots are miniature plants with roots from the nodes of old canes. Application of cytokinins like BAP 1g/litre will stimulate new off shoots in Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum etc. Cuttings : Matured stems should be cut neatly into pieces with 3-4 nodes and a few roots. They can be planted on sand and kept in shade for root development. Eg. Vanda, Arachnis, Ascocentrum etc. Flower stalk cuttings of Phalaenopsis, Phaius etc., can also be used for multiplication. Treatments with 4000-5000 ppm IBA or NAA enhance root development. Air-layering has reported as a propagation method in vanda and some other monopodials. As all these methods can generate only a few plants at a time, nowadays newer techniques like dry seed culture, green pod culture and meristem culture are resorted to by both growers and breeders to produce large number of plants in a short period. POTTING MEDIA: Some general qualities required for the components used in the media are, - must hold sufficient amount of moisture which should be released to the plants when needed - should provide adequate drainage - should be easily available and cheaper - should retain nutrients for a reasonable time without leaching

should be easily workable as potting is tedious, laborious and time consuming

Components of the media used for orchids: Tree fern fibre: They are prepared out of the fibrous trunks of tropical ferns. They are excellent potting material for most of the orchids. They drain well, hold nutrients and do not disintegrate quickly. In high rainfall areas the fibres are to be packed vertically to facilitate quick drainage. Osmunda fibre: It is a satisfactory material for potting. It contains small quantities of all the major nutrients, provides good drainage and holds sufficient moisture. Bark: Mostly widely used medium is the bark of various trees. This does not provide nourishment. Coconut husk: This absorbs sufficient quantity of moisture and is widely used in places where coconut is grown. In the case of monopodial orchids grown in the pen like Vanda and Arachnis, longitudinal splits can be used. For pot cultivation, smaller size has to be used. The proportion of husk has to be adjusted do that it does not make the media soggy. Tiles, Bricks: Bits of tiles and bricks are common ingredients of media. They absorb moisture, facilitate easy drainage and are cheaper. Tiles are better than bricks. Charcoal: They have the capacity to purify the media. Oncidium, Phalaenopsis have an affinity towards the charcoal. COMMON CONTAINERS: Different types of container used for raising orchids are, Earthen or clay pots: The most widely used containers are clay pots. They are porous and absorb excess water, allowing epiphyte in particular to dry quickly. Clay pots are best suited for terrestrial orchids. Plastic pots: They are light in weigh, easy to transport and do not accumulate algae or salts on their sides. They retain moisture for a sufficiently longer period and hence the water requirement will be less. Baskets:

Wooden baskets are generally used for Vanda. The basket is very shallow and is made of wood that can withstand continuous wetting for a sufficiently loner period.

Slabs: Slabs or logs of tree fern are use foul especially for hanging purposes. The plants are secured on slabs using hairpins. Slabs need frequent watering and high humidity. Others: Half or complete portion of coconut husks, wire baskets etc. can also be used as containers for growing orchids. Repotting: Repotting is necessary, - When the plant has filled the pot and there is no room for further growth In the case of field planting of sympodials, over-crowding necessitates repotting. - When the material on the surface may appear to be intact, but those at the bottom may have deteriorated into a powdery form and the roots may have turned brown or black. - Do not water for a couple of days after repotting so that the broken roots get a chance to heal - The repotted plants may be kept under shade for a few days so that the plants return to normal growth. - Gently shake the plant out of the pot. If the roots are clinging to the inside of the pots tightly, gently run a sharp knife around the inside wall of the pot to loosen the roots. If the plants have sufficient number of shoots, divide and repot separately. Before planting, the dead bulbs and dried roots have to be removed. Manuring In their natural habitats, orchids grow on no special nutrients, depending only on what they could absorb from decaying tree bark and the atmosphere. A synthetic inorganic fertilizer, equally balanced in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) of strength 17:17:17 or 20:20:20, dissolved in water at the rate of 1-5g per litre applied once or twice a week gives satisfactory results. To promote flowering, a higher proportion of phosphorus and potassium such as 10:20:20 is helpful.

Organic fertilizers like cowdung, chicken manure, groundnut cake, neem cake etc. can be moderately used. It must be soaked in water at 1:10 or 1:20 for 2 to 3 days to allow decomposition of the fertilizer. The supernatant solution is used for spraying once of twice a month.

