SL.NO PROJECT PARTICULARS PAGE NO. Nos. (1) (2) (3) (4) centre... · 20. 4.6.1 Management of foot...

1

INDEX

SL.NO PROJECT Nos.

PARTICULARS PAGE NO.

(1) (2) (3) (4)

1. Back ground Information

2. Staff position and budget

3. Salient findings and recommendations

4. 1.5.1 Collection ,characterization, evaluation and maintenance

of Tropical orchid germplasm

5. 1.8.1 Collection, evaluation and maintenance of gerbera

germplasm

6. 1.13.1 Collection and evaluation of underexploited

ornamentals viz.,Heliconia (Heliconias sp.) and Bird

Paradise (Sterlitzia reginae)

7. 1.14.1 Collection and evaluation of cut fillers

(Asperagus,dracaena,gypsophila and ferns)

8.

1.14.2 Survey, collection and evaluation of native ornamentals

for commercial cultivation

9. 2.3.1 Testing of genotypes in tuberose

10. 2.4.1 Testing of new genotypes of marigold for loose flower

11. 3.5.1 Effect of organic supplement on growth and flowering

of orchids

12. 3.5.2 Effect of biofertilizers on growth and flowering of

orchids

13. 3.5.3 Effect of inorganic nutrients on growth and flowering of

orchids

14. 3.5.4 Effect of micronutrients on growth, development and

flowering of orchids

15. 3.9.1 Effect of coloured shade nets on cut foliage plant

(Asparagus plumosus and Nephrolepis)

16. 3.9.2 Efficacy of media incorporated with Pusa hydro gel on

growth and production of quality foliage plants

17. 4.1.1 Disease diagnostics in major ornamental crops of Assam

18. 4.3.1 Management of Fusarium wilt in gladiolus

19. 4.5.1 Management of tuberose leaf blight

20. 4.6.1 Management of foot and root rot disease in gerbera

21. 4.6.2 Management of leaf spot/blight disease in gerbera

22. 5.2.1 Standardization of packing techniques for flower strings

of marigold

23. 5.3.1 Standardization of postharvest treatment using boric

acid and sodium benzoate for improving postharvest life

of loose flowers of tuberose

24. 5.3.2 Standardization of packing techniques for flower strings

of tuberose

25. 5.3.3 Studies on use of food dyes for tinting in tuberose stems

26. 5.4.1 Identification of ornamental species for preparation of

value added dried products

27.

Meteorological data: Meteorological data during the

period April 2011 to March 2012 of experimental site

of AICRP (F), HRS (AAU), Kahikuchi centre

28. Research publication

2

ANNUAL REPORT, AICRP (F), (2015-16) AAU, KAHIKUCHI CENTRE

Back ground information:

Assam is said to be a natural paradise of many species of flora of tropical and sub-

tropical rain forest and accounts for approximately half of the total number of plant species

found in India. The forests of the region are extremely different in structure and composition

where the highest diversity in ecological habitats is found. The state is also representing an

important part of the Indo- Myanmar biodiversity hot spot, one of the 25 biodiversity

hotspots recognized globally. Wide genera of herbs, succulents, epiphytes, flowering trees,

shrubs and climbers of varied magnitude of utility are found growing wild in the forest of

plains and hills of the region. This has also been observed that many species of beautiful

flowers of annuals, foliar greens and their close relatives of wild are under semi cultivated

forms and also well abundant to different natural habitats of the region. With the growing

demand of flowers and foliar green in the international trade, consumers, preference for

novelty and alternate taste has also been accelerated. As the conventional breeding

programme could not bring an immediate change to the present status, exploiting these

natural fauna, that are extremely attractive in morphological variations, is the only mean to

fulfill the aspiration of wide range of consumers globally in short span of time. Exploitation

of the seasonal and perennial flowers from their wild habitats may also bring out certain

new taste and dimension to the trade of cut flowers, gardening and essence industries by

compounding manifold benefits to flower growers and entrepreneurs. The exploitation may

also help in conserving the unidentified species of wild that may otherwise have the possible

threat of illegal collection and extinction in the nature. The rehabilitation of threat species in

natural habitats may be possible by understanding their systematic study of growing

techniques and reproductive biology and by multiplying or regenerating them in large

numbers.

General Background about the Centre:

The research of fruit crops at Kahikuchi was initiated in the year 1957 with a scheme

on pineapple under the Department of agriculture, Govt. of Assam. The establishment was

named as Regional Fruit Research Station in the year 1960-61 after inclusion of research

schemes on Banana, Citrus and Temperate fruits. Later on, the Department of Agriculture,

Govt. of Assam, handed it over to Assam Agricultural University in 1973, and was named

as Horticultural Research Station (HRS). At present it has one sub-station for research on

coconut at Kharua under Nalbari district.

3

HRS Kahikuchi is located near LGB International Airport, Borjhar at a distance of

about 19 km from Guwahati Railway Station. The geographical location of the station lies at

20018' N Latitude and 91070 E' Longitude and 80.0 m above mean sea level. The area

receives an annual rainfall of about 2000 mm with the heaviest fall during June-July.

Periodic dry spell generally occurs from December to February. The maximum and

minimum temperature ranges from 19 -350C and 5 -25C, respectively. The Station covers

an area of 32.50 ha. The soil status is incepti sol, textural class of top soil: silt-clay to sandy

loam dominated having pH 4.40 - 5.60. Available N medium to high, Available P medium

and available K medium.

A series of basic and field oriented research on fruit crops like Banana, Coconut,

Assam lemon, Pineapple and indigenous fruits; vegetable crops like cole crops, tomato,

brinjal, okra, cucurbits etc.; spices like ginger, turmeric, black pepper, etc.; tuber crops like

colocasia and tapioca and aromatics like citronella and jasmine has already been

accomplished at this station since its inception.

In 2001, ICAR had recommended the Horticultural Research Station, Kahikuchi of

Assam Agricultural University as one of the mandatory research centers of All India

Coordinated Research Project on Floriculture. The centre has started functioning from April,

2001with the appointment of two scientists and two field staffs in the initial stage.

However, the strength has been increased by appointing another scientist (Plant pathologist)

on 24th April, 2002.

2. Staff position under the Scheme:

Sl.

No

Sanctioned post Person in Position /Date of

Joining

Approved

scale (Rs.)

Present Scale

(Rs.)

Remarks

1. One Scientist

Asstt.Floriculturis

t

Dr.S.K.Borah ,Pr. Scientist

Horticultural Research Station

(AAU) Kahikuchi,Guwahati-

781 017, Email:

sunilkborah @ gmail.com Ph 094353-00482 (M)

8,000-

13,500

37,400 -67,000

+ 10,000

In position

2. One Scientist

Asstt.

Horticulturist

Dr.P.Hatibarua,Pr.Scientist,

Horticultural Research

Station (AAU)

Kahikuchi,Guwahati17

Email: preetihb

[email protected] Ph: 09954647964 (M)

8,000-

13,500

37,400 -67,000

+ 10,000

In position

3. One Scientist

Asstt. Pl.

Pathologist

Dr.N.Mazumder, Sr.Scientist

Horticultural Research

Station (AAU) Kahikuchi ,

Guwahati-17

E-mail : nmazumder _66 @

8,000-

13,500

37,400 -67,000

+ 9,000

In position

4

rediffmail.com Ph: 09435198847 (M)

4. Two

Field men

Sri Dandi Kalita 3,760-

9,400 5,200/-20,200+

3,300

In position

5. Sri Pankaj Bhuyan 3,760-

9,400

In position

3. Budget Details:

Statement of Receipt & Expenditure during the period from 01.04.15 to 31.03.16

Funding Agent: ICAR Financial year: 2015-16

Sl.

No

.

Head of

Receipt &

Expenditure

Budget

allotment

during the

year,

2014-15

Fund receipt during the year 2015-

16

Expenditure incurred during the

year,2014-15

ICAR share

(75%)

State share

(25% )

Total

(100%)

ICAR

share

(75%)

State

share

(25% )

Total

(100%)

A

(i)Pay &

Allowances

13,00,000 46,75,081 15,58,360 62,33,441 39,36,394 13,12,131 52,48,525

(ii) Arrear

salary

B. T.A.

45,000

44,997 14,999 59,996.00 17,794 5,931 23,725

C.

Rec.Continge

ncy 3,15,000 3,14,475 1,04,825 4,19,300 1,81,957 60,652 2,42,609

D. NRC

22,00,000 22,00,000 7,33,333 29,33,333 - - -

Grand Total

(A+B+C+D+)

38,60,000 72,34,553 24,11,517 96,46,070 41,36,145 13,78,714 55,14,859

5

4. Salient findings:

A. Germplasm conservation and evaluation

(i) Collection, characterization, evaluation and maintenance Tropical orchids

All total 19 (Nineteen) species of different genera of Tropical orchids have been

collected from various locations of the forest of Assam.

(ii) Collection, evaluation and maintenance of gerbera germplasm

Eleven field grown gerberas viz., Red Gem, Red Monach, Jowahar, Delfi, Nadja,

Pink Melody, HRSG-OWC, HRSG-IP, HRSG- R-6, HRSG-R-12 and HRSG-PCC were

collected and raised in open field using black polythene during November 2016.

However, during the course of evaluation of six elite gerbera varieties under poly

house, revealed significantly differed characters from each other. Amongst the genotypes,

Elite was found superior in terms of number of leaves per plant (12.25), However in terms

of days to first flowering (104.75days), flower diameter (10.32cm) and stalk length

(48.78cm), variety Tecta was found superior than other varieties.These charecters were on

par with variety Reene and Loreto respectively.However, maximum number of plant

suckers per clump per year (3.30 nos.), was observed in Leroto.

(iii) Collection and evaluation of underexploited ornamentals viz. Heliconias

(Heliconias sp.) and Bird of Paradise (Sterlitzia reginae)

Heliconia: Amongst the entries the red heliconia took maximum days to first

emergence of flower (403.6 days).In respect of plant height the Red Heliconia registered

highest plant height (3.65 m), plant spread (2.48m, EW and2.78mNS), interval of leaf

production (65.20days), petiole length (1.17m), maximum number of shoots (19.20) per

clump per year and maximum fresh weight of inflorescence (445.5g) and longevity of spike

in plant (35.4 days). However maximum leaf numbers (14.40), highest length of flower

spike (46.20 cm) and flower stalk (31.40 cm) and maximum number of florets (13.00) per

6

spike were observed in Heliconia pendula .In respect of market acceptability as cut flower

Pink Heliconia, Bihai Yellow Dancer and Bihai Orange Dancer were found promising.

Bird of paradise: Among the two unknown accession (HRS-BOP-1 and HRS-BOP-2)

HRS-BOP-1 registered maximum number of inflorescences (7.20), suckers (6.20 no) after

5 yrs of planting. However, HRS-BOP-2 is yet to attain reproductive stage.

(iv) Collection and evaluation of fillers (Asparagus and Ferns):

A total of 22 species of ferns (both exotic and indigenous species) and 5 species of

Asparagus were collected and evaluated at Kahikuchi centre during 2013-14. The

performance of these ferns and Asparagus species based on their morphological traits,

vegetative growth and vase life studies is being carried out to find out their uses as indoor

potted plant, ground cover, and cut fillers .

B. CROP IMPROVEMENT

(i) Breeding and Testing of new genotypes of Marigold

Among the 17 marigold genotypes Cvs. Siracole and Pusa Arpita recorded the

highest seed germination (78.33 and 78.50 %, respectively). The tallest plants were

produced by the genotypes IIHRMY-4 and IIHRMY-5 (98.2 cm and 95.5 cm, respectively),

while IIHRMO-4IIHRFm-1 plants were the shortest (20 cm and 22.75 cm, respectively).

Maximum plant spread was recorded in plants of cv. Hajo Local Yellow (103.0 cm), while

the minimum was recorded in the genotypes IIHRMO-4 and IIHRMO-2 (30 cm and 33.0

cm, respectively), while IIHRMO-4 produced least no. of a mean primary branches per plant

(7.5). C. PLANT PROTECTION

(i) Disease diagnostic in bulbous ornamentals: Phoma polyanthis and Phoma tuberosa

were two new fungal pathogens identified causing leaf spot/bligt in both single and double

type of tuberose. In addition, three fungal pathogens causing foliar infection in gerbera

selected for cultivating in open conditions were identified. These were viz.,(i) Aschochyta

gerberae in Red Monarch, causes brownish blight originate either from the leaf tip or leaf

margin and proceeds towards midrib. (ii) Phoma glomarata in Red Monarch, (cause both

blight/ leaf spot) and (iii) Botryodiplodia theobromae in Red Gem causes leaf spot.

(ii) Management of Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. gladioli)wilt in gladiolus

Pre-storage and pre-planting treatment of corm with captan 0.2% + carbendazim

0.2% for 30 min followed by soil application of T. harzianum (10 g in 1 kg FYM for 10

7

m2) which registered less disease incidence of 16.67 per cent with the highest per cent

disease control (63.60%) .

(iii) Management of tuberose leaf blight (Alternaria polyanthi)

Spraying of Azoxystrobin 23 SC @ 0.1% or Difenconazole 25EC @ 0.1% or

Iprodione 25% + carbendazim 25% WP @ 0.1% were found effective in managing the leaf

spot disease of tuberose, which recorded significantly lowest disease incidence of 7.83,

8.91 and 10.25 per cent with highest per cent disease control of 76.24 , 73.04 and 68.99,

respectively.

(iv) Integrated management of foot and root rot (Phytopthora spp.) of gerbera

Soil drenching with metalaxyl 8% + mancozeb 64% WP @ 0.2% followed by

application of Neem cake colonized by Trichoderma harzianum @ 500 g/m2 one

month after the last soil drenching recorded lowest foot rot disease incidence of 16.37

per cent with high per cent disease control of 62.30 and highest production of flower

stalk (69.60/m2) as well as highest flower stalk length (50.11 cm).

(v) Management of leaf spot/blight (Phoma gerberae) of gerbera

Spraying of difenoconazole 25% EC @ 0.05% or azoxystrobin 23 SC @ 0.1% were

found effective for managing the leaf spot/blight disease of gerbera which recorded

significantly lowest disease incidence of 15.62, and 21.09 per cent with maximum per cent

disease control of 67.53, and 55.87 %, respectively over the check.

D. POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY.

(i) Standardization of packing techniques for flower strings of marigold:

Among the three packing treatments, flowers packed in Bamboo basket with paper

lining and ice pack in the centre (two baskets upside down of about 1.5 feet diameter with 1

foot depth) recorded highest PLW of flowers at 1, 2 and 3 days, respectively, compared to

the other two types of packing containers.

(ii)Standardization of postharvest treatment using boric acid and sodium benzoate for

improving post harvest life of loose flowers of tuberose

Amongst the treatment boric acid 5% (20.10% in 24 hrs and 28.23%in 48 hrs) and

sodium benzoate 50 ppm (20.85% in 24hrs and 45.10%in 48hrs) significantly maintained

maximum level of moisture content over control (25.73% in 24 hrs and 45.46 % in 48 hrs)

.The same level of treatment also significantly improved the storage period (49.33 hrs and

49.00 hrs respectively) over water spray control (40.33hrs).

(iii) Standardization of packing techniques for flower strings of tuberose:

Among the packing materials used, highest PLW (49.57 %) was recorded in tuberose

strings packed in Bamboo basket, followed by Thermocol box and CFB Box, which were at

8

par. Flowers remained fresh till day 1 in all cases. Tuberose strings packed in bamboo

basket remained fresh for a longer time because of more aeration due to gaps in the basket,

compared to the other two treatments. Wilting, browning of tips and edges of petals and

rotting ( 25 %), especially in the lower portions were observed on Day-2 in case of tuberose

flower strings packed inThermocol box and CFB Box. On Day-3, 30 % rotting of flowers

were observed in bamboo basket. Ice in pack melted and spoiled flowers making them

soggy, especially in CFB box and Thermocol box hastening rotting by facilitating growth of

microorganisms.

(iv) Use of food dyes for tinting in tuberose stems:

Maximum tinting intensity was observed on 1st day. On the 4th day of dipping, base

colour faded while tint remained on tips and edges. On the 5th day, flowers faded to white

in all the Food Dyes except Raspberry Red, 8% flowers still retained tinge of pink colour.

Tinting was observed up to the topmost florets of the rachis..

(v) Identification of ornamental species for preparation of value added dry products

In the initial approach 40 species of the ornamental plants found in Assam were

identified that could be exploited to be used for preparation of dry products for the dry

flower markets.

5. Experiment wise results

1. GERMPLASM CONSERVATION AND EVALUATION

Project No.1.5.1: Collection, characterization, evaluation and maintenance Tropical orchids

Duration: Long term (For the center 2015-16 onwards)

Objective: 1. To collect different native orchids by exploring from its natural habitats

2. To collect the commercial cultivars of cultivated genera and evaluate them to

explore the commercial feasibility.

