Evaluation of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat) Genotypes under West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya

Evaluation of Chrysanthemum genotypes under West Garo Hills District, Meghalaya was carried out at the experimental farm, Department of Horticulture, North Eastern Hill University, Tura, Meghalaya 2015-2016 to identify the suitable variety for successful cultivation and flower production. Fifteen varieties namely, Korean Red, Korean Yellow, Solan Shringar, Ramblored, Yellow Star, Calabria, Ajay, AAU Yellow,White Star, Korean Bicolour, Charming, Lysid, Safin, Shayana and Gambit were selected for their evaluation. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Uniform package of practices were followed throughout the experiment to grow a healthy crop. Significant response in vegetative and flowering characters was observed in cultivar Calabria, Yellow Star, AAU Yellow, Gambit and Solan Shringar. Highest plant height (49.65 cm) in cultivar Yellow Star followed by cultivar Gambit (45.46 cm) was noticed. However, cultivar Solan Shringar showed maximum number of branches (12.51) and number of leaves per plant (125.11). Earliness in full bloom was associated with cultivar Shayana (72.29 days) followed by cultivar Calabria (82.44 days), while, maximum flower longevity after full bloom was observed in cultivar Gambit (24.72 days). Extended flowering duration was recorded with cultivar Calabria (140.84 days).Whereas, maximum vase life under tap water was observed in cultivar Ramblored (9.44 days) followed by cultivar Gambit (8.37 days). Cultivar Gambit showed maximum flower diameter (8.46 cm), flower head height (3.14 cm), number of ray florets per head (186.30), flower fresh weight (1.36 g) and dry weight (0.43 g), while, maximum number of flower head per plant (42.34), number of flowers per spray per plant (21.84) and number of sprays per plant (20.50) was observed in cultivar Calabria.