Harvest and post harvest care: For Dendrobium, Plalaenopsis, Aranda, Arachnis which produces long spikes, it is harvested while two or three buds are still unopened. The number of unopened buds to be retained may be lesser in smaller spikes. Spikes are cut at the base of the stalk, close to the stem. The cut surface should be smooth and should never be crushed. A sharp knife or secateur can be used. The harvested spikes are immediately dipped in a bucket of water till they are packed. In Dendrobium hybrids sucrose 6% or BA 75 ppm(KAU) improved the vase life. At TNAU, Dendrobium cv. Sonia 17 pulsed with HQ 500 ppm+sucrose 5% for 6 hours recorded the longest period of vase life. Also a holding solution of AgNO3(25ppm)+HQ (400 ppm) and sucrose(5%) improved the vase life. Packing: The stalks are usually packed in cartons. The size of the carton is determined by the number of spikes. Arachnis require longer cartons as compared to Vanda or Dendrobium. Phalaenopsis, Oncidium are of more branching nature and require more space while packing. Generally 50 to 100 spikes are packed in a carton. The cartons are provided with a sufficient number of holes all around to facilitate good aeration. The spikes area tied in bundles of ten before packing in cartons. It is preferable to provide a lining with newspaper inside the carton. At TNAU, Dendrobium Sonia 17, proved better with polythene 50 gauge lining material. Sufficient packing may be provided between the bunches and carton using shredded paper. This keeps the flower parts from rubbing and bruising each other.

ANTHURIUM Propagation: a. Top Cuttings: In about 4-5 years, there is a substantial growth of an Anthurium plant with the rootstock as high as the rim of the pot. At this stage, the top of the plant with the leaves and a number of good roots is sliced off and planted, new. This is off to plant them in a pot to establish. This is top cutting method. b. Root Stock Cutting: After top cutting, the rootstock is removed off its roots and sliced into one or two cm pieces containing atleast one node. These are allowed to root under mist condition to receive rooted cutting. c. Suckers: Suckers arise from the base of the stem of mature plants at three or more years of age. Suckers with 2-3 good roots and at 4- 5 leaf stage can be removed from the mother plants to be used as planting material. d. Axillary Buds: The axillary bud of a mature leaf along with the leaf and root can be scooped out and planted in a pot containing sand and organic matter (3:1) under mist conditions till the bud develops into a new plant. e. Tissue Culture: Micropropagation systems are found successful to produce pathogen free plants in larger numbers. Pots: In small scale planting, anthuriums are generally planted in earthen pots. A pot size of 25-30 cm with a minimum of two holes is usually preferred.

Potting mixture: Highly organic, well-aerated medium with good water retention capacity and drainage is the best suited. The media generally used are sugar bagasse, wood shavings, leaf mould, coarse sand, small brick pieces, coir pith compost, charcoal, coconut husk pieces and volcanic cinder. Volcanic cinder is commercially used as ideal potting media in different parts of the world because it anchor the roots firmly and good plant growth as well as flower production is achieved. A 1:1 mixture of coarse sand and dried cowdung was found to be the cheapest and the best for growing anthurium in kerala. In KAU, a medium containing coarse sand, cowdung, coconut husk and charcoal or brick pieces

(2:1:2:0.5) is used. For filling the pots, cork pieces are placed at the bottom of the pot, above which a 2 cm layer of coarse sand is spread. Over this, pieces of bricks or charcoal are arranged in such a way that that plant along with this root ball can be placed easily. Sides of the root ball are covered with pieces of coconut husk and a filler mixture of sand and cow dung is spread above it, so that gaps within are filled up. At TNAU, anthurium grown under 75% shade net in leaf mould with cocopeat media produced best results. Manuring: The pH of the nutrient water is adjusted between 5.5 to 6.0. a deficiency of calcium resulting in low pH can cause fading of the spathe colour and so application of lime @5g/plant/month is recommended. Young plants may be sprayed with a fertilizer mixture containing higher ratio of nitrogen(3:1:1) @ 2g/l twice in a week. For flowering plants, it is better to reduce the quantity of nitrogen to increase the post harvest longevity of flowers. Application of 1:2:2 NPK mixture 2-3 g/l twice in a week is beneficial. For pot cultivation, 10 g/l complex mixture (NPK 17:17:17) can be used to drench the medium every month. At TNAU, NPK @ 30:10:10 at 0.2% with GA3 100 ppm produced highest no. of flowers per plant with good flower quality. Harvest: The flowers are harvested after the unfolding of the spathe is complete. They are harvested in the morning and are ct with long stalks. About eight flowers per plant are obtained annually under good management conditions. The best time for harvest is when 1/3 to 2/3 rd of the true flowers on the spadix are open. Post harvest care: The flowers are cut with a sharp knife, leaving about 3 com of the stem on the plant to prevent rotting of the stem. After harvest, the basal portion of the stalk of the flowers should be kept in water as soon as possible to prevent drying out. If the flowers are taken to distant markets, a piece of cotton soaked in water is kept at the end of the stem to prevent desiccation. It is estimated that the moisture loss from spadix accounts for nearly 90 % of the loss from the spike. Soft protective materials can be put in between the spathe and spadix to prevent bruising. The spathe along with the spadix is then inserted into a polythene cover of appropriate size. This will prevent bruises on the spathe due to pressing of the spadices of adjacent spikes. The open ends of the polythene cover are stapled just outside the spate to prevent movement of the spathe inside the cover.