Collection: During the year 2015-16 the following 19 species of different genera of orchids

were collected from different natural habitats of Assam (Table 1.5.1.1) and raised those in

natural condition under 50% shade net house.

Evaluation: During the year of reporting (2015-16) a hybrid, Aranda Kunga Gyatso

develoed by NRC, orchid, Pakyung was tested for its regional performance at the Kahikuchi

Centre.The average data of 5 plants on various parameters were presented in the table

(1.5.1.2)

Table 1.5.1.1: Collection of different Tropical orchid species at Kahikuchi centre, 2015-16

Sl no. Name of the orchids Number of Location of

9

specimen collected collection

1. Rhynchostylis spp. 10 Nambor forest

reserve

2. Aerides odoreta 25 -do-

3. Rattle snake orchid 3 -do-

4. Cymbidium olifolium 3 -do-

5. Dendrobium spp. 2 -do-

6. Coelogyne spp. 3 -do-

7. Dendrobium moschatum 7 -do-

8. Papilinantheteric 2 -do-

9. Dendrobium chrysotoxum 5 -do-

10. Phaius tankervilliae 5 -do-

11. Tixea warena 3 -do-

12. Micropla pelida 2 -do-

13. Bulbophyllum spp. 5 -do-

14. Geooum spp. 5 -do-

15. Unknown epiphytic spp 29 -do-

16. Paphiopedilum spp. 1 -do-

17. Dendrobium fimbriatum 3 -do-

18. Dedrobium jenkensii 4 -do-

19. Spathoglotis plicata 2 -do-

Evaluation: During the year of reporting a hybrid, Aranda Kunga Gyatso develoed by

NRC, orchid, Pakyung was tested for its regional performance at the Kahikuchi Centre.The

average data of 5 plants on various parameters were presented in the table

Table 1.5.1.2: Growth and reproductive parameters on Aranda Kunga Gyatso

Sl.

no

Characters/

plant

Plant-1 Plant-2 Plant-3 Plant-4 Plant-5 Average

1. Plant height(cm) 110 63.5 84 60 55.4 74.58

2. No of leaves 20 17 17 11 11 15.20

3. Date of first flowering #12.02.16 29.02 26.02 29.02 27.02 -

4. Inflorescence no/plant 3 3 3 2 2 2.60

5. Rachis Length(cm) 20 12.4 20.2 16.4 13.5 16.50

6. No of flowers/spike 5 5 5 5 4 4.80

7. Flower size(cm) 10.5/9.3 9.7/8.3 8.7/8 9.9/9.2 9.5/8.9

8. Pedicel length(cm) 4.2 4.8 4.0 4.5 4.7 4.64

9. Dorsal sepal size(cm) 4.8 4.7 4.7 4.3 4.6 4.62

10. Lateral sepal size(cm) 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.3 4.2 4.34

11. Petal size(cm) 5.0 4.8 4.9 5.0 4.8 4.90

12. Lip size(cm) 1.9 2.4 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.04

13. Spur length(cm) 1.1 1.3 1.6 1.3 1.4 1.34

14. Days to flower

withering

6 7 7 6 6 6.40

15. Vase life(days) *10.03.16

27.03.16

10.3.16

29.03.16

10.3.16

27.03.16

10.3.16

28. 3.16

10.3.16

**31.03.16

*Initial

** Final

#This is the first flash of bloom after planting

10

Project No.1.8.1: Collection, evaluation and maintenance of gerbera germplasm

Duration: Long term

Objectives:

1. To collect different cultivars and hybrids of gerbera from various indigenous and

exotic sources

2. To evaluate both single and double type separately and maintain and multiply the

promising one

3. To determine the region specific performance of promising Germplasm and to

select the Cultivars suitable for cut flower production.

Collection: During the year 2015-16, 11 field grown gerberas viz., Red Gem, Red

Monarch, Jawahar, Delphi, Nadja, Pink Melody, HRSG-OWC, HRSG-IP, HRSG-R-6 and

R-12, HRSG-PCCwere raised in open field using black polythene mulch during

November, 2015.

Evaluation: The earlier six varieties raised under polyhouse viz., Sonata, Renee, Loreto,

Tecta, Elite and Vilassar were investigated for various vegetative and reproductive traits and

their results were presented in the tables (1.8.1.1 to 1.8.1.3) .Among the screened varieties,

the various characters namely, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth ,plant

spread, number of suckers per plant, flowers per plant, duration of flowering ,length of

flower stalk, length and breadth of ray florets, number of flower stalk were found

significantly differed from each varieties. Amongst the six genotypes Elite was found

superior in terms of number of leaves per plant (12.25), However in terms of days to first

flowering (104.75days), flower diameter (10.32cm) and stalk length (48.78cm), variety

Tecta was found superior than other varieties.These charecters were on par with variety

Reene and Loreto respectively.However, maximum number of plant suckers per clump per

year (3.30 nos.), was observed in Leroto.

Table1.8.1.1: Growth attributing characters of evaluated gerbera germplasms at Kahikuchi

(2015-2016)

Variety Number

of

leaf/plant

Leaf

length (cm)

Leaf

breadth (cm)

Plant

spread (cm)

(E-W)

Plant

spread(cm) (N-S)

Number of

suckers/clu

mp/year

Reene 11.75 34.25 12.25 42.75 43.25 2.94 Sonata 10.50 29.25 9.12 39.00 40.25 2.71 Loreto 9.92 23.5 8.12 35.25 36.5 3.20 Vilassar 12.00 28 8.25 30.75 31.25 2.70 Elite 12.25 22.5 9.50 33.50 34.25 2.34 Tecta 9.75 35.75 9.37 40.50 41.5 2.88 S.Ed (±) 1.15 2.15

0.99

2.00 1.67 0.42

11

Table1.8.1.2: Growth attributing characters of evaluated gerbera germplasms at

Kahikuchi Centre (2015-2016)

Table1.8.1.3: Yield attributing characters of evaluated gerbera germplasms at Kahikuchi

centre (2015-2016)

Variety Clours of the flower head Vase life

(days)

Pest and Diseases reaction

(%)

Mite /

Thrips

Foot and root

rot

Reene Creamy white, circular pink

tinge disc, coffee centered

Double 25.40 16.50

Sonata Red orange, distinct ray and

disc florets, disc floret short

and compact

Double

32.50 19.00

Loreto Saffron, distinct ray and

disc florets, coffee centered

Double 50.00 1550

Tecta Ray florets deep yellow,

disc no colour variation

with ray, black centered

Double

32.9 06.00

Elite Orange, disc and ray florets

distinct, center creamy

greenish

Semi double

30.80 10.00

Vilassar Brick red, black centered Double 14.50

12.00

Project No.1.13.1: Collection and evaluation of underexploited ornamentals viz.,

CD(0.05) 2.51 4.70 2.17 4.37 3.60 0.93

Variety Days to

bud

burst

Days to

first

flower

opening

Flower

dia(cm)

Disc

dia(cm)

Length

of flower

stalk(cm)

Dia of

flower

stalk(cm)

No of

flowers/

plant/ye

ar

Reene

93.50 110.25 10.00 1.93 47.75 4.17 15.50 Sonata

98.75 117.00 8.77 2.37 47.00 2.37 14.00 Loreto

98.00 111.75 9.29 2.20 44.50 2.20 12.25 Vilassar

102.25 112.5 8.40 2.62 49.50 3.37 7.12 Elite

103.50 114.25 9.51 2.38 44.75 2.31 7.37 Tecta

82.75 104.75 10.08 2.24 46.75 3.10

16.75 S.Ed (±)

3.18 6.33 0.54 0.30 1.40 0.49 0.62

CD(0.05) 6.94 NS 1.18

0.66 3.05 1.07 1.37

12

Heliconias (Heliconias sp.) and Bird Paradise (Sterlitzia reginae)

Objective:

1. Conducting survey and collecting species and varieties of heliconas, ginger lily and bird

of paradise from all the available sources, both indigenous and exotic types.

2. Evaluation and collection for their performance as cut flowers under appropriate

conditions.

Duration: Five years

(A) Heliconias:

Collection: During the year of reporting 3 unknown species/variety were collected and

raised in the open spaced that accounted a total of eight collections from the center.

Results: In the year (2015-16), various traits on vegetative and reproductive parameters of

five collected Heliconia species/varieties were studied and their mean data were presented in

the tables (1.13.1.1 A, 1.13.1.1B and 1.13.1.1C). Amongst the entries the red haliconia took

maximum days to first emergence of flower (403.6 days).In respect of plant height the Red

Heliconia registered highest plant height (3.65 m), plant spread (2.48m, EW and2.78mNS),

interval of leaf production (65.20days), petiole length (1.17m), maximum number of shoots

(19.20) per clump per year and maximum fresh weight (445.5g) and longevity of spike in

plant(35.4 days). However maximum leaf numbers (14.40), highest length of flower spike

(46.20 cm) and flower stalk (31.40 cm) and maximum number of florets (13.00 nos) per

spike were observed in Heliconia pendula .In respect of market acceptability as cut flower

pink Heliconia,Bihai Yellow Dancer and Bihai Orange Dancer were ranked as 1st 2nd and

3rd respectively.

Table1.13.1.1: Performance of the Heliconiasdays) Species and varieties at Kahikuchi 2015-

16

(A) Vegetative characters

Sl

No Name of

the

spp./variety

Plant

height (m)

Plant

spread (m)

Leaf

length (cm)

Leaf

Breadth (cm)

No of

shoots /plant

Lengt

h of

petiole (cm)

Interva

l of

leaf

produc

tion (days)

Numbe

r of

leaves /plant

Shape, colour

and Texture of leaf

EW NS

1. Bihai

Yellow

Dancer

2.60 1.3

5 1.0

0 45.60 16.20 18.00 36.7 40.20 14.20 Green midrib,

light green,

glossy 2. Bihai

Orange Dancer

1.95 1.1

1 0.9

0 46.20 15.40 16.20 34.6 37.60 12.40 Green midrib,

light green,

glossy 3. Heliconia

pendula 2.46 1.6

5 1.4

0 71.15 13.30 17.20 67.4 37.70 14.40 Green midrib,

light green, rough groove

13

4. Pink

Heliconia 1.54 0.9

0 0.7

5 42.40 12.40 10.50 28.4 40.50 12.40 Green midrib,

light green

5. Red

Heliconia

3.65 2.4

8 2.7

8 36.2 27.8 19.20 117.4 65.20 9.80 Ovate,glossay

(B) Reproductive characters

Sl

No.

Name of the

spp./variety

Length

of

Spike

(cm)

Length

of

flower

stalk

(cm)

Girth

of

spike

at

base

(cm)

Inter

nodal

length

betwe

en

florets

(cm)

No of

florets

/bracts/

spike

Number

of spikes/

clump

/year

Days

from

spike

emerge

nce to

harvest

Longevity

of spike on

plants

(days)

1. Bihai Yellow

Dancer

42.20 31.20 6.10 3.70 6.20 14.50 30.25 24.00

2. Bihai

OrangeDanc

er

39.40 30.60 6.00 4.10 5.20 16.40 20.20 24.50

3. Heliconia

pendula

46.20 31.40 6.20 4.15 13.00 11.40 22.10 20.25

4. Pink

Heliconia

35.40 24.20 6.00 3.40 5.60 8.25 21.30 21.00

5. Red

Heliconia

37.60 30.40. 1.90 2.58 7.80 14.60 40.36 35.4

© Reproductive characters

Sl

No

.

Name of the

spp./variety

Nature

of

arrange

ment of

flowers

Presenc

e or

absence

of

branchi

ng

Interv

al of

spike

produ

ction

Size

of

floret

/bract

(cm)

Colour of

floret/bract

Fresh

weight

of

spike

(g)

Girth

of

spike at

base

(cm)

Incidence of

pests,

diseases and

disorder

1. Bahai

Yellow

Dancer

alternate Un

branch

Term

inal

flowe

ring

9.50/

12.60

Flower &

bract

yellow

245.70 5.45 No pests

incidence

2. Bahai

OrangeDanc

er

alternate Un

branch

Term

inal

flowe

ring

9.00/

11.40

Flower &

bract deep

orange

245.60 4.30 No pests

incidence

3. Heliconia

pendula

alternate Un

branch

- 8.00/

13.40

Bract

brick red&

flowers

greenish

yellow

400.50 4.20 Not

observed

14

4. Pink

Heliconia

opposite Un

branch

Term

inal

flowe

ring

10.00

/19.4

Bract pink

greenish

flower

yellow

265.30 4.10 Not

observed

5.

Red

Heliconia

alternate Un

branch

Term

inal

flowe

ring

17.96

/4.94

Strong

red-A

445.5 4.90 No

incidence

Figure: Unidentified

Figure: Red Heliconia

15

Figure: Bahai yellow Dancer

Figure: Heliconia pendulum

Figure: Pink heliconia Figure: Unidentified

16

Figure: Unidentified

(B) Bird of Paradise: As there are only five available species in the world the availability

of the species is very rare the market. Hence, during 2015-16, no new entries was added

to the earlier sole accession.

Result: Various observations on vegetative and reproductive traits of Strelitzia reginae

during 2015-16 was recorded and their mean data was presented in the table 1.13.1.2 (A),

1.13.1.2 (B) and 1.13.1.2 (C).It was observed that the number of spikes (7.20) increases

when the clump become older and the interval of spike emergence to harvest(40.20 days)

reduced than earlier years .

Table1.13.1.2: Performance of the Strelitzia Species at Kahikuchi 2015-16

(A) Vegetative characters

Sl

No.

Name of the

spp./variety

Plant

height

(cm)

Plant

spread

(m)

Leaf

length

(cm)

Leaf

Breath

(cm)

Petiole

length

(cm)

No of

Suckers

/plant

Nature of

leaf

arrangement

Number

of

leaves

/plant EW NS

1. Strelitzia

reginae(crane

lily)

125.40 1.65 1.20 34.50 16.40 38.20 6.20 Rosette 12.20

(B) Reproductive characters

Sl

No

.

Name of the

spp./variety

Length

of

Spike

(cm)

Length

Of

flower

stalk

(cm)

Girth

of

spike

at

base

(cm)

Inter

nodal

length

betwe

en

florets

(cm)

No of

florets

/bracts/

spike

Numbe

r of

spikes/

clump

/year

Days

from

spike

emergen

ce to

harvest

Longevity of

spike on

plants

(days)

1. Strelitzia 48.50 29.30 13.20 4.10 5.10 7.20 40.20 20.20

17

reginae(cran

e lily)

© Reproductive characters

Sl

No

.

Name of the

spp./variety

Days

from

spike

emerge

nce to

harvest

Presen

ce or

absenc

e of

branch

ing

Interv

al of

spike

produ

ction

Size

of

floret/

bract

(cm)

Colour

of

floret/br

act

Fresh

weight

of spike

(g)

Girth of

spike at

base

(cm)

Incidence of

pests,

diseases and

disorder

1. Strelitzia

reginae(cran

e lily)

32.20 No

branch

ing

35.4 11.50/

15.20

Bracts

orange

and

flower

blue

600.00 12.20 Browning

and

incurving of

leaf margin.

Root rot is

very

prevalent

Experimental view Bird of paradise

Project No.1.14.1: Collection and evaluation of fillers (asparagus, dracaena and ferns)

Duration: 5 years

Year of start at Kahikuchi Centre: 2012

18

Objective: To collect and evaluate the fillers for studing the suitability to grow them under

agro-climatic condition of Assam for the use as potted and cut foliages.

Botanical description of the 22 species of ferns studied has been furnished below

(Table 1.14.1.1. and 1.14.1.2).Pooled results of three years (2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15)

showed that NephrolepisRita’s Gold, N. cordifolia (ladder fern), N. biserrata ‘Furcans’

recorded maximumplant height (155.3cm, 100.9 cm and 91.37cm, respectively) and EW

and NSplant spread (between 60cm to122 cm).They alsoshowedsignificant leaf production

(above 100 to 150 no. of leaves /plant /year) as well as good vase life (above 9 days) and

therefore,are suitable as tall potted foliage plant as well as cut foliage (Table 1.14.1.3) Fern

species with smaller plants (height-35-40 cm, plant spread- 35-40 cm) such as Adiantum

formosum, A capillus veneris, N. exaltata “Fluffy Ruffles’, Nephrolepsis biserrata furcans

miniata, Blechnum are suitable asdwarf potted plants.

.

Among the 22 fern species studied the following six fernsviz.,Asplenium

scolopendrium( Wart fern), Nephrolepsis biserrata ‘Furcans’, N. cordifolia,

Nephrolepis‘Rita,s Gold’showed longer vase life in the range of 9.1 to 9.17 days. Similarly

Drynaria quercifolia (Oakleaf fern), Nephrolepsis exaltata “Fluffy Ruffles’,

Rumohraregistered vase life between 8.07 to12.03 days. Thus due to their attractiveleaf

colour and shape, long petioles and sturdy stems, they may be considered suitable as cut

foliage.

