Journal of Applied Horticulture. 2001: 3(1): 48-50

Effect of spacing and nitrogen on flowering, flower quality and post harvest life of gladiolus

Bijimol, G; Singh, A K

Department of Horticulture, Nagaland University, Medziphema - 797 106, Nagaland, India.

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of spacing and nitrogen levels on flowering, flower quality and vase life of gladiolus cv. Red Beauty. Four spacings (15x30, 20x30, 25x30 and 30x30 cm) and four nitrogen rates (0, 100, 200 and 00 kg/ha) were taken. Corms planted at 25x30 cm and 200 kg N/ha significantly increased the diameter of spike, number of florets per spike, number of spikes per plant and number of spikes per ha and early emergence of spike under field conditions (Nagaland, India). Application of 200 kg N/ha also resulted in maximum length of spike and diameter of floret. However, early opening of flower was recorded with lower N rate (100 kg/ha), while length of floret with 300 kg N/ha. Spacing and N levels had significant effect on postharvest life of cut gladioli. Spacing 25x30 cm had striking effect on percent opening of florets per spike, number of open florets with drooping of minimum florets. N at 200 kg/ha had significant effect on percent opening of florets per spike, number of open florets per spike and water uptake during vase life.