Grading: The flowers having any sort of blemishes, black spots, discoloured spathe, short stalk as well as deformed flowers should be removed before grading. The flowers should be spotlessly clean and shining. Common grades used in the three important anthurium-growing countries are, Grade Peewee Mini Small Medium Large Extra large Premium Caribbean Islands, Hawii Flower size(inches) stems/box <2.5 50 2.5-3.0 40 3.0-4.0 30 4.0-5.0 25 5.0-5.5 18 5.5-6.0 15 >6.0 8 Mauritius Flower size(inches) stems/box <3.0 8 3.0-4.0 45 4.0-5.0 40 5.0-6.0 30 >6.0 25 8.0 20

Pulsing: Pulsing is given to the anthurium flowers before shipment to reduce injury and to extend the holding period. Pulsing reduces the respiration rate and the amount of plugging to stem vascular tissues, thus reducing the rate of changes to senescence process. Improved keeping quality of flowers was reported with benzyl adenine, silver nitrate and triadimefon. Storage: The optimum storage temperature for anthurium is 14-17 0 C. Packing: Anthurium flowers are packed in cardboard cartons of various sizes. Care should be taken against the physical injury. The cartons are lined with polythene sheets and layers of news papers. Flowers are packed with their spathe face down and their stems interwoven and moistened shredded news paper inserted to provide a cushion and maintain humidity. Cardboard cartons of size 60 X 30 X 23 cm which can hold 70-100 flowers are usually used.

Practical No. 10 IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION OF ORCHIDS AND ANTHURIUM. ORCHIDS Orchidaceae The family of orchids one of the most evolved of the entire plant kingdom, comprising over 25,000 individual species in 800-1000 genera. India is native to number of orchids which are found in abundance in North Eastern Hilly region, Western, Eastern Ghats and coastal plains of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Types of Orchids Based on the growing habit of orchids, they can be, Terrestrial which grow in soil Epiphytic which grow above the ground mostly on tree trunks Lithophytic which grow on the surface of rocks and Subterranean which grow beneath the surface of the growing medium. Plant morphology Stem: the structure of the orchid plant and ist flower is very unique and interesting. Based on the vegetative growth of the plant the orchids can be monopodial (or) sympodial. The SYMPODIAL orchids produce swollen stems to store water and the food material. These swollen stems are called as Pseudobulbs. The sympodial orchids produce number of lateral shoots and the plants are bushy. Orhids like Dendrobium, Cymbidium, Bulhophyllum, Oncidium, Cattleya, Epidendrum belong to this group. The MONOPODIAL orchids produce a single continuous stem without any rhizomes or pseudobulbs. These orchids produce aerial rootswhich help the plant to anchor as they grow upwards. Orhids like Vanda, Vanilla, Aerides, phalaenopsis and Arachnis belong to this group. Roots: The main characteristic of majority of the orhids is the presence of a layer of spongy tissue, know as velamen around the true root. This tissue is a highly specialized one an facilitates the absorption of water and mineral salts especially

in epiphytic orchids. The velamen tissue is very important in water conservation and protection from strong light. The green tip of epiphytic orchids is often involved in production of food material.