Asplenium nidus (Bird’s nest fern)showed slow growth and less leaf production but

attractive sword-shaped light green long-lasting leaves on plant,similar characteristiec

wrew also shown by Drynaria quercifolia(Oak leaf fern/ Basket fern)both were found

suitable for growing as hanging busket.

On the contrary, Rumohra (leatherleaf fern) and Adiantum formosum require cold,

fairly dry climate .They cannot withstand high humidity and temperature, heavy rain of

Assam condition, which resulted high mortality, therefore, they are not suitable for Assam

conditions. Similarly, many native wild ferns of NER, (Species of Adiantum, Lygodium)

although attractive and can used as potted plants but they cannot withstand drought

conditions (October –February) which lead to high mortality. Hence,it was difficult to

maimtain as potted plant without replanting every year. Finally different Fern species have

been categorised into various groups for growing in different situations (Table 1.14.1.10).

Three new unidentified fern species have been collected during 2015-16 (Table 1.14.1.11)

Recommendation: Following different Fern species have been categorised into various

groups for growing in different situations

19

i).As cut foliage: Nephrolepis Rita’s Gold, N. cordifolia (ladder fern), N. biserrata

‘Furcans’

ii).Dwarf potted plants: Adiantum formosum, A capillus veneris, N. exaltata “Fluffy Ruffles’,

Nephrolepsis biserrata furcans miniata

iii).As Tall potted plant: Nephrolepis ‘Rita, s Gold’, N. cordifolia, N. biserrata ‘Furcans’

iv).As Hanging basket: Drynaria, Polypodium diversifolium (Wart’s fern) (epiphytic), A.

nidus, Platycerium alcicorne(Staghorn fern), Davallia fejeensis (Harefoot fern)

v).AsGround cover: Nephrolepis “Rita’s Gold’, N. C, Nephrolepsis biserrata furcans

miniata (finer one) , Nephrolepsis biserrata ‘Furcans’

0

Table 1.14.1.1: Description of different fern species at Kahikuchi (2015-16)

Sl.

No.

Species Common

name

Family Description Use Source

1. Nephrolepis

cordifolia

Wild

Boston

fern,

Tuber

ladder

fern/

Fishbone

fern

Lomariopsidaceae/

Nephrolepidaceae

Tufted fern with three feet (90 cm) tall, feather-like

fronds. The end of each division of the leaf usually split

into two. New plants form on creeping rhizomes. The

fronds are 50–250 cm long and 6–15 cm broad, with

alternate pinnae (the small "leaflets" on either side of

the midrib), each pinna being 2–8 cm long. The pinnae

are generally deltoid, The pinnate vein pattern is also

visible on these highly compound leaves. The edges

appear slightly serrate. The species has erect fronds.

Indoor Potted

plant, ground

cover, cut

foliage

Nursery,

Guwahati

2. Nephrolepis

exaltata

‘Fluffy

Ruffles’ syn N.

exaltata’,

Bostoniensis

compacta’

‘Fluffy

Ruffles’

Lomariopsidaceae/

Nephrolepidaceae

One of the many mutant forms of Nephrolepis exaltata.

The plants have a compact habit that forms dense

clumps with narrowly triangular fronds having a ruffled

appearance. Individual fronds are up 12 inches (30 cm)

long by 4 inches (10 cm) wide.

Indoor Potted

plant, hanging

basket, ground

cover, cut

foliage

- do -

3. Nephrolepis

cordifolia

'Lemon

Buttons'

(Button Sword

Fern) -

Button

sword fern

Lomariopsidaceae/

Nephrolepidaceae

A cultivar of the common sword fern, Nephrolepis

cordifolia. It grows to just under 1 foot tall with 10 inch

long by 1 inch wide fronds bearing a single row of small

rounded leaves (pinnae) on each side of the frond. An

attractive and useful shade plant for an accent in a rock

garden or as a small edging plant.

Indoor Potted

plant, ground

cover, cut

foliage

- do –

4. Nephrolepis

cordifolia

'Lemon

Buttons'

Button

sword

fern-

branching

Lomariopsidaceae/

Nephrolepidaceae

a cultivar of the common sword fern, Nephrolepis

cordifolia. It grows to just under 1 foot tall with 10 inch

long by 1 inch wide fronds bearing a single row of small

rounded leaves (pinnae) on each side of the frond.The

Indoor Potted

plant, ground

cover, cut

foliage

-do-

1

(Button Sword

Fern) – with

branched tips

tips tips have 5-6 branches.

5. Nephrolepis

‘ Rita,s Gold’

‘Ritas

Gold’ TM

Boston

fern

Lomariopsidaceae/

Nephrolepidaceae

Plants have more compact growth than Boston fern,

golden leaved (chartreuse yellow) fronds in clumps. 1-3

feet in height, 1-3 feet in width. Plants have weeping

growth habit, suitable for hanging basket.

Indoor Potted

plant, hanging

basket, ground

cover, cut

foliage

- do -

6. Nephrolepis

‘Verona Lace’

‘Verona

Lace’

Lomariopsidaceae/

Nephrolepidaceae

Very finely cut, light green lacy fronds. Compact plants,

weeping growth habit suitable for hanging basket.

Indoor Potted

plant, hanging

basket, ground

cover, cut

foliage

- do -

7. Nephrolepis

biserrata/

falcata

‘Furcans’

Fishtail

Sword

fern

Lomariopsidaceae/

Nephrolepidaceae

Tufted fern with three feet (90cm) tall, feather-like

fronds, the end of each division of the leaf usually split

into two, like fish-tail. New plants form on creeping

rhizomes.

Indoor Potted

plant, hanging

basket, ground

cover, cut

foliage

- do -

8. Nephrolepis

biserrata

furcans

miniata

Miniature

fishtail

sword

fern/

‘Fancy

Frills’TM

fishtail

fern

Lomariopsidaceae/

Nephrolepidaceae

Tufted fern with shorter and finer feather-like fronds

than Nephrolepsis biserrata /falcata ‘Furcans’. The end

of each division of the leaf usually split into two, like

fish-tail. New plants form on creeping rhizomes.

Indoor Potted

plant, hanging

basket, ground

cover, cut

foliage

- do -

9. Adiantum

capilus-veneris

Maidenhai

r fern

Pteridaceae Short stems bearing clouds of ovate-triangular pinnae;

found growing in shaded, constantly moist, cool

conditions. Dies during dry season.

Indoor Potted

plant, ground

cover

Wild,

Guwahati,

Assam

10. Adiantum Black Pteridaceae Large ovate-triangular pinnae,borne on black stems; Indoor Potted Nursery,

2

formosum

stem

Maiden

hair

fern/Delta

fern /

Diamond

maiden

hair fern

/Giant m.

fern

thrives in shaded, constantly moist, cool conditions plant, Guwahati

11. Polypodium

scolopendrium/

Polypodium

diversifolium

Wart fern Polypodiaceae Large tropical fern growing from widely creeping

woody furry rhizomes. Dark glossy, leathery pinnate

fronds 2-3 ‘long with large bumpy spores. Rhizomes

rise above the rims of the pot mixture.

Indoor Potted

plant, ground

cover, cut

foliage

Wild,

Guwahati,

Assam

12. Lygodium

flexuosum

(Lygodiaceae)

Climbing

fern

Lygodiaceae Climbing fern, unusual in that the rachis, or midrib, of

the frond is thin, flexible, and long, the frond unrolling

with indeterminate growth and the rachis twining

around supports, so that each frond forms a distinct

vine. The fronds may be from 3-12 m long, depending

on the species.

Indoor Potted

plant

Wild,

Guwahati,

Assam

13. Asplenium

nidus syn.

Phyllitis nidus

Bird’s nest

fern

Aspleniaceae Large, sword like, simple fronds growing to 50-150 cm

long and 10-20 cm broad. They are light green, often

crinkled, with a black midrib, and exhibit circinate

venation. Spores develop in sori on the underside of the

fronds. These sori form long rows extending out from

the midrib on the back of the outer part of the lamina

(frond). The fronds roll back as they brown and create a

massive leaf nest in the branches and trunks of trees.

Indoor Potted

plant, hanging

basket,

Wild,

Guwahati,

Assam

14. Asplenium

scolopendrium

Undulating

Hart’s Tongue

Aspleniaceae Clumps of evergreen horizontal tongues, fronds have

gentle waves, or undulations along the front.

Indoor Potted

plant, bedding

Nursery

3

undulatum

Syn. Phyllitis

scolopendrium

undulatum

fern plant, cut

foliage

15. Not identified Plastic

fern

- Small fern with fine, blue green, brittle fronds. Dies

during dry season.

Indoor Potted

plant,

Nursery

16. Rumohra

adiantiformis

Leatherlea

f fern/

Florist

fern

Elaphoglossaceae evergreen fern has triangular-shaped, dark glossy

green, medium-textured leaflets arising from a central

clump. The bold, heavy, leathery fronds, sometimes

three feet high, are of unsurpassed keeping quality when

cut and are much prized for use in floral arrangements.

The fronds of genus Rumohra contain round sori

(reproductive clusters) on the underside of the pinnae

(leaflets) unlike many other ferns which have separate

specialized reproductive fronds. Plants spread by means

of a rusty-red, aboveground stolon and eventually form

dense mats of lacy foliage, making Leatherleaf Fern

ideal forground cover use in shaded locations.Dies

during dry season.

Indoor Potted

plant, hanging

basket, ground

cover, cut

foliage

Nursery

17. Drynaria

quercifolia

Oak leaf

fern/

Basket

fern

Polypodiaceae Characterized by the presence of two types of fronds,

fertile foliage fronds and sterile nest fronds. The dark

green foliage fronds are large, 2–4 feet (0.61–1.2 m)

long, with elongated stalks. They are deeply lobed or

pinnate (14-16 pinnae) winged, and bearsori (structures

producing and containing spores) on the bottom

surfaces.

The nest fronds are smaller rounded leaves basal to the

foliage fronds. They do not bear sori and are persistent,

not being shed after turning brown and dying. They

form a characteristic 'basket' that collect litter and

Indoor Potted

plant, hanging

basket, growing

on tree trunks,

branches, posts

(epiphytic,

lithophytic )

Wild,

Guwahati,

Assam

4

organic debris, hence the common name. The collected

debris decomposes into humus, providing the plants

with nutrients it would otherwise not have received

from being suspended above the ground.

Both frond types grow from rhizomes typically

anchored to a tree or a rock. Drynaria rhizomes are

creeping, densely covered in brown scales. Dies during

dry season

18. Lygodium

palmatum

American

climbing

fern

Lygodiaceae Climbing fern with broad, palm like fronds with 5

pinnate. The rachis or midrib, of the frond is thin,

flexible, and long, the frond unrolling with

indeterminate growth and the rachis twining around

supports, so that each frond forms a distinct vine. Dies

during dry season.

Summer indoor

potted plant,

ground cover

Wild,

Guwahati,

Assam

19. Lygodium spp. A native

Terrestial

fern

Lygodiaceae A Terrestrial fern species found in NE India, with

luxuriant growth in humid spring-rainy season, growth

poor in dry autumn and winter season. Fronds feather

shaped, numbers of pinnae long and narrow,

alternately arranged on midrib, pinnae petioles

encircling the midrib. The topmost pinnae longest; in

immature fronds, the tip of topmost pinna ends in a

inward curling cluster. The basal 10-12 pinnae very

short and rounded. Suitable as shade loving potted plant

and cut foliage filler in flower arrangements. Dies

during dry season.

Summer indoor

potted plant,

ground cover

wild,

Guwahati,

Assam

20. Davallia

fejeensis

Hare’s

foot fern/

deer’s foot

fern

Davalliaceae Epiphytic ferns, with fronds arising from long aerial

furry rhizomes which grow on and over thick bark on

trees or on rock crevices. Roots develop from the

rhizomes, and penetrate into the growth substrate. The

fronds are triangular in shape and about 1½ feet long by

Indoor potted

plants, hanging

baskets

Nursery

5

1 foot wide. They divide into three to four pinnae which

subdivide into many pinnules.

21. Not identified

yet

A native

Terrestrial

fern

- A Terrestrial fern species found in NE India, with

luxuriant growth in humid spring-rainy season, growth

poor in dry autumn and winter season. Two pinnae

arising from nodes in opposite manner. Pinna trident

shaped/three-pronged, with middle one elongated. Dies

during dry season.

Indoor potted

plants for

summer-rainy

season

Wild,

Guwahati,

Assam

22. Staghorn fern

(Platycerium

alcicorne)

Epiphytic Polypodiaceae Tufted roots growing from a short rhizome. Bear two

types of fronds, basal fronds, viz., shield or kidney

shaped, dry, brown fronds that protect the roots, and

fertile fronds which bear spores on their undersurface

and are large, branched, antler shaped,. The upper parts

of fertile fronds are dark green in colour, divided or

branched, and stand erect or upright. There are ten-

twelve or more fertile fronds.

Hanging basket Kalimpong

nursery,

North

Bengal,

Jungles

Assam

0

Table 1.14.1.4: Plant characters of different fern species at Kahikuchi during 2015-16

Sl.

No.

Fern species Nature of

leaf margin

Nature of

leaf tip

Markings,

pigments,

foliar colour

etc

plant

quality

rating

Branching

habit

Presence

of flowers

and type

Tolerance/incidence

of pests and diseases

1. Nephrolepis cordifolia Serrated Straight,

pointed

Green Very Good No branching No

flowers

No

2. Nephrolepsis exaltata

“Fluffy Ruffles’syn

‘Bostoniensis compacta’

Ruffled Curled

inwards

Green Very good No

branching

No

flowers

No pests, some

incidence (%) of leaf

rotting

3. Nephrolepis cordifolia

'Lemon Buttons' (Button

Sword Fern) -

Ruffled Pointed Green Very good No branching No

flowers

No pests and diseases

4. Nephrolepis cordifolia

'Lemon Buttons' (Button

Sword Fern) – with

branched tips

Ruffled Bifurcating,

plume like

tips

Green,

lightgreen

younger

lfronds

Very good Branching

tips

No

flowers


5. Nephrolepis ‘ Rita,s Gold’ Ruffled Curled

inwards

Green golden Very good No branching No

flowers

No pests, some

incidence of fungal

leaf rotting

6. Neph ‘Verona Lace’ Ruffled Curled

inwards

Light green Very good No

branching

No

flowers

Rotting of base,

fungal

7. Nephrolepsis biserrata

‘Furcans’

Ruffled Pointed Green Very good No branching No

flowers


8. Nephrolepsis biserrata

furcans miniata (finer one)

Serrated Pointed Lighter green Very good No branching No

flowers


9. Adiantum capillus-veneris - - Green Medium,

dies in

No

branching

No

flowers

No pests and diseases,

drying up in winter

1

winter

10. Adiantum formosum - - Green fair, dries

up on

receiving

too mch

water

No branching No

flowers


drying up in winter

11. Polypodium

diversifolium(Wart’s

fern)(epiphytic)

Smooth,

leathery

Straight,

pointed

Green No branching No

flowers


drying up in winter

12. Lygodium flexuosum

(climbing fern)

Smooth Straight,

Pointed

Light green Fair,

Dries up in

winter

Climbing

fern,

branching

No

flowers


some leaves dry up in

winter

13. Asplenium nidus

Syn. Phyllitis nidus (Bird’s

nest fern)

Smooth Slightly

rounded

point

Darker green Very good No

branching

No

flowers


14 Asplenium scolopendrium

undulatum syn. Phyllitis

colopendrium

undulatum(Undulating

hart’s Tongue fern)

Wavy Slightly

rounded

Green Very good No branching No

flowers

No pests, Blackening

of leaves due to fungal

infectionin winter,

controlled with Saaf

(0.2%)

15. Plastic fern Smooth Pointed Light green good No branching No

flowers

Rotting of leaves,

fungal

16. Leatherleaf fern Ruffled Pointed Green Very good No branching No

flowers


17. Oak leaf fern(epiphytic) - Rounded Green foliage

fronds, dry,

brown nest

fronds

Very good

as hanging

basket, on

branch

No branching No

flowers


18. Lygodium palmatum

(American climbing fern)

- Pointed Green Good

As potted

Climbing,

branching

No

flowers

Thrives in humid

condition, dries up in

2

plant winter

19. Native Terrestial fern,

(featherlike frond with long

narrow pinnae)

- Pointed Dark green Very good

as potted

plant

No branching No

flowers

Thrives in humid

condition, dries up in

winter

20. Davallia fejeensis - Pointed Green Very good No branching No

flowers



(trident shaped frond)

Smooth Pointed No branching No

flowers

Dries up in winter

22. Staghornfern Smooth Pointed Pale green Hanging

basket,

potted plant

Branched No

flowers


noticed so far, fertile

green fronds start

developing and

growing luxuriantly

from spring season

onwards.

0

Table 1.14.1.2: Plant characters of different fern species at Kahikuchi (contd.)

Sl.

No.

Fern species Plant height (cm) Plant spread (cm)

12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled 12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled

1. N. cordifolia 76.0 114.0 112.7 100.9 83.33 110.4 108.7 100.81

2. Nephrolepsis

exaltata “Fluffy

Ruffles’

42.5 44.3 42.4 43.07 60.6 64.3 65.0 63.3

3. N. cordifolia

'Lemon Buttons' 62.6 68.4 65.6 65.53 22.4 34.1 33.8 30.1

4. N. cordifolia

'Lemon Buttons' –

branching tips

36.5 39.5 42.4 39.47 46.8 48.9 45.5 47.07

5. Nephrolepis ‘

Rita,s Gold’ 155.8 157.8 152.3 155.3 30.2 36.4 108.4 58.33

6. N. ‘Verona Lace’ 33.6 32.4 34.5 33.5 63.2 65.6 60.0 62.93

7. N. biserrata

‘Furcans’ 67.0 105.7 101.4 91.37 82.8 122.9 118.8 108.17

8. N. biserrata

furcans

miniata(finer one)

21.67 47.4 44.6 37.89 31.67 57.7 54.4 47.92

9. Adiantum capillus-

veneris 12.2 15.8 14.7 14.23 14.5 18.5 17.6 16.87

10. Adiantum

formosum 27.0 30.0 26.8 27.93 27.5 30.3 31.7 29.83

11. Polypodium

diversifolium 52.6 54.6 38.4 48.53 45.6 46.5 44.5 45.53

12. Lygodium

flexuosum 41 42.2 32.3 38.5 6?? 114.4 110.0

13. Asplenium nidus

Syn. Phyllitis

nidus

42 68.2 56.7 55.63 32.2 90.7 88.4 70.43

14. Asplenium

scolopendrium

undulatum syn.

Phyllitis

colopendrium

undulatum

37.0 47.3 43.4 42.56 32.0 40 42.2 38.07

15. Plastic fern 41.0 42.6 35.7 39.6 49.75 49.9 45.4 48.35

16. Rumohra

adiantiformis 27.8 36.2 34.7 32.9 40.33 42.4 35.5 39.41

17. Drynaria

quercifolia 95.5 95.7 94.6 95.27 16 20.2 25.4 20.53

18. Lygodium

palmatum

65 81.4 76.5 74.3 37 39.8 42.2 39.67

19. Lygodium (native

terrestial fern, long

narrow pinnae)

52 58.8 65.0 58.6 38.7 40.6 35.5 38.27

1

20. Davallia fejeensis 32.2 36.8 35.4 34.8 34.6 38.7 35.4 36.23

21. Native Terrestial

fern, trident shaped

pinnae

51.6 57.4 54.6 54.53 14.4 15.6 14.7 14.9

22. Staghorn fern - 49.8 45.7 47.75 - 34.2 33.3 33.75

S. Ed. (±) 1.8 1.37 2.4 1.98

CD (0.05) 3.7 2.76 4.9 4.00


Sl.

No.

Fern species Leaf lamina length (cm) Petiole length (cm)

12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled 12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled

1. N. cordifolia 72.0 74.2 72.3 72.83 12.0 7.0 6.9

2. Nephrolepsis

exaltata “Fluffy

Ruffles’

45.7 45.4 44.4 45.17 7.5 7.5 7.45 7.48

3. N. cordifolia

'Lemon Buttons' 62.1 60.4 58.8 60.43

4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6

4. N. cordifolia

'Lemon Buttons' –

braching tips

33.6 33.3 32.5 33.13

9.7

9.6 9.4 9.57

5. Nephrolepis ‘

Rita,s Gold’ 33.6 33.8 32.7 33.37 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8

6. N. ‘Verona Lace’ 33.4 32.1 31.5 32.33 4.2 4.3 4.2 4.23

7. N. biserrata

‘Furcans’ 51.87 55.5 57.6 54.99 33.0 33.5 34.2 33.57

8. N. biserrata

furcans

miniata(finer one)

22.5 21.8 20.8 21.7 6.0 10.4 8.0 8.13


veneris 7.6 7.7 7.5 7.6 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.37

10. Adiantum

formosum 24.0 22.5 20.4 22.3 7.33 7.3 7.1 7.24

11. Polypodium

diversifolium 15.5 50.5 48.4 38.13 23.6 23.6 22.8 23.33

12. Lygodium

flexuosum 4.4 4.7 4.6 4.57 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.73

13. Asplenium nidus

Syn. Phyllitis

nidus

41.5 42.2 40.4 41.37 2.8 2.8 2.6 2.73

14. Asplenium

scolopendrium

undulatum syn.

Phyllitis

colopendrium

undulatum

33.4 33.6 32.5 33.17 19.0 19.0 18.5 18.83

15. Plastic fern 31.0 30.7 28.4 30.03 18.6 18.7 18.4 18.57

16. Rumohra

adiantiformis 35.6 35.8 34.6 35.33 10.5 14.5 14.0 13.0

2

17. Drynaria

quercifolia 76.67 76.9 75.0 76.19 24.4 23.8 24.0 24.07

18. Lygodium

palmatum

7.6 7.4 7.3 74.33 4.0 4.0 4.1 4.0

19. Lygodium(native


narrow pinnae)

25.2 25.3 27.5 26.0 12.67 12.7 14.1 13.17




pinnae

24.4 24.2 25.4 24.67 12.66 12.4 12.2 12.42

22. Staghorn fern - 35.4 34.5 34.95 - 1.5 1.6 1.55

S. Ed. (±) - 2.2 1.20 1.1

CD (0.05) - 4.4 2.43 2.2


Sl.

No.

Fern species

Leaf spread

(cm)

Leaves per plant/yr

12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled 12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled

1. N. cordifolia 4.5 4.4 4.4 4.43 154.33 166.7 150.4 157.14

2. Nephrolepsis

exaltata “Fluffy

Ruffles’

20.2 20.2 19.5 19.97 112.2 168.4 158.7 146.43

3. N. cordifolia

'Lemon Buttons' 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.73 45.0 162.2 154.4 120.53

4. N. cordifolia

'Lemon Buttons' –

braching tips

6.4 6.4 6.5 6.43 155.33 153.4 150.3 153.01

5. Nephrolepis ‘

Rita,s Gold’ 14.4 14.5 14.2 14.37 48.3 231.3 222.8 167.47

6. N. ‘Verona Lace’ 16.6 16.5 15.4 16.17 32.2 222.0 209.8 154.67

7. N. biserrata

‘Furcans’ 13.07 12.8 12.8 12.89 90.74 105.7 101.7 99.38

8. N. biserrata

furcans

miniata(finer one)

5.2 7.9 7.7 6.93 17.0 158.4 145.4 106.93


veneris 3.0 3.2 3.2 3.13 5.8 28.9 20.4 18.37

10. Adiantum

formosum 5.67 5.7 5.6 5.66 9.67 24.7 23.6 19.32

11. Polypodium

diversifolium 8.8 26.4 25.5 20.23 38.2 62.4 50.7 50.43

12. Lygodium

flexuosum 3.6 3.8 3.8 3.73 10.2 27.8 25.4 21.13

13. Asplenium nidus 7.4 9.1 8.9 8.47 11.7 8.3 7.5 9.17

3

Syn. Phyllitis

nidus

14. Asplenium

scolopendrium

undulatum syn.

Phyllitis

colopendrium

undulatum

6.6 6.7 6.5 6.6 5.4 38.0 35.4 26.2

15. Plastic fern 4.78 4.7 4.7 4.73 25.0 25.0 24.5 24.83

16. Rumohra

adiantiformis 15.7 15.2 15.0 15.3 78.0 71.8 67.4 72.4

17. Drynaria

quercifolia

44 43.8 42.2 43.33

12.2

green

leaves,

10.8

nest/

basket

leaves

10.9

green

leaves,

9.4

nest/

basket

leaves

11.2

green,

10

basket

leaves

11.43,

10.07

18. Lygodium

palmatum

4.4 4.3 4.2 4.3 40.8 42.8 40.5 41.37

19. Lygodium(native


narrow pinnae)

14.4 14.1 14.3 14.27 65.0 63.3 55.0 61.1

20. Davallia fejeensis - 6.5 6.6 - 10.0 11.5 10.75



pinnae

4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 66.4 62.2 58.7 62.43

22. Staghorn fern - 4.7 4.5 4.6 - 15.2 14.5 14.85

S. Ed. (±) 0.74 2.2 1.9 1.9

CD (0.05) 1.49 4.4 3.9 3.9


Sl.

No.

Fern species

PetioleLength

(cm)

Petiole girth (cm)

12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled 12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled

1. N. cordifolia 12.0 7.0 6.9 8.63 0.2 0.24 0.23 0.22

2. Nephrolepsis exaltata

“Fluffy Ruffles’ 7.5 7.5 7.45 7.48 0.5 0.52 0.33 0.45

3. N. cordifolia 'Lemon

Buttons' 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 0.20 0.21 0.20 0.20

4. N. cordifolia 'Lemon

Buttons' –braching tips 9.7 9.6 9.4 9.57 0.28 0.30 0.29 0.29

5. Nephrolepis ‘Rita, s

Gold’ 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.34

6. N. ‘Verona Lace’ 4.2 4.3 4.2 4.23 0.20 0.22 0.23 0.22

7. N. biserrata

‘Furcans’ 1.85 33.5 34.2 0.3 0.30 0.30 0.30

4

8. N. biserrata furcans

miniata(finer one) 6.0 10.4 11.0 9.13 0.35 0.35 0.34 0.35


veneris 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.37 0.3 0.32 0.31 0.31

10. Adiantum formosum 7.33 7.3 7.1 7.24 0.35 0.35 0.32 0.34

11. Polypodium diversifolium 23.6 23.6 22.8 23.3 0.40 0.42 0.40 0.41

12. Lygodium flexuosum 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.77 0.4 0.40 0.41 0.40

13. Asplenium nidus

Syn. Phyllitis nidus 2.8 2.8 2.6 2.73 1.0 1.00 1.1 1.03

14. Asplenium scolopendrium


colopendrium undulatum

19.0 19.0 18.5 18.83 0.40 0.4 0.38 0.39

15. Plastic fern 18.6 18.7 18.4 18.57 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29

16. Rumohra adiantiformis 10.5 14.5 14.0 13.0 0.29 0.28 0.28 0.28

17. Drynaria quercifolia 24.4 23.8 24.0 24.07 0.4 0.42 0.43 0.42


4 4.0 4.1 4.03 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25

19. Lygodium(native


narrow pinnae)

12.67 12.7 14.1 13.16 0.2 0.22 0.22 0.22



trident shaped pinnae 12.66 12.4 12.2 12.42 0.28 0.27 0.25 0.27

22. Staghorn fern - 1.5 1.6 1.55 - 0.47 0.46 0.47

S. Ed. (±) - 1.1 0.43 0.77 - 0.03 0.04

CD (0.05) - 2.2 0.87 1.54 - 0.52 0.08


Sl.

No.

Fern species

Petiole girth (cm) Leaves per plant/yr

12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled 12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled

1. N. cordifolia 0.2 0.24 0.23 0.22 154.33 166.7 150.4 157.14

2. Nephrolepsis

exaltata “Fluffy

Ruffles’

0.5 0.52 0.33 0.52 166.33 168.4 158.7 164.48

3. N. cordifolia

'Lemon Buttons' 0.20 0.21 0.20 0.20 160.0 162.2 154.4 158.87

4. N. cordifolia

'Lemon Buttons' –

braching tips

0.28 0.30 0.29 0.29 155.33 153.4 150.3 153.01

5. Nephrolepis ‘

Rita,s Gold’ 0.35 0.34 0.33 0.34 225.33 231.3 222.8 226.48

6. N. ‘Verona Lace’ 0.20 0.22 0.23 0.22 220.57 222.0 209.8 217.46

7. N. biserrata

‘Furcans’ 0.3 0.30 0.30 0.30 108.67 105.7 101.7 105.36

8. N. biserrata

furcans

miniata(finer one)

0.35 0.35 0.34 0.35 155 158.4 145.4 152.93

5


veneris 0.3 0.32 0.31 0.31 26.37 28.9 20.4 25.22

10. Adiantum

formosum 0.35 0.35 0.32 0.34 20.67 24.7 23.6 22.99

11. Polypodium

diversifolium 0.40 0.42 0.40 0.41 53.67 62.4 50.7 55.59

12. Lygodium

flexuosum 0.4 0.40 0.41 0.40 22.73 27.8 25.4 25.31

13. Asplenium nidus

Syn. Phyllitis

nidus

1.0 1.00 1.1 1.03 5.63 8.3 7.5 7.14

14. Asplenium

scolopendrium

undulatum syn.

Phyllitis

colopendrium

undulatum

0.40 0.4 0.38 0.39 36.0 38.0 35.4 36.47

15. Plastic fern 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 20.5 25.0 24.5 23.33

16. Rumohra

adiantiformis 0.29 0.28 0.28 0.28 71.8 78.1 67.4 72.43

17. Drynaria

quercifolia

0.4 0.42 0.43 0.42

12.2

green

leaves,

10.8

nest/bas

ket

leaves

10.9

green

leaves,

9.4nest

/basket

leaves

11.2

green,

10

basket

leaves

11.43,

10.07

18. Lygodium

palmatum

0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 40.8 42.8 40.5 41.37

19. Lygodium(native


narrow pinnae)

0.2 0.22 0.22 0.22 65.0 63.3 55.0 61.1

20. Davallia fejeensis - 0.40 0.40 0.40 8.45 10.0 11.5 9.98



pinnae

0.28 0.27 0.25 0.27 66.4 62.2 58.7 62.43

22. Staghorn fern - 0.47 0.46 0.46 - 15.2 14.5 9.9

S. Ed. (±) 0.04 0.03 0.03 1.9 2.65 2.29

CD (0.05) 0.08 0.52 0.30 3.9 5.35 4.60

6


Sl.

No.

Fern species Leaf longevity (days) Leaf production interval (days)

12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled 12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled

1. N. cordifolia 37.5 35.4 34.5 35.8 12.5 15.7 18.7 15.63

2. Nephrolepsis

exaltata “Fluffy

Ruffles’

27 26.4 25.4 26.27 16.5 17.8 18.9 17.73

3. N. cordifolia

'Lemon Buttons'

32 30.6 28.5 35.0 18 20.4 22.4 20.27

4. N. cordifolia

'Lemon Buttons' –

braching tips

37 38.0 35.0 36.67 15 18.5 20.4 17.97

5. Nephrolepis ‘ Rita,s

Gold’

38 36.4 32.3 35.57 15.5 15.4 18.7 16.53

6. N. ‘Verona Lace’ 36 36.7 34.4 35.4 20 22.6 24.5 22.37

7. N. biserrata

‘Furcans’

48 45.2 42.3 45.17 16 15.4 15.0 15.47

8. N. biserrata

furcans miniata

(finer one)

30 32.4 30.5 30.97 17 19.9 20.5 19.13


veneris

27.5 22.3 24.5 24.77 30.0 28.3 30.3 29.53

10. Adiantum

formosum

22 19.1 18.5 19.87 30 32.2 33.7 31.97

11. Polypodium

diversifolium

41 24.2 25.0 30.07 12 15.4 17.6 15.0

12. Lygodium

flexuosum

27 37.8 30.4 31.73 28 29.0 27.8 28.27

13. Asplenium nidus

Syn. Phyllitis nidus

32 25.4 23.5 26.97 30,

during

spring-

rainy

32.1 30.5 30.87

14. Asplenium

scolopendrium

undulatum syn.

Phyllitis

colopendrium

undulatum

38 27.6 27.0 30.87 11 15.8 17.7 14.830

15. Plastic fern 25 29.2 28.3 27.5 30 31.8 34.5 32.10

16. Rumohra

adiantiformis

37.5 20.7 22.4 26.87 15.5 17.5 20.6 17.87

17. Drynaria

quercifolia

45.5 35.4 32.3 37.73 55.5 50.4 55.5 53.80

18. Lygodium

palmatum

30.33 36.2 30.5 32.34 35.5 37.2 38.9 36.07

19. Lygodium (native


narrow pinnae)

33.3 17.6 15.6 22.17 30.5 37.3 35.5 34.43

7




pinnae

13.56 12.7 14.6 13.62 22.89 33.2 35.4 30.50

22. Staghorn fern 22.3 24.5 23.4 17.63 18.4 19.5 18.51

S. Ed. (±) 6.2 1.83 4.96 1.47

CD (0.05) 12.6 3.71 10.04 2.96


Sl.

No.

Fern species

Vase life (days)

12-13 1st Yr

13-14

2nd

14-15

Pooled

1. N. cordifolia 9.3 9.1 8.9 9.1

2. Nephrolepsis exaltata “Fluffy

Ruffles’ 8.5 8.3 8.2 8.33

3. N. cordifolia 'Lemon Buttons' 6.0 6.1 6.3 6.13

4. N. cordifolia 'Lemon Buttons' –

braching tips 5.8 5.9 5.7 5.8

5. Nephrolepis ‘ Rita,s Gold’ 9.1 9.1 9.2 9.13

6. N. ‘Verona Lace’ 8.2 8.1 8.0 8.03

7. N. biserrata

‘Furcans’ 9.2 9.2 9.1 9.17

8. N. biserrata furcans

miniata(finer one) 3.4 3.2 3.7 3.43

9. Adiantum capillus-veneris 3.7 3.5 3.6 3.6

10. Adiantum formosum 6.0 6.1 6.0 6.03

11. Polypodium diversifolium 5.0 5.2 5.5 5.23

12. Lygodium flexuosum 4.5 4.4 4.3 4.4

13. Asplenium nidus

Syn. Phyllitis nidus 13.1 9.5 8.9 10.05

14. Asplenium scolopendrium


colopendrium undulatum

12.1 12.0 11.9 12.0

15. Plastic fern 7.2 7.1 7.4 7.23

16. Rumohra adiantiformis 12.1 12.1 11.9 12.03

17. Drynaria quercifolia 8.3 8.0 7.9 8.07


2.8 2.5 3.0 2.77

19. Lygodium (native terrestial fern,

long narrow pinnae) 5.3 4.8 4.7 4.93

20. Davallia fejeensis - 7.2 7.0 7.1

21. Native Terrestial fern, trident

shaped pinnae 3.3 3.1 3.0 3.13

22. Staghorn fern - 5.0 4.8 4.90

S. Ed. (±) 0.8 0.17 0.49

CD (0.05) 1.6 0.35 0.98

8

Table 1.14.1.3: Purpose of different fern species

Sl

No.

Purpose Suitable fern species

1. Cut filler Rumohra, Asplenium scolopendrium, A. nidus (above 10 days),

Nephrolepsis biserrata ‘Furcans’, N. cordifolia, Nephrolepis ‘

Rita,s Gold’(9.1 to 9.17 days), Drynaria quercifolia,

Nephrolepsis exaltata “Fluffy Ruffles’

2. Tall potted plant Nephrolepis ‘Rita, s Gold’, N. cordifolia, N. biserrata

‘Furcans’

3. Dwarf potted plant Adiantum formosum, , A capillus veneris, N. exaltata “Fluffy

Ruffles’, Nephrolepsis biserrata furcans miniata, Blechnum

4. Hanging basket Adiantum formosum, Drynaria, Polypodium diversifolium

(Wart’s fern)(epiphytic), A. nidus, Platycerium

alcicorne(Staghorn fern), Davallia fejeensis(Harefoot fern)

5. Ground cover N. “Rita’s Gold’, N. C,., Nephrolepsis biserrata furcans

miniata(finer one) , Nephrolepsis biserrata

‘Furcans’

0

Sl

No.

Fern species Plant ht

(cm)

Plant

spread

(cm)

Lamina

length

(cm)

Lamina

breadth

(cm)

Petiole

length

(cm)

petiole

girth

(cm)

Leaves

per

plant/yr

vase

life

( days)

Form

Foliage

colour(as

per RHS

chart)

Texture

of

leaves

Fern 1

(Tmiankhla- tiger’s

whiskers)

20cm 61.0 13.5 5.0

4.0

0.25

6.5

7-8 Individual cladodes

look like tiny, light

green, hairy, juniper

plant, long lasting

Light

green

Rough

Fern 2

(like tree fern)

66.0 30cm 37.0 21.0

24.0

0.40

13-15

7-8 Hardy, erect, like

tree fern, stout

petioles, pinnate

Dark

green

Rough

Fern 3

(flat, feathery fern)

36.0 32.25 14.0 4.0

14-15

0.30

28.5

7-8

Erect growing fern, Dark

green

Smooth,

fine

feathery

leaves

Table 1.14.1.4: New fern species

collected

1

Pooled results of three years (2012-13 to 2014-15) showed that N. 'Rita’s Gold’, N.

cordifolia ladder fern), N. Biserrata ‘Furcans’ had maximum plant height (155.3cm, 100.9 cm

and 91.37cm, respectively) and EW and NS plant spread (between 60cm to122 cm). They also

showed significant leaf production (above 100 to 150 no. of leaves /plant /year) as well as good

vase life (above 9 days), and therefore are suitable as tall potted foliage plant as well as cut

foliage.

Fern species with smaller plants (plant height 35-40 cm, plant spread 35-40 cm) such as

Adiantum formosum, , A capillus veneris, N. exaltata “Fluffy Ruffles’, Nephrolepsis biserrata

furcans miniata, Blechnum are suitable as dwarf potted plant.

These following ferns: Asplenium scolopendrium( Wart fern), Nephrolepsis biserrata

‘Furcans’, N. cordifolia, Nephrolepis ‘ Rita,s Gold’(9.1 to 9.17 days),Drynaria

quercifolia(Oakleaf fern), Nephrolepsis exaltata “Fluffy Ruffles’, Rumohra (between 8.07

to12.03 days), besides having attractive leaf colour and shape, , are also suitable as cut foliage/

cut greens ,namely due to long vase life, long petioles and sturdy stems. A. nidus (Bird’s nest

fern) having slow growth and less leaf production but attractive sword-shaped light green

long-lasting leaves on plant can be commercialized for hanging basket.

Rumohra (leatherleaf fern) and Adiantum formosum require cold, fairly dry climate, and

cannot withstand high humidity and temperature, heavy rain , high mortality, not suitable for

Assam conditions. Similarly, many native wild ferns of NER, (Adiantum, Lygodium species)

trident fern etc although attractive, and can used as potted plants cannot withstand drought

conditions, high mortality, difficult to sustain as potted plant without replanting every year.

2

ASPARAGUS

Table 1.14.1.5: Description of different asparagus species at Kahikuchi (2015-16)

Sl.

No.

Species Common

name

Description Source

1. Asparagus

densiflorus

‘Meyersii’

Meyers

asparagus/

Foxtail

fern)

A scrambling, slightly woody plant

with upright or trailing branches up

to 1m long. These plants form

large cushions with long, arching

stems more or less densely covered

with dark green, needle-like leaves.

can be used as groundcovers in

shade as well as in full sun, or in

large containers or hanging

baskets. The cultivar ‘Meyersii’

has more upright plants, which

looks very different, with its

compact cat's tail-like fronds.

Nursery

2. Asparagus

densiflorus

‘Sprengeri’ syn.

Asparagus

aethiopicus

‘Sprenger’s

asparagus/

Emerald

fern /

Emerald

asparagus

A scrambling, slightly woody plant

with upright or trailing branches up

to 1 m long. This group of plants

form large cushions with long,

arching stems more or less densely

covered with dark green, needle-

like, bottlebrush like leaves.

Leaves are narrower and less

compact than ‘Meyersii’ The

plants of this group can be used as

groundcovers in shade as well as in

full sun, or in large containers or

hanging baskets.

- do -

3. Asparagus

plumosus / A.

setaceus

Common

Asparagus

Fern, Lace

Fern,

Climbing

Asparagus,

Ferny

Asparagus

A scrambling perennial herb with

tough green stems, which may

reach several meters in length. The

leaves are actually flat leaf-like

cladodes up to 7 mm long by 0.1

mm in diameter, which arise in

clumps of up to 15 from the stem,

making a fine, soft green, flat

feathery (plume-like) fern-like

foliage. Occurring from spring to

autumn, the small greenish-white

bell-shaped flowers are 0.4 cm

long, and are followed by small

green berries, which blacken with

maturity. Initially green, the berries

mature and turn red in the winter.

- do -

3

The root system is a mat of fibrous

roots with bulbous tubers, from

which plants may resprout.

4. Asparagus

aethiopicus

Ethiopian

asparagus

A branching perennial shrub, tough

green aerial stems sparsely covered

with spines. Leaf-like cladodes,

0.8-2 cm long qnd 0.1-0.2 cm

wide, arising in groups of four or

morefrom the stem.small white or

pinkish white flowers in clusters

from stem. Small round berries,

0.5cm dia, green to red in winter.

Mat of fibrous roots with bulbous

tubers, from which plans may

resprout.

5. Asparagus

retrofractus

Syn. A.

macowanii

Pompom

asparagus

fern/ ming

fern)

The foliage consists of pom-poms

of soft needle leaves in

dense/tufted bundles that give a

soft cloudy appearance overall.

Upright, stiff, woody beige stems

have a unique branching structure

that inspired the common name,

zig zag fern

- do -

4

Table 1.14.1.8: Plant characters of different asparagus species at Kahikuchi

Species Leaf

texture

Leaf shape Nature

of leaf

margin

Nature

of leaf

tip

Markings,

pigments,

foliar

colour etc

Spines

1. Asparagus

densiflorus

‘Meyersii’(foxtail

asparagus)

Rough Long, arching

foxtail-likecladodes,

more or less

densely covered

with dark green,

needle-like pinnae

- Pointed Immature

cladodes

lighter

green,older

cladodes

darker,

Yes

2. Asparagus

densiflorus

‘Sprengeri’

Rough Long, narrow

arching stems more

or less densely

covered with dark

green, needle-like,

bottlebrush like

fronds. Narrow,less

compact than

‘Meyersii’ leaf-like

cladodes,v( 0.8-2

cm long and 0.1-0.2

cm wide), arising in

groups of 4-5 from

stem.

- Pointed Emerald

green

Yes

3. Asparagus

plumosus /

setaceus

Fine, soft,

feathery

Flat,feathery/plume-

like cladodes up to

7 mm long by 0.1

mm in diameter,

which arise in

clumps of up to 15

from the stem,

making a fine, soft

green, flat feathery

(plume-like) fern-

like foliage.

- Feathery Green Yes

4. Asparagus

aethiopicus

Fine Leaf-like cladodes,

0.8-2 cm long qnd

0.1-0.2 cm wide,

arising in groups of

four or more from

the stem.

- Pointed Green Yes

5. Asparagus

retrofracus/ A.

makowanii

Soft,

Cloudlike

appearance

Dense, tufted/pom-

poms of soft

needle-like leaves;

Soft cloudy overall

appearance.

- Pointed Younger

cladodes

lighter

green,

older green

No

5

Species Plant

quality

rating

Branching

habit

Presence of

flowers and

type

Tolerance/inci

dence of pests

and diseases

1. Asparagus densiflorus


asparagus)

Very good upright or

trailing branches

up to 1 m long

No visible

flowers

No pests and

diseases

2. Asparagus densiflorus

‘Sprengeri’ (Emerald

fern /Emerald asparagus)

Very good upright or

trailing branches

up to 1 m long

No visible

flowers

No pests and

diseases

3. Asparagus plumosus/

setaceus

Very good tough green

aerial

stems/branches,

sparsely covered

with spines

Small greenish-

white bell-

shaped flowers

(0.4 cm long)

from spring to

autumn.

No pests and

diseases

4. Asparagus aethiopicus

5. Asparagus retrofracus/

A. makowani(Ming

fern/Pompom fern/zig-zag

fern)

Very good Upright, stiff,

woody beige

stems which

have a unique,

zig-zag

branching

pattern

No visible

flowers

No pests and

diseases

2

Table 1.14.1.9: Plant characters of different asparagus species at Kahikuchi during 2015-16

Species Plant height (cm) Plant spread (EW) Plant spread (NS)

12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled 12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled 12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled

1. Asparagus

densiflorus


asparagus)

68.96 69.3 71.4 69.89 80.1 73.7 75.6 76.47 79.5 78.4 75.4 77.76

2. Asparagus

densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ 80.8 122.5 125.7 109.67 112.8 71.5 108.4 97.57 110.5 88.6 104.6 101.23

3. Asparagus plumosus

/setaceus 168.98 140.5 179.8 163.09 130.1 102.1 127.8 120.0 129.4 131.1 122.7 127.73

4. Asparagus

aethiopicus

(dwarf one)

63.8 50.7 58.7 57.73 50.0 48.4 53.2 50.53 21.0 33.6 25.7 26.77

5. .Asparagus

retrofracus/

A. makowanii 62.22 56.4 60.5 59.71 50.8 50.6 48.4 49.93 51.3 54.8 47.8 51.30

S. Ed. (±) 1.74 3.15 0.90 1.93 1.77 3.41 0.84 2.01 1.44 1.54 0.87 1.28

C. D. (0.05) 3.80 6.85 1.96 4.20 3.85 7.45 1.84 4.30 3.14 3.36 1.89 2.80

2

Table 1.14.1.6: Plant characters of different asparagus species (Pooled 2012-13, 13-14 and

2014-15)

Species

Cladophyll length (cm) Cladophyll breadth (cm)

12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled 12-13 13-14 14-15 Pooled

1. Asparagus

densiflorus


asparagus)

35.5 36.6 34.5 35.53 6.5 6.3 6.8 6.53

2. Asparagus

densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ 62.3 63.0 58.7 61.33 19.5 20.4 18.5 19.47


/setaceus 19.6 20.4 20.5 20.17 7.2 7.3 8.4 7.63

4. Asparagus

aethiopicus (dwarf one) 21 55.5 22.6 33.03 5.9 4.5 6.0 5.47

5. Asparagus

retrofracus/

A. makowanii 62 62.5 58.6 61.03 26.1 15.4 13.8 18.43

S. Ed. (±) 1.71 1.20 0.60 1.17 0.37 0.66 0.45 0.49

C. D. (0.05) 3.72 2.62 1.30 2.55 0.81 1.45 0.98 1.08

2

Table 1.14.1.6: Plant characters of different asparagus species (Pooled 2012-13, 13-14 and 2014-15)

Species

Cladophyll number

/plant

Cladophyll

longevity (days)

Cladophyll production

interval (days)


1. Asparagus

densiflorus


asparagus)

25.5 28.8 27.4 27.23 18.5 17.6 18.5 18.2 42.3 40.4 43.5 42.07

2. Asparagus



/setaceus 130 132.0 123.5 128.5 22.5 21.7 20.5 21.57 33.8 33.5 34.5 33.93

4. Asparagus

aethiopicus (dwarf one) 34.7 39.5 32.8 35.67 22.3 20.7 19.3 20.77 42.5 28.0 30.0 33.50

5. Asparagus

retrofracus/

A. makowanii 38.2 40.0 35.4 37.87 28.0 25.8 26.7 26.83 30.0 40.1 42.6 37.57

S. Ed. (±) 2.97 1.57 0.53 1.69 1.34 1.09 0.54 0.99 2.35 2.56 0.89 19.33

C. D. (0.05) 6.48 3.42 1.16 3.69 2.93 2.37 1.17 2.16 5.12 5.57 1.95 4.21

2


Species

Branches per

cladophyll

Cladophyll fresh wt (g) Cladophyll internodal

length (cm)


1. Asparagus

densiflorus


asparagus)

274.5 298.61 258.7 277.27 26.1 25.81 22.8 24.90 0.6 0.39 0.37 0.45

2. Asparagus



/setaceus 44.45 47.23 45.4 45.69 14.85 14.98 14.1 14.64 0.90 3.14 3.12 2.39

4. Asparagus


5. Asparagus

retrofracus/

A. makowanii 12.8 11.7 16.8 13.77 26.87 27.63 28.7 27.73 2.7 0.39 0.42 1.17

S. Ed. (±) 5.44 17.59 0.69 7.91 1.08 0.98 1.00 1.02 0.06 0.12 0.03 0.07

C. D. (0.05) 11.85 38.34 1.50 17.23 2.34 2.14 2.17 2.22 0.14 0.26 0.06 0.15

3


Species Petiole length (cm) Petiole girth (cm) Vase life (days)


1. Asparagus

densiflorus


asparagus)

24.0 23.8 22.5 23.43 0.30 0.23 0.22 0.25 8.4 7.8 7.5 7.9

2. Asparagus



/setaceus 4.5 4.7 4.8 4.67 0.24 0.25 0.24 0.24 5.5 5.3 5.4 5.4

4. Asparagus


5. Asparagus

retrofracus/

A. makowanii 16.8 14.7 15.8 15.76 0.30 0.32 0.30 0.31 6.1 5.8 5.5 5.8

S. Ed. (±) 0.60 0.72 0.23 0.52 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.11 0.23 0.09 0.14

C. D. (0.05) 1.31 1.58 0.50 1.13 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.25 0.50 0.20 0.32

0

Results: Pooled results of three years (2012-13 to 2014-15) showed that Asparagus

plumosus /setaceus had maximum plant height (163.09 cm) and EW and NS plant spread

(120.0 cm and 127.73cm, respectively). It also produced significantly higher (128.5) no.

of cladophylls /plant as well as longest ( 2.39cm) cladophyll internodal length. It is

most widely used as cut foliage. Asparagus aethiopicus and Asparagus retrofracus/A.

makowanii plants were smallest and are suiable as dwarf potted plant. Asparagus

densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ recorded maximum cladophyll length (61.33cm) and breadth

(19.47cm) Asparagus densiflorus ‘Meyersii’ (foxtail asparagus) recorded maximum

branches per cladophyll and cladophyll fresh weight (277.27 and 24.90g, respectively).

All 5 species are suitable as cut foliage/ cut greens , but Asparagus plumosus /setaceus

and Asparagus densiflorus ‘Meyersii’(foxtail asparagus) most promising.

1

Table 1.14.1.11: Plant characters of Dracaena species at Kahikuchi (2014-15)

Sl.

No.

Species Plant

height

(cm)

Plant

Spread

(cm)

Leaf

lamina

length

(cm)

leaf

spread

(cm)

Petiole

length

(cm)

Petiole

girth

(cm)

1. C. australis

‘Purpurea’ 54.6 38.0 26.0 5.27 6.0 2.0

2 C. australis ‘pink 32.0 31.0 19.0 7.0 -

-

3. D. hybrid var A 37.5 41.6 24.4 7.63 4.94

1.08

4. D. hybrid varB 36.4 31 18.8 7.0 4.14

1.0

5. D. deremensis

‘Janet Craig’ 62.6 57.6 36.0 6.42

No

petiole -

6. D. fragrans

Massangeana 79.0 78.1 42.8 7.29 - -

7. D.compacta 83.8 34.4 16.0 6.0 -

-

8. D. reflexa syn

D.sanderiana 42 29 15 2.25

No

petiole -

9. D. deremensis

(cream and green,

thin linear leaves)

80.0 35.0 17.4 4.67 5.0 1.54

10. D. deremensis

‘Warnecki ‘White

Green’

64.3 41.8 10.4 3.9 3.0 1.2

11. D. deremensis

(dark green leaves) 30.0 25.5 11.7 3.5 3.0 1.2

12. D.godseffiana syn.

D. surculosa 60.0 63.0 9.0 2.9 3.5 0.2

13. D. marginata

’Colorama’ 90.0 70.0 32.0 0.5 - -

14. D. marginata

’Tricolor’ 71.25 68.33 33.0 0.4 - -

2

Table 1.14.1.12: Plant characters of different Dracaena species at Kahikuchi (2014-15)

Sl.

No.

Species Leaves /pl

/yr

Leaf

longevity

(days)

Leaf prodn.

interval

(days)

Vase life

(days)

1. C. australis

‘Purpurea’ 32.5

Not

recorded yet

Not

recorded yet 5

2. C. australis ‘ pink 15.0 ” ”

6

3. D. hybrid var A 37.0 ” ”

14

4. D. hybrid varB 26.2 ” ”

10

5. D. deremensis ‘Janet

Craig’ 25.6 ” ” 14

6. D. fragrans

Massangeana 35.43 ” ” 16

7. D.compacta 25.0 ” ”

8. D. reflexa syn

D.sanderiana 34.5 2 months 3 weeks

9. D. deremensis

(cream and green,

thin linear leaves)

31.50 2.5-3 1 month

10. D.deremensis

‘Warnecki ‘White

Green’

32.4 2.5 1 month 14

11. D. deremensis (dark

green leaves) 20.0 ” ” 17

12. D.godseffiana syn.

D. surculosa 7.3 ” ” 7

13. D. marginata

’Colorama’ 57.5 - - -

14. D. marginata

‘Tricolor” 52 - - -

3


Sl.

No.

Dracaena

species

Leaf

texture

Leaf

shape

Nature of

leaf

margin

Nature

of leaf

tip

Markings,

pigments, foliar

colour etc

1. C. australis

‘Purpurea’

Smooth Large, oval Smooth Rounde

d Pink-Red

2. C. australis

‘pink

” Medium sized,

oval

” ” Pink

3. D. hybrid var A ” Medium sized,

oval

” ” Edges creamish-

yellow, centre

brown, grey and

dull green

4. D. hybrid var B ” Medium sized,

oval

” ” Orange-

brown,pink, and

green younger

leaves at the top,

lower mature leaves

green and brown

5. D. deremensis

‘Janet Craig’

Smooth,

glossy

, large and

broad strap-

shaped leaves

in clumps,

” ”

Green

6. D. fragrans

Massangeana

Smooth,

glossy

, large and

broad strap-

shaped leaves

in clumps,

rosette

” ”

(Yellow and green,

large leaves

7. D.compacta Smooth Very tightly

compacted,

clumping

leaves

” ”

Green

8. D. reflexa syn

D.sanderiana

Smooth,

thicker

leaves

with

plastic

feel

long thin,

leaves from

rosette

” ”

cream vertical line

on edges, green in

the middle

9. D. deremensis

(cream & green)

” Medium-thin

leaves, centre

broad, pointed

tip

” ”

Cream and green,

10. D. deremensis

‘Warnecki

‘White Green’

” Medium sized

leaves, centre

broad, pointed

tip

” ”

White Green

4

11. D. deremensis

(dark green

leaves)

” Medium sized

leaves, centre

broad, pointed

tip

” ”

Green, white spots

12. D.godseffiana

syn. D.

surculosa

Smooth Small, oval ” ”

13. D. marginata

’Colorama’

” Very long,

thin,

ribbonlike,

emerging from

one point

” ”

Green, red

14. D. marginata

’Tricolor’

” Very long,

thin,

ribbonlike,

emerging from

one point

” ”

Yellow, green


Sl.

no.

Species Plant

quality

rating

Branching habit Presence of

flowers and

type

Tolerance/incidence of

pests and diseases

1. C. australis

‘Purpurea’

Good Not recorded yet Not recorded

yet

Leaf drying and turn

brown, dying during dry

season fungal/bacterial

2 C. australis’

pink

” ” ” Leaf drying and turn



3. D. hybrid var. A ” ” ” Tolerant

4. D. hybrid var. B ” ” ” Leaf drying and turn



5. D. deremensis

‘Janet Craig’

” ” ” Not observed yet

6. D. fragrans

Massangeana

” ” ” Large, brown,

watersoaked lesions

7. D.compacta ” ” ” Rotting and drying of

stems, roots, leaves

8. D. reflexa syn

D.sanderiana


9. D. deremensis

(cream and

green, thin

linear leaves)

” ” ” ”

10. D. deremensis ” ” ” ”

5

‘Warnecki

‘White Green’

11. D. deremensis

(dark green

leaves)

” ” ” ”

12. D.godseffiana

syn. D.

surculosa

” ” ” Small brown spots

13. D. marginata

’Colorama’


14. D. marginata

‘Tricolor’


Project 1.14.2: Survey, collection and evaluation of native ornamentals for

commercial cultivation

Duration: Continuing nature (2014-15 onwards)

Objective:

1. Explorative survey and data collection in liaison with NBPGR.

2. Evaluating native ornamentals for commercial potential such as cut flower, cut green, loose

flower, pot plant and other landscape use.

3. The passport data of newly collected species/varieties is to be maintained followed by

obtaining IC/EC number from NBPGR.

4. Recommendation of a variety for commercial cultivation in respective region based on

extensive cultivation should be submitted to the project Coordinator every year along with the

proposal for testing in the other centres, if any.

Result: In the second year (2015-16), collection as well as vegetative propagation of many plant

species from Assam and Meghalaya was done and these were planted at HRS, Kahikuchi. On

being removed from their native habitat (eg. temperate sp), and exposed to high temperature,

many plant species died during floods in and also in dry season. Observations on growth

characters have been by recorded in situ conditions. Due to lack of funds, survey could not be

carried out properly. Growth characters of the following species which were been identified last

year are presented: Tabernaemontana (T. coronaria, T. divaricata, T. heyniana syn

alternifolia), Costus(Jomlakhuti), H. coronarium, (Zingiberaceae),two species of Crinum lily,

6

Philodendron elegans (from Kaziranga), Curcuma aromatica, Homalomena aromatica and

three fern species.

Table 1.14.1.: Plant characters of different plant species during 2015-16

Sl

No.

Species Common

Name

Collected

from

Famil

y

Plant

height

(cm)

Plant

spread

(EW)

Form

1. Tabernaemontana

coronaria,

HRS,

Kahikuchi

(Bonti

baideuhouse)

Apocy

naceae

1.20 75.3

Spreading

2. T. divaricata, Kathanda HRS,

Kahikuchi

Apocy

naceae

3. T. heyniana syn

alternifolia),

Chagoliphul Kaziranga Apocy

naceae

35 36.7 Spreading

4. Hedychium coronarium, White

ginger lily,

butterfly lily

, Takhlei

angouna

(Manipuri),

Dolan

champa

(Assamese)

Assam,

Meghalaya

Zingib

eracea

e

0.9-

2.1m

2.5m

Rhizomatous

Spreading

herb

5. Curcuma aromatica

Keturi

halodhi,

Zeodary

HRS,

Kahikuchi

Zingib

eracea

e

75 40 Erect,

turmeric like

plant

6. Crinum asiaticum var.

Pedunculatum

Poison lily HRS,

Kahikuchi

Amary

llidace

ae

90cm 90cm Large

herbaceous

lily, stout

stem, long,

thick, broad,

green, glossy

leaves

7. Crinum zeylanicum /Crinum ligulatum is native

to Madagascar. It has and

white salverform flowers

with burgundy stamens

tipped with deep red-orange

pollen covered anthers.

- Amary

llidace

ae

50.4

8. Philodendron elegans(from

Kaziranga),

Hagrani tha

lot (Karbi)-

foliage

Kaziranga,

Ranipahar(ka

mrup), karbi

Anglong,

Aracea

e

Climber

7

Jagiroad(Assa

m),

Meghalaya

9. Homalomena aromatica Gandhkoch

u,

gandhsana

Rani, Kamrup Aracea

e

42.7 65.0 Slowgrowing

rhizomatous

Herb with

entire

large,

sagittate

(heartshaped)

, basal

lobes,glossy

leaves, long

petiole

10. Costus Jomlakhuti HRS,

Kahikuchi

Maran

taceae

84.6 82.0 Herb with

long, canelike

stems,

medium sized

green leaves

11. Fern Fern

(Tamangkhl

a) tiger’s

whiskers

FM1*

Meghalaya Pterida

ceae

66.0 61.0

Hardy, like

tree fern,

stout petioles

12. Fern FernFM2* Meghalaya Pterida

ceae

36.0 30cm Erect

growing fern,

fine feathery

leaves

13. Fern Fern FM3* Kamrup,

Assam

28.2 32.25 Herbaceous

monocot,

Leaves look

like Phaius or

parallel

venation,

pointed tip

*(could not identify yet)

8

Table 1.14.2.: Plant characters of different plant species during 2015-16

Sl.

No.

Species No. of

branches

No. of

leaves/

plant

Foliage

colour(as

per RHS

chart)

Texture of

leaves

1. Tabernaemontana (T. coronaria, 6.4 - Green Smooth

2. T. divaricata,

3. T. heyniana syn alternifolia), 7.7 - Green Quite smooth

4. Hedychium coronarium,

1 stem 10.0 Green

Lance shaped,

sharp pointed

tip,20-61cm

long, 5-12.7 cm

wide, arranged

in 2 neat ranks

that run the

length of the

stem. ,

5. Curcuma aromatica

1 stem 32.0

Green with

brown

midrib

Leaves broad,

attractive,

smooth, 20cm

wide

6. Crinum asiaticum var. Pedunculatum

1 stem 8.0 Dark green,

strap-like Smooth

7. Crinum zeylanicum /Crinum ligulatum is native to Madagascar. It has and white salverform flowers with burgundy stamens tipped with deep red-orange pollen covered

anthers.

1 stem 7.0 Green

Narrow, spreading, arching foliage that is medium flat green, almost flat on ground

8. Philodendron elegans (from

Kaziranga), 3 13.0 Green Smooth, glossy

9. Homalomena aromatica 1stem 9.0 Green Smooth, glossy

10. Costus 1stem 35.5 Green Smooth

11. Fern (Tamangkhla) tiger’s whiskers

FM1 - 6.5 Green Rough

12. FernFM2

13-15

Green,

brown

petiole

Rough

13. Fern FM3 28.5 Light green Feathery

7.5 green Quite smooth

9

Table 1.14.3.: Plant characters of different asparagus species during 2014-15

Sl No. Species flowering Durat

ion of

flowe

ring

(days)

Flo

wer

size

(cm)

Flower

colour (as

per RHS

colour

chart)

Attractive

flowering/

foliage

structures

1. Tabernaemontana (T.

coronaria,

Spring to

rainy

- white flower

2. T. divaricata, Spring to

rainy

3. T. heyniana syn alternifolia), Spring to

rainy

4. Hedychium coronarium, Rainy

season

- 15-

30

cm

long

inflo

resec

enc5

.e,

cm

long

flow

ers

white

Fragrant,

Butterfly-

like

flowers

5. Keturi halodhi

Curcuma aromatica Zeodary

1st week

Apr to 2nd

week may

3

weeks

Pinkish

border,

greenish

white

colour,

orange lip,

10 days

vase life

6. Crinum asiaticum var.

Pedunculatum

Poison lily Grand or Giant

Crinum lily, Poison bulb

Oct

planting to

last week

april-3-5th

may

(spring

flg)

1

week,

2-3

days

per

flower

12.5

cm

white Umbel, 6-

8 nos of

flowers

per umbel,

flowrs

tubelike

flaring

into a

crown of

narrow

petals,

purple

stamen

10

7. Crinum zeylanicum /C.

ligulatum is native to

Madagascar. It has and white

salverform flowers with

burgundy stamens tipped with

deep red-orange pollen

covered anthers.

second

week

april-3-5th

may

(spring

flg)

1 -

11/2w

eeks,

2-3

days

per

flower

6.8 white , 11-12

nos. of 10-

12cm dia

white

flowers

per umbel

(18-20cm

dia),

flowers

tubelike

flaring

into a

crown of

6narrow

white

petals,

purple-red

stamen,

yellow

anther

8. Philodendron elegans (from

Kaziranga,

Ranipahar(kamrup), karbi

Anglong, Jagiroad(Assam),

Meghalaya

- - - deeply cut,

pinnate

(lobed/divi

ded)

foliage,

require

humid,

moist

shady

condition,

subtrooica

l climate

9. Homalomena aromatic ca - -

leaves

10. Costus /Jomlakhuti 25.0 5.0 Infloresce

nceand

leaves

11. Fern (Tamangkhla) tiger’s

whiskers FM1

- - - - 12-15cm

long, 5cm

broad

cladodes,0

.4cm

petiole

dia, Light

green,

11

hairy

leaves,

attractive

juniperpla

ntlike

Trailing,

spreading

plant,

putting out

roots at

nodes,

look,

12. Fern FM2 - - - - 37.0cm

leaf

lamina

length,

21cm

lamina

breadth

20-28cm

petiole

length, 0.4

cm petiole

girth,

13. Fern FM3 - - - - Small,

feathery,

flat fern

2. Crop improvement

Project No. 2.2.1: Testing of new genotypes of chrysanthemum for loose flower

Duration: Three years (2015-16 onwards)

Objective: To test the regional performances of the new varieties for loose flower production

and market acceptability.

Results: The experiment will be initiated as and when cuttings will be made available to the

center.

Project No 2.3.1: Testing of genotypes in tuberose for higher flower yield (loose/cut flowers),

concrete yield and resistance to nematode


12

Objective: To compare the performances of the new varieties with local check for loose flower

yield and concrete recovery.

Reports: The rial has been initiated during April, 16 after receiving the bulbs from VCKV;

Kaylani.The crop is now under growing condition.

Project No. 2.4.1: Testing of new genotypes of marigold for loose flower


Objective: To test the comperative performances of the new varieties for loose flower

production and market acceptability.

Result: Among the 17 marigold genotypes screened in 2015-16 (Table 2.4.1.3 and 2.4.1.4), cvs.

Siracole and Pusa Arpita recorded the highest seed germination (78.33 and 78.50 %,

respectively). The tallest plants were produced by the genotypes IIHRMY-4 and IIHRMY-5

(98.2 cm and 95.5 cm, respectively), while IIHRMO-4IIHRFm-1 plants were the shortest (20 cm

and 22.75 cm, respectively). Maximum plant spread was recorded in plants of cv. Hajo Local

Yellow (103.0 cm), while the minimum was recorded in the genotypes IIHRMO-4 and IIHRMO-

2 (30 cm and 33.0 cm, respectively), while IIHRMO-4 produced least no. of a mean primary

branches per plant (7.5).

Earliest 1st fl. bud appearance (30.15 to 32.33 days) was observed in case of cvs.

IIHRMO-3, IIHRMO-4 and Hajo Local Yellow. Earliest 50% flowering (ranging between 50.37

and 55.27 days) in case of cvs. Hajo Local Orange, PNG, IIHRMY-5,UHFS-Fm-Mari-786

Solan. On the other hand, plants of IIHRMO-2 took significantly longer time (54.5 days) for 1st

fl. bud appearance and for 50% flowering (70.68 days).

Pusa Arpita and Siracole recorded the longest flowering duration (78.5 and 78.33 days),

followed by FM-Zafri and IIHRMO-4 with 75.15 and 70.36 days. Pusa Arpita and FM-Zafri

maximum flower yield (865.2 and 850.1 nos./m2). Among the IIHR vars, IIHRMY-5 recorded

good flower yield (610.7 nos./m2).

In 2015-16, IIHR marigold genotypes Arka Agni, Arka Bangara and Arka Alankara

performed well under Assam conditions, showing good vegetative growth and flower

production. The largest flowers were observed in Arka Alankara, Arka Agni and IIHRMY-5

(6.61 cm, 6.66 cm and 6.56 flower dia. respectively). IIHRMY-5 flowers were also the heaviest

13

(fresh weight 7.18 g /flower), followed by Arka Alankara flowers (6.36 g/flower). Hajo Local

Yellow was the most prolific seed producer (215.9seeds/flower).

Seeds of Bidhan-1 and 2 were provided in end of March, 2015. Results are presented in

Table 2.4.1.1 and 2.4.1.2 shows that Bidhan Marigold-1 plants produced smaller flowers

(2.78cm dia) but recorded greater flower yield (216.4nos. /plant).Bidhan Marigold-2 flowers

were bigger (4.12cm dia) but recorded lower flower yield (170.3 nos. /plant).

14

Table 2.4.1.1: Growth performance of new genotypes of marigold at Kahikuchi (March to July, 2015)

Varieties

Description

Germination

(%) Plant

height

(cm)

Plant

Spread

(cm)

Primary

branches

per plant

1st fl. bud

appearance

(days)

First flower

bud

showing

colour

(days)

50%

flowering

(days)

Bidhan Marigold-1 Many, small

yellow flowers

65.0 55.4 47.6 5.2 50.5 62.0 75.0

Bidhan Marigold-2 Large, orange

flowers

63.30 54.1 44.5 7.1 49.1 75.7 84.3

Table 2.4.1.2: Growth performance of new genotypes of marigold at Kahikuchi (March to July, 2015)

Varieties

Flowering

duration

(days)

First

harvest

(days)

No. of

harvests

Flowers

/plant

Flowers

(nos./m2) Flower

dia.

(cm)

Individual fresh

flower

Weight

(g)

Seeds

per

flower

1000

seed

weight

(g)

Bidhan Marigold-1 30.3 67.0 2 60.1 216.4 2.78 1.8 65.5 2.76

Bidhan Marigold-2 30.0 70.7 2 47.8 170.3 4.12 3.24 69.7 9.66

15

Table 2.4.1.3: Growth performance of new genotypes of marigold at Kahikuchi during 2015-16

Varieties

Description

Germn. (%)

Plant

height (cm)

Plant spread

(cm)

Primary

branches per plant

Stem

girth (cm)

1st fl. bud

appearance (days)

50%

flowering (days)

1. IIHRMO-3 Tall, African type, orange 60.5 79.7 73.4 10.5 1.75 30.15 58.67

2. IIHRMY-4 Yellow flower, African

marigold

50.0 98.2 76.0 10.3 0.67 44.13 60.12

3. IIHRMY-5 African marigold,medium

sized yellow fls, long thin

inrolled petals like cigarette ,

longer pedicel cup

50.3 95.5 82.0 11.1 0.63 42.7 55.23

4. IIHRMO-2 Dwarf compact plant,

French, pure orange flowers,

carnation type, late flowering

45.7 25.25 33.0 11.25 0.50 54.5 70.68

5. IIHRMO-4 Dwarf French marigold,

orange , carnation type

flowers, 2-3 rows ray florets,

disc visible

50.0 20.0 30.0 7.5 0.50 32.3 58.57

6. IIHRFm-1 Dwarf,French marigold, compact

plant, red and yellow petals, disc

not prominent , flowers like

IIHR MO-2 but smaller

75.7 22.75 30.8 11.5 0.49 40.13 60.15

7. Siracole Dwarf, medium height,

reddish flowers

80.5 72.5 63.5 18.1 2.08 33.7 58.42

8. PNG Tall, African 80.5 83.37 43.4 9.73 2.00 35.67 52.12

9. Pusa Arpita Medium-tall, French type,

anemone

75.3 60.12 88.1 8.1 2.10 34.6 60.33

10. FM-Zafri Medium-tall, French marigold

type,

72.6 45.4 45.5 12.5 2.17 36.4 64.7

11. Hajo Local

Orange

Tall African, orange 70.17 60.45 88.43 12.96 2.00 35.6 50.37

16

12. Hajo Local

Yellow

TallAfrican, yellow 70.5 81.2 103.5 12.0 2.00 32.33 53.36

13. UHFS-Fm-

Mari-786 Solan

Dwarf, French, flowers light

3-4 orange colour petals

around disc, likeIIHR MO-2

but smaller flowers

65.0 33.5 26.9 11.67 0.45 44.15 55.27

14. African

marigold-Yellow

from IIHR

Tall, African, yellow flowers,

greenish tinge, type

65.8 95.4 56.0 9.3 0.65 46.52 60.36

15. Arka Agni Large, orange (N25C)

petaloid-typemale-sterile

flowers with ligulate florets,

can be multiplied by stem-

cuttings

45.6 44.0 45.0 11.1 0.55 38.9 59.43

16. Arka

Bangara Medium-sized petaloid-sterile

flowers,yellow gold colour

(RHS colour chart No. 12-A

in Yellow Group)

50.13 45.5 47.5 10.5 0.53 40.33 60.12

17. Arka

Alankara Large, yellow (9A) petaloid-

type male-sterile flowers with

ligulate florets. Multiplied by

stemcuttings

50.5 50.8 53.75 12.3 0.56 40.5 63.59

S.Ed. (+) - 2.16 1.41 1.48 0.79 0.06 1.40 2.85

CD (5%) - 4.40 2.87 3.02 1.61 0.12 2.85 5.82

17

Table 2.4.1.4: Growth performance of new genotypes of marigold at Kahikuchi during 2015-16

Varieties

Flowering

duration

(days)

First

harvest

(days)

No. of

harvests

Flowers

/plant

Flowers

(nos./m2) Flower

dia.

(cm)

Individual fresh

flower

Weight (g)

Seeds

per

flower

1. IIHRMO-3 43.57 45.12 2 125 475.12 5.75 7.0 103.7

2. IIHRMY-4 46.17 53.25 2 135.7 521.09 5.50 4.12 128.0

3. IIHRMY-5 55.35 52.45 2 160.7 610.7 6.56 7.18 110.5

4. IIHRMO-2 55.89 73.33 2 124.0 476.2 3.75 2.5 47.7

5. IIHRMO-4 70.36 43.12 2 100.5 385.92 2.9 3.75 40.6

6. IIHRFm-1 53.7 46.7 2 50.4 191.52 3.50 2.69 75.1

7. Siracole 78.33 40.12 3 183.5 690.1 5.33 3.97 110.5

8. PNG 26.7 50.08 2 40.7 154.7 5.30 5.50 189.0

9. Pusa Arpita 78.50 58.74 3 225.3 865.2 2.95 4.48 130.3

10. FM-Zafri 75.15 57.1 3 223.7 850.1 4.37 4.25 93.8

11. Hajo Local Orange 33.13 43.33 2 120.12 454.1 5.30 4.43 203.3

12. Hajo Local Yellow 35.39 48.90 2 130.6 496.3 5.35 3.87 215.9

13. UHFS-Fm-Mari-786

Solan

35.5 48.37 2 50.35 189.3 4.0 2.29 50.3

14. African marigold-

Yellow from IIHR

40.67 60.09 3 75.0 285.1 5.40 4.35 75.5

15. Arka Agni 45.12 50.33 2 115.0 425.3 6.61 4.67 110.4

16. Arka Bangara 44.33 52.50 2 125.1 480.1 5.83 5.0 108.9

17. Arka Alankara 43.77 50.17 2 125.0 470.5 6.66 6.36 103.1

S.Ed. (+) 1.84 1.71 - 2.76 7.25 0.05 0.08 6.74

CD (5%) 3.75 3.59 - 5.62 14.78 0.10 0.17 13.74

18

3. CROP MANAGEMENT

Project No. 3.5.1: Effect of organic supplement on growth and flowering of Dendrobium

orchids

Duration: Three years

Objective: To find out suitable combination of organic supplement on growth and flowering

of Dendrobium orchid

Results: The trial is not initiated due to lack of fund

Project No. 3.5.2 Effect of biofertilizers on growth and flowering of Dendrobium orchids


Objective: To find out suitable combination of biofertilizer supplements on growth and

flowering of Dendrobium orchid


Project No. 3.5.3: Effect of inorganic nutrients on growth and flowering on Dendrobium

orchids


Objective: To find out suitable combination of inorganic supplements on growth and flowering

of Dendrobium orchid


Project No. 3.5.4: Effect of micronutrients on growth and flowering of Dendrobium orchids


Objective: To find out suitable combination of micronutrient supplements on growth and

flowering of Dendrobium orchid


Project No. 3.9.1: Effect of colored shade nets on cut foliage plant (Asparagus plumosus and

Nephrolepis)


Objective: To find out a suitable shade environment for growth and development of Asparagus

plumosus and Nephrolepis for cut foliage production

Result: The experiment was initiated in December 2015 in a small way. Fund have not been

received to purchase sufficient planting materials of Asparagus plumosus and Nephrolepis, to

set up the experiment properly, also, sufficient red and white agroshade nets are not available in

North East India.

19

Project No. 3.9.2: Effect of media incorporated with Pusa Hydrogel on growth and production

ofquality foliage plant (Philodendron)


Objective: To find out a suitable dose of pusa hydrogel thereby to minimize the water

management practices for better growth and production of quality foliage plant

Result: The experiment could not be initiated till May 2016 due to non-availability of Pusa

Hydrogel although effort was made to get it from IARI. . Dr. Anupama, Head, Division of

Agrochemicals, was contacted.

4. PLANT PROTECTION:

Project No. 4.1.1: Disease diagnostic in bulbous ornamentals

Result: Spot survey was conducted to assess the intensity of fungal and bacterial diseases of

bulbous ornamentals during the year 2013-14 in the districts of Kamrup, Chirang, and Nalbari

of Assam. In all the districts, the incidences of sclerotial wilt (Sclerotium rolfsii) in tuberose in

the range of 11-27.5% have been recorded. The incidence of leaf blight caused by Alternaria

polyanthis in var. Prajwal was observed but in case of local single types both Alternaria

polyanthis and Phoma polyanthis were recorded (12.5-28.33%). In the current year (2015-16)

another new fungal pathogen was found to cause severe leaf damage in the form of leaf spot

and leaf blight both prajwal and single type . The causal organism wad identified as Phoma

tuberosa. Incidence of Leaf blight caused by Curvularia spp has also been found in on station

cultivation.

During rabi season, the incidence of Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp gladioli)

in gladiolus is very common in Assam. It has been recorded in almost all the growers of

gladiolus flower. Apart from this, the occurrence of botrytis blight (Botrytis gladiolorum),

storage rot (Penicillium gladioli) are also found in mild form.

Three fungal pathogens causing foliar infection in gerbera selected for cultivating in

open conditions were identified. These were viz., (i) Aschochyta gerberae in Red Monarch,

causes brownish blight originate either from the leaf tip or leaf margin and proceeds towards

midrib. (ii) Phoma glomarata in Red Monarch, (cause both blight/ leaf spot) and (iii)

Botryodiplodia theobromae in Red Gem causes leaf spot.

Project No. 4.3.1.: Management of Fusarium wilt in gladiolus

Year of start : 2014-15

Objective : To evaluate an effective control measure against Fusarium

oxysporum f.sp. gladioli in gladiolus

20

Results: Data presented in the table (4.3.1.1) revealed the effectivity of Pre-storage and pre-

planting treatment of corm with captan 0.2% + carbendazim 0.2% for 30 min followed by

soil application of T. harzianum (10 g in 1 kg FYM for 10 m2) which registered less disease

incidence of 16.67 per cent with the highest per cent disease control (63.60%) . Maximum

flower spike length (71.19) and number of corms per plot (28.50) were also registered by this

treatment.

Table 4.3.1.1: Effect of different treatment on Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. gladioli (2015-16)

Treatments (%) corm

sprouting

Per cent

disease

incidence

Per cent

disease

control

Plant

height

(cm)

Spike

length

(cm)

No of

corm

/plot

T1: Pre-storage and pre-planting

treatment of corm with captan

(0.2%) + carbendazim (0.2%) for 30

min

93.33 25.85

(30.53) 43.97 83.77 60.07 24.77


treatment of corm in Trichoderma

harzianum (106 cfu), 10 g/l for 30

min

91.66

27.22

(31.31)

*

40.99 77.60 68.00 24.10




min + soil application of T.

harzianum (10 g in 1 kg FYM for 10

m2

96.67 16.79

(22.51) 63.60

84.47

71.19 28.50


treatment of corms in T. harzianum

(106 cfu), 10 g/l for 30 min + soil

application of T. harzianum (10 g in

1 kg FYM for 10 m2 )

91.67 18.29

(26.06) 59.05 81.54 70.20 26.66




min + soil drenching with captan

0.2% + carbendazim 0.2% at 15 days

interval

98.33 18.18

(23.71) 60.59 79.60 67.97 26.00


treatment of corms in T. harzianum

(106 cfu), 10 g/l for 30 min + soil

drenching with captan 0.2% +

carbendazim 0.2% at 15 days

interval

91.67 19.07

(25.88) 58.67 81.40 68.87 24.66

T7: Control 86.67

46.13

(42.78) - 70.21 63.08 17.00

SEd (±) 2.30 1.20 - 3.64 1.62 1.15

CD (0.05) 5.01 2.62 - NS 3.53 2.52

*Figures in parenthesis are angular transformed value

21

Project No 4.5.1: Management of tuberose leaf blight (Alternaria polyanthi)


Objective : To find out an effective chemical for the control of leaf spot of

Tuberose

Methodology: Four sprays at an interval of 7 days starting from the first appearance of the

disease symptom were done. Fifteen (15) nos of leaves per clump of middle five clumps each

plot were considered for calculating the PDI using 0-4 scales. Number of flower effective bulb

and bulblets per meter square were also recorded.

Results: First year’s data presented in the table (4.5.1.1) indicated that the spraying of

Azoxystrobin (Amister) (0.1%) or Difenconazole (Score) (0.1%) or Iprodione + carbendazim

(Quintal) (0.1%) were found effective in managing the leaf spot disease of tuberose, which

recorded significantly lowest disease incidence of 7.83, 8.91 and 10.25 per cent with highest

per cent disease control of 76.24, 73.04 and 68.99, respectively. Maximum number of flower

stalk per meter square of bed area (45.00, 44.07 and 38.90 /m2), maximum number of effective

bulb (109.33, 92.95 and 94.05) and bulb let (176.00, 176.35 and 159.5) from one square metre

of bed area were also rerecorded by these treatments (Table 4.5.1.2).

Remark: The experiment will be repeated in the next year.

Table 1: Effect of fungicidal treatments on leaf blight of tuberose Cv.Local Single (2015-16)

Treatments Dose

(%)

Per cent disease

incidence

Per cent disease

control

T1 : Mancozeb 0.2

20.37

(26.82) 38.37

T2: Chlorothalonil 0.2

15.25

(22.98) 53.85

T3: Tricyclazole

0.1

21.17

(27.39) 35.94

T4 : Iprodione +

carbendazim 0.1

10.25

(16.81) 68.99

T5 : Difenconazole 0.1

8.91

(17.37) 73.04

T6 : Azoxystrobin 0.1`

7.85

(16.24) 76.24

T7: Control -

33.05

(35.09)* -

SEd (±) 1.28 -

CD (0.05) 2.68 -

* Figures in parenthesis are angular transformed value

22

Table (4.5.1.2): Effect of fungicidal treatments on flower and bulb yield of tuberose Cv. Local

Single (2015-16)

Treatments Dose

(%)

No. of flower

stalk /m2

Length of

flower

spike

(cm)

No. of

bulb

let

/m2

No. of

bulb

let

/m2

T1 : Mancozeb 0.2 34.44 83.28 87.53 132.55

T2: Chlorothalonil 0.2

30.09

83.75

80.25 146.30

T3: Tricyclazole

0.1 30.65 84.50 79.20 137.30

T4 : Iprodione +

carbendazim 0.1 38.90 85.15 94.05 159.50

T5 : Difenconazole 0.1 44.07 87.00 92.95 163.35

T6 : Azoxystrobin 0.1` 45.00 87.45 109.33 176.00

T7: Control - 27.97 81.52 62.17 118.10

SEd (±) 1.30 0.83 5.78 5.07

CD (0.05) 3.78 1.77 12.13 10.67


Project No 4.6.1: Management of root rot and root rot (Phytophthora spp) in gerbera


Objective : To find out an effective control measure for the management of

foot rot of Gerbera

Methodology: The experiment was conducted with the above treatments in randomized block

design with three replications. Soil application of Trichoderma harzianum @ 500 g/m2 was

done at the time of planting. Soil drenching of respective fungicidal solutions was done after 1

and 2 months of transplanting. Observation on the disease severity i.e PDI was calculated

using 0-4 scale. Number of flower stalk per plot and the length (cm) of the flower stalk were

recorded.

Results: Data presented in the table (4.6.1A.1) revealed that soil drenching with metalaxyl

+ mancozeb @ 0.2% followed by application of Neem cake colonized by Trichoderma

harzianum @ 500 g/m2 one month after the last soil drenching recorded lowest foot rot

disease incidence of 16.37 per cent with high per cent disease control of 62.30 and highest

production of flower stalk (69.60/m2) as well as highest flower stalk length (50.11 cm).

23

Table 4.6.1.1: Effect of different treatments on foot/root of gerbera, Cv. Red Monarch (2015-16)

Treatments % disease

incidence

%

disease

control

No. of

flower

stalk/

plot

No. of

flower

stalk/

m2

Length of

flower

stalk

(cm)

T1:Neem cake colonized by

T.harzianum @ 500 g/m2 + soil

drenching and foliar spray with

captan, 0.3%

25.36

(31.56)* 42.92 125.00 45.70 43.93

T2:Neem cake colonized by T.

harzianum @ 500 g/m2 + soil

drenching with Kresoxim methyl

(Ergon) 0.1 % after one month

24.64

(30.58) 44.94 165.00 56.12 46.43

T3:Neem cake colonized by T.

harzianum @ 500 g/m2 + soil

drenching with Copper

oxychloride, 0.3%, after one

month

19.80

(28.54) 55.43 173.33 58.96 44.93

T4 :Soil drenching with captan, 0.3% +

T. harzianum @ 500 g/m2 29.55

(31.55) 33.50 179.00 60.89 48.80

T5 : Soil drenching with Kresoxim

methyl 0.1 % + T. harzianum @

500 g/m2

29.16

(26.30) 34.37 186.00 63.27 45.40

T6:Soil drenching with Carbendazim

0.2 % + Trichoderma harzianum

@ 500 g/m2

32.30

(35.97) 27.30 174.33 59.30 47.33

T7 :Soil drenching with metalaxyl +

mancozeb, 0.2% + T.harzianum

@ 500 g/m2

18.05

(23.83) 59.38 194.33 66.09 50.60

T8 : Control 44.43

(41.21) - 134.33

43.93 44.33

SEd (±) 1.71 - 10.95 3.83 1.24

CD (0.05) 3.74 - 23.87 8.35 2.71


24

Project No 4.6.2: Integrated management of leaf spot (Phoma gerberae) of gerbera


Objective : To find out an effective control measure for the

management of leaf spot of Gerbera

Methodology: The experiment was conducted with the above treatments in randomized

block design with four replications. Spraying of the fungicidal solution was done at 10 days

interval starting the first spray second month after planting. Observation on the disease

severity i.e PDI was calculated using 0-4 scale. Four lower leaves of each four plant from the

middle of each plot were considered for calculating the PDI. Number of flower stalk per plot

and the length (cm) of the flower stalk were recorded.

Results: The resul presented in the tables (6.4.2.1) revealed that the spraying of

difenoconazole (0.05%) or azoxystrobin (0.1%) were found effective for managing the leaf

spot/blight disease of gerbera which recorded significantly lowest disease incidence of 15.62,

and 21.09 per cent with maximum per cent disease control of 67.53, and 55.87 %, respectively

over the check. These treatments also recorded highest flower yield of 65.66 and 62.78 number

of flower stalk from one square metre area, respectively.

Table 4.6.2.1: Effect of different treatments on leaf spot of gerbera, Cv. Red Gem (2015-16)

Treatments

Conce

ntrat

ion

(%)

% disease

incidence

%

disease

control

No. of

flower

stalk/

plot

No. of

flower

stalk/

m2

Length of

flower

stalk

(cm)

T1: Mancozeb 0.2 38.67

(38.44)* 19.06 191.50 50.39 46.35

T2: Propineb 70 WP 0.2 33.61

(35.43) 29.66 209.25 55.80 45.58

T3: Carbendazim 0.2 38.13

(38.13) 20.20 207.25 55.27 45.98

T4: Iprodione + carbendazim 0.2 22.65

(28.40) 52.60 235.00 62.67 47.75

T5: Difenconazole 0.05 15.62

(23.27) 67.53 242.50 65.66 45.70

T6: Azoxystrobin 0.1 21.09

(27.31) 55.87 235.50 62.78 48.25

T7: Control - 47.78

(43.56) - 187.00 49.29 42.15

SEd (±) 0.80 10.08 2.64 0.98

25

CD (0.05) 1.70 21.19 5.57 2.04


5. POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY AND VALUE

ADDITION

Project No. 5.2: Standardization of postharvest technology of marigold flowers

Project No. 5.2.1: Standardization of packing techniques for flower strings of marigold

flowers

Objective: To standardize the best packing techniques and material for flower string of

marigold flowers for domestic market

Methodology: The marigold strings was placed coiled inside the container where a small

packet of ice wrapped with plastic also placed in the centre of the basket and the thermocol

box. The container thereafter was closed tightly and stored for 0, 1, 2, 3 days. After storage,

the strings were observed for evaluation of their quality.

Result: Marigold cv. Siracole cuttings were planted in Dec, 2015 onwards. Flowering started

from March 2016 onwards. 6.0 kg fresh marigold flowers were accommodated in each

bamboo basket (1 ft x 1.5 ft, 500g) when flat, 6.5 kg when slightly curved. Size of carton box

used was 35 cm L x 19.5 cm B x 20 cm H, which accommodated 15 nos. garlands, each with

25 flowers. Among the three packing treatments, flowers packed in Bamboo basket with

paper lining and ice pack in the centre (two baskets upside down of about 1.5 feet diameter

with 1 foot depth) recorded highest PLW of flowers at 1, 2 and 3 days, respectively,

compared to the other two types of packing containers, probably due to greater ventilation.

On the other hand, packing garlands in Thermocol box and CFB Box recorded lower flower

fresh weight (96.33 % and 97.17 %, respectively) and acceptability on visual basis on the

first day. Freshness decreased with time. The same trend was seen on 2nd and 3rd days.

Marigold garlands at the bottom of all the containers showed wilting, browning and rotting

earlier due to pressure/dead weight, compared to those at the upper layers, as indicated by

lower freshness in Table 5.2.2.2. On Day-3, rotting of flowers in lower portions of the all

three types of containers was observed, but more in case of Thermocol and CFB boxe

26

Table 5.2.2.1: Effect of packaging container and storage duration on flower strings of

marigold (2015-16)

Treatmen

t

Initial fresh

weight of

flowers (kg)*

50 garlands

Final fresh

weight of flowers

(kg)

Change in fresh

weight (during

longevity period)

Physiological

loss in weight

(%) after

storage

C1S1

5.97

5.20 0.77 12.90

C1S2 4.53 1.44 24.12

C1S3 3.84 2.13 35.68

C2S1

5.91

5.28 0.63 10.64

C2S2 4.68 1.23 20.72

C2S3 4.13 1.78 30.17

C3S1

6.20

5.50 0.70 11.32

C3S2 4.89 1.31 21.13

C3S3 4.19 2.01 32.43

S.Ed. (+) - 0.24 0.11 1.74

C.D. (5%) - 0.51 0.24 3.70

C1 Bamboo basket C2 Thermocol box C3 CFB Box S1 Storage for 1 day S2 2 days S3 3 days


marigold (2015-16)

Treatment

Percent of fresh

flowers

Colour retention

(using mini RHS colour chart-) Acceptability on

visual basis

(1-9 hedonic scale)

C1S1 100.0 Orange (RHS N25C) 9.00

C1S2 83.74 Orange (RHS N25C) 7.67

C1S3 60.07 Faded Orange (RHS) 4.50

C2S1 96.33 Orange (RHS N25C) 8.17

C2S2 70.15 Orange (RHS N25C) 6.35


C3S1 97.17 Orange (RHS N25C) 8.23

C3S2 73.33 Orange (RHS N25C) 6.27


S.Ed. (+) 1.90 - 0.38

C.D. (5%) 4.02 - 0.81 C1 Bamboo basket C2 Thermocol box C3 CFB Box S1 Storage for 1 day S2 2 days S3 3 days

27

Project No. 5.3: Standardization of postharvest technology of tuberose flowers

Experiment 5.3.1: Standardization of postharvest treatment using boric acid and sodium

benzoate for improving post harvest life of loose flowers of tuberose

Objective: To find out a suitable dose of boric acid or sodium benzoate for extending shelf

life of loose flowers of tuberose after harvest.

Result: The trial was carried out with fully open fresh flowers of cultivar Prajwal during

March,16 in the laboratory under ambient condition.The computed results revealed a

significant effect of the treatments in respect of percent change of weight, rotting percentage

at the end of storage period , longevity of the florets lot, visual acceptability,colour retension

and flower opening index (table-5.3.1.1 to 5.3.1.3).Amongst the treatment boric acid 5%

(20.10% in 24hrs and 28.23%in 48hrs) and sodium benzoate 50ppm (20.85% in 24hrs and

45.10%in 48hrs) significantly retained the moisture level over control (25.73% in 24hrs and

45.46 %in 48hrs) during the time of investigation.The same level of treatment also

significantly improved the storage period (49.33 hrs and 49.00 hrs respectively) over water

spray control(40.33hrs).It was also interesting to note that same level of treatment recorded

least rotting percentage(13.33% and 2.63%respectively)after 24 hours of storage over

control(20%).The acceptability on viasusal basis,the flower opening index and colour

retention of the stored flowers after 48hrs were also maximum in flowers treated with boric

acid 5% and sodium benzoate 50ppm over water spray control.

Table: 5.3.1.1: Effect of boric acid and sodium benzoate on percent weight change

(2015-16)

28

Treatments Average initial

weight (g) on

day one

Percent weight

change on 2nd

day of storage

Percent weight

change on 3rd day

of storage over

initial

Control (Water spray) 37.30 25.73 45.46

Boric acid 2% 34.33 24.21 42.09

Boric acid 3% 35.80 20.27 41.80

Boric acid 4% 31.83 20.23 40.88

Boric acid 5% 29.80 20.10 28.23

Sodium benzoate 10ppm 27.30 26.86 50.52



SEd± 0.80 1.20 1.32

CD (0.05) 1.76 2.61 2.81

Table: 5.3.1.2: Effect of boric acid and sodium benzoate on Rotting percentage and

longevity of the flower (2015-16)

29

Treatments Rotting

percentage

Longevity of the

flower (hrs)

Retention of

colours

Control (Water spray) 20.00 40.33 Pale yellow-B

Boric acid 2% 24.00 41.00 Pale yellow-B

Boric acid 3% 24.00 44.33 Yellowish white-D



Sodium benzoate 10ppm 45.33 45.33 Pale yellow-B

Sodium benzoate 25ppm 24.00 43.33 Pale yellow-Grey

Sodium benzoate 50ppm 02.67 49.00 Pale yellow-Green

SEd± 3.14 1.19

CD (0.05) 6.46 2.50

Table: 5.3.1.3: Effect of boric acid and sodium benzoate on visual acceptability and flower

opening index (2015-16)

Treatments Acceptability on visual

basis (1-9 hedonic scale)

Flower opening index after 48 hrs

(%)

After 24

hrs of

storage

After 48

hrs of

storage

0-closed 1.5-half

open

3-fully

open

Control (Water spray) 4.60 2.33 8.33 11.33 4.66

Boric acid 2% 4.66 1.33 8.33 11.00 5.00

Boric acid 3% 5.33 1.66 9.66 07.66 2.33

Boric acid 4% 5.67 3.00 8.67 13.33 3.00

Boric acid 5% 7.00 3.00 5.00 13.33 6.67

Sodium benzoate

10ppm 2.66 1.00 21.33 02.33 1.00

Sodium benzoate

25ppm 4.67 1.83 12.00 10.00 2.33

Sodium benzoate

50ppm 8.00 2.33 5.33 13.00 6.00

SEd± 0.31 0.26 0.86 1.02 1.42

CD (0.05) 0.76 0.63 1.88 2.13 3.17

30

Experiment No. 5.3.2: Standardization of packing techniques for flower strings of tuberose

Objective: To standardize the best packing techniques and material for flower string of

tuberose flowers for domestic market

Methodology: The tuberose strings will be placed coiled inside the container where a small

packet of ice wrapped with plastic would be placed in the centre in the basket and the

thermocol box. The container thereafter shall be closed tightly and stored for 0, 1, 2, 3 days.

After storage, the strings will be observed for evaluation of their quality.

Result: Tuberose bulbs were planted in February, 2016. Flowering started from April

onwards. Due to lack of sufficient flowers in the field, the experiment could not be

conducted according to the formulated technical programme. Instead, the trial was conducted

in the first year (April-May, 2016) with smaller size of containers, bamboo baskets (36 cm

dia x14 cm ht, 410 g), CFB box (18 cm x 21 cm x 20 cm, 250 g) and Thermocol box (40 cm

x 20 cm x 20 cm, 240 g), using 50 tuberose garlands per container.

The highest PLW (49.57 %) was recorded in tuberose strings packed in Bamboo

basket, followed by Thermocol box and CFB Box, which were at par. Flowers remained

fresh till day 1 in all cases. Tuberose strings packed in bamboo basket remained fresh for a

longer time because of more aeration due to gaps in the basket, compared to the other two

treatments. Wilting, browning of tips and edges of petals and 25 % rotting, especially in the

the lower portions were observed on Day-2 in case of tuberose flower strings packed in

Thermocol box and CFB Box. On Day-3, 30 % rotting of flowers were observed in bamboo

basket.Ice in pack melted and spoiled flowers making them soggy, especially in CFB box

and Thermocol box hastening rotting by facilitating growth of microorganisms.


tuberose (2015-16)

Treatment

Initial fresh

weight of

flowers (kg)*

50 garlands

Final fresh

weight of

flowers (kg)

Change in fresh

weight (during

longevity period)

Physiological loss in

weight (%) after

storage

C1S1

1.85

1.55 0.30 16.22

C1S2 1.08 0.77 41.62

C1S3 0.93 0.92 49.57

C2S1

1.87

1.32 0.55 29.41

C2S2 1.15 0.72 38.50

C2S3 0.99 0.89 47.32

C3S1 1.18 0.60 33.71

31

C3S2 1.78 1.05 0.73 41.00

C3S3 0.96 0.82 46.06

S.Ed. (+) - 0.11 0.06 3.84

C.D. (5%) - 0.23 0.12 8.13 C1 Bamboo basket C2 Thermocol box C3 CFB Box S1Storage for 1 day S2 2 days S3 3 days


tuberose (2015-16)

Treat

ment

Percent

of fresh

flowers

Colour retention

(using mini RHS colour

chart-)

Rotting percentage

of flowers

Acceptability

on visual

basis

(1-9 hedonic

scale)

C1S1 100.0 Fan 4 White Group 155C

Greenish White

0% 9.0


Greenish White

0% rotting, wilting, browning

of tips observed

7.4

C1S3 10.2 Fan 4 White Group N

155D Yellowish White,

tips turnbrown

Browning of edges, in rolling

of petals, 30% rotting from

bottom upwards

6.7


Greenish White

10%, browning of tips of

petals

8.3


Greenish White

Wilting, browning of tips and

edges observed, in rolling

petals, 25% rotting (lower

part of container)

6.7

C2S3 - Fan 4 White Group N


tips turnbrown

45% rotting from bottom

upwards

3.7


Greenish White

0%, browning of tips of petals 8.4


Greenish White

Wilting, browning of

observed in top layer, 25%

rotting (lower part of

container)

6.2

C3S3 - Fan 4 White Group N


tips turnbrown

55% Rotting flowers in lower

portion of container

4.5

S.Ed.

(+)

37.60 - - 0.34

C.D.

(5%)

80.64 - - 0.72

C1 Bamboo basket C2 Thermocol box C3 CFB Box S1Storage for 1 day S2 2 days S3 3 days

32

Experiment 5.3.3: Studies on use of food dyes for tinting in tuberose stems


Objective: To standardize a best level of food dye for tinting tuberose spike in vases

Methodology: The cut stems of tuberose harvested at commercial was placed in vase with

the dye solution so that the cut ends are totally dipped inside the solution. The stems are

allowed to absorb the dye under ambient condition.

Results: The cut stem end of tuberose spikes, harvested at 2-3 buds open stage, were dipped

in two concs of dye solution for 1, 2 and 3 hrs respectively, it was observed that tinting took

place within 30-45 minuts and maximum colour intensity was observed within 3 hours.

Intensity of tinting of petals decreased with time i.e. colour faded with time. Maximum

tinting intensity was observed on 1st day. On the 4th day of dipping, base colour faded while

tint remained on tips and edges. On the 5th day, flowers faded to white in all the Food Dyes

except Raspberry Red, 8% flowers still retained tinge of pink colour.

No visual difference in colour intensity was noted between tuberose