Leaves: In the majority of the orchids the leaves are arranged alternatively on the opposite sides of the stem. In the absence of pseudobulbs in some orchids, the leaves are transformed into organs for storing food and water. Inflorescence: The flowering branches are mostly produced from leaf axils or opposite to the axil or at the base of the pseudobulb or tip of the stem or from the pseudobulb itself. The flowers are mostly single and are arranged spirally on the flower stalk. Flowers: Orchids are cultivated for their extraordinary flowers, which are of varaious shapes, sizes, colours and modifications. The orchid flower have 3 sepals and 3 petals, which are more or less similar in colour, hence called as Tepals. One of the three petals is highly modified to from a lip or labellum and plays an important role in pollination. It often serves as a landing platform for insects. It assumes different shapes like a pouch (or) lobed (or) flattened (or) sac like (or) tubular. The common names like lady slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum), dove orchid(Peristeria), spider orchid(Brassia), Moth orchids(Phalaenopsis) fox tail orchids(Rynchostylis) are based on the resemblance of the flower or flower part to different organisms. The column (or) gynostemium, situated in the center of the flower, is the unique structure of orchids distinguishing them from other flowers. This is formed by fusion of male (anthers) and female part (Gynoesium). It is also attractively shaped and often decorated with wings or a cap. The pollen is in the form of a ball but not like a dust as in other plants. The stigmas are fused and are sticky when receptive. A beaklike structure called the rostellum separates the anther from the functional stigma on the column of single-anthered orchids. The sticky (viscid) stigma is situated below the rostellum. A cap-like structure called the anther cap sits on the anther portion. The anther cap is readily detached and is a nice adaptation to prevent self pollination. When the anther cap is dislodged by a pollinator, the anther is exposed to the insect's body.

Two pollen masses (called pollinia) are attached to a sticky (viscid) padlike structure called the viscidium. The viscidium readily adheres to the bodies of insects. When insects visit anther orchid blossom, the pollinia are transferred to the sticky stigmatic surface just below the rostellum. Following pollination, the epigynous ovary develops into a many-seeded capsule. The seeds are microscopic, and some orchids produce more than a million seeds per capsule. Fruits: The orchid fruit is called a capsule or pod which is globular or cylindrical. The fruit contains millions of seeds in the form of a fine dust. These seeds do not contain the tissue that supplies food materials (Endosperm) to the embryo. This is one of the distinguishing features of orchids. The seeds, which do not possess nutritive tissue, are dispersed by wind and in order to germinate, the seeds have to be invaded by symbiotic fungi (Mycorohiza) that will supply the required nourishment for the germinating seedling. The individual seed is only about 0.2 mm in diameter. Commercially important genera: 1. Arachnis (scorpion orchid/spider orchid) 2. Renanthera(sun loving orchid) 3. Phalaenopsis(Moth orchids-Sepals widely spreading. Lip trilobed attached to the foot of the column) 4. Vanda(Sepals and petals spreading. Lip immovable attached to the foot of the column.) 5. Cattleya 6. Dendrobium(second largest genus. Lip larger than sepals and petals. Petals much broader than sepals. Sepals equal in length.) 7. Oncidium (dancing lady) 8. Cymbidium(Petals smaller than the sepals. Lip trilobed.) 9. Paphiopedilum(Ladys slippers) 10. Miltonia 11. Bulbophyllum(First largest genus of orchids) 12. Epidendrum Varieties Phalaenopsis Texas star, Violet Mist. Vanda Evening glow, Honolulu Cattleya White Christmas, Estelle Dendrobium Emma white, Sonia 17, Sonia 28, New pink, Pink tips,Candy stripe

Emma white: creamy white coloured flowers. Creamy white sepals and petals and tip. Lip with feathery longitudinal sitations. Petals larger than sepals. Length of spike reanges from 31 32 cm an five number of florets. Sonia 17 white and purple coloured flowers. Sepals creamy white with purple markeing and petals purple in colour. Lip light purple with cream coloured region and feathery outgrowth in lines. Club shaped pseudobulbs. Sonia 28 deep purple petals and lip with white colouration towards the centre. Sepals white with a purple tinge. Spike length 35 40 cm with 12 florets. Oncidium Tiny tim, St. Anne, Golden shower Cymbidium peterpan, Promona. Greensleaves.

ANTHURIUM Anthurium andraeanum Araceae Morphology: Anthurium are semi terrestrial and perennial herbaceous plants with creeping to arborescent stem. The plant normally grows as an epiphyte(on trees), sometimes as lithophyte or as terrestrial. Epiphytic anthuriums are not tree parasites and they use them as an anchoring foundation. The aerial roots grow around the moss- covered trunks or branches. The roots absorb moisture from the air. It is a slow growing plant producing about eight leaves per year. With each leaf a new root also emerges. Simple leaves are borne singly on long stalks with sheathing bases. The internodes are small so that the plant has a bushy appearance. The leaf shape varies from lanceolate to obovaote. Leaves are shiny and dark green with tender leaves varying in colour from light green to deep reddish brown. The veins are usually prominent, especially in the foliage types. The flowers consist of a colour full modified leaf called the the spathe and hundreds of small spirally arranged bisexual flowers on a pencil-like structure called the spadix arising from the base of the spathe. It is commonly known as candle. Anthuriums bloom throughout the year, one bloom arising from the axil of each leaf. The spadix or the inflorescence contains 50 to 200 flowers, depending on the variety. Flowers are sessile and embedded in the fleshy peduncle. They are protogyonous, bisexdual, actinormorphic, and hypogynous with 4 petals, 4 stamens and a bicarpellary ovary with one or two ovules. It takes about 20 25 days from the appearance of the bud to unfurling of the spathe.

The female phase starts from the 2nd day and extends upto 20th day from the complete opening of the spathe. Anthers become mature only after the female receptive phase is over. There is an inter phase of 7-15 days after the completion of the female phase, after which the male phase commences. The duration of the male phase is 14 20 days. The longevity of the spathe on the plant varies from 60-90 days, depending upon the variety. Cross-pollination often takes place by insects such as bees, beetles and flies. They are attracted to the colour and scent. Both the nectar and pollen can serve as food. The coloured berries, which form on the spadix several months after pollination, contain one or two seeds. The coloured spathe attracts birds. They eat the berries, thereby spreading the seeds. Ants also carry off the berries for food. Important anthurium species: 1. Anthurium andraeanum: This is a florist crop, a plant with red, white and pink spathes and is commercially cultivated for cut flower production. This is and epiphytic plant grown as terrestrial. Stem is 30 cm long, leaves are green, long lobed, heart shaped, petiole 60 cm long. Spathe is waxy, broad ovate to rounded, bright red. Spadix is 9 cm long, yellow tipped, tapering to apex, curved downward, with white hand marking the zone in which the stigmas are receptive. 2. A. scherzerianum: this is a smaller plant, easier to grow and sold as potted plant. The stems are short and leaves are spreading. The petioles 4-20 cm long and the blades are moderately thick, densely glandular, linear to elliptic to lanceolate and 5-26 cm long. The spathe is moderately thick, 4-12 cm long, elliptic to ovate, bright red orange. Spadix is 2-8 cm long pale orange to red. The berries are orange to red in colour. 3. A. regale: An epiphytic plant, stems short and stout. Leaves are heart shaped oblong, dark olive green with pale green veins. Spathe is 7-19 cm long lanceolate reflexed green, acuminate. The spadix is 25 cm long tapering upward, green white. Some other species are, A. A. acutangulum spathe green tinged with red-violet in colour and spadix yellow green in colour. B. A. bakeri spathe is pale yellow- green and spadix cream white in colour C. A. brownie spathe is greenish rose tinted and spadix purple. D. A. crystallinum spathe green heavily tinged red violet and spadix green turning to yellow

E. A. digitatum spathe is green to red purple and spadix purple. F. A. spectabile spathe is green and spadix yellow green in colour. Varieties: A good anthurium variety should have, - Compact plants with short internodes, producing suckers profusely - Bright clear coloured, showy, hearty shaped spathe with plenty of blisters and symmetrically overlapping basal lobes - Spadix shorter in length than the spathe, reclining to the spathe, oriented at an angle less than 30 0. - An erect, long flower stem, about five times the length of the spathe and - Resistant to common pests and diseases. Anthurium flowers are classified into the following groups based on the character of the spathe, 1. Standard with heart shaped spathe(the most common type) 2. Obake with bicoloured spathe 3. Double with one large and one small spathe on the same stem] 4. Tulip with cup shaped spathe The most preferred colour of the spathe is Red followed by pink. The standard, upright and heart shaped spathe are mostly preferred in the markets. Important Varieties: Temptation, Leema White, Honduras, B-13, Sunset Orange, Sun-Shine Orange, Meringue, Glamour 1. Temptation: This variety has a peculiar blood red coloured spathe with yellow spadix. The spadix is inclined at an angle of 50 0 to the spathe. Flower stalk is straight. 2. Leema white 3. Honduras: this variety has maroon red spathe with greenish yellow spadix, inclined 0 at 40 to the spathe. Flower stalk is straight and sturdy. 4. Sunset orange: the spathe is pale orange with yellow spadix inclined at 45 0. 5. Agnihotri: it has a spathe with attractive pink colour and a yellow spadix. The angle of inclination is 60 0. 6. candy queen:

the spathe colour is peach with yellow spadix. The spadix inclines at an angle of 40 0 to the spathe. The stalk of the flower is weak and drooping. 7. Nitta: this exhibits bright yellow cup shaped spathe with yellow spadix. The spadix is inclined at an angle of 45 0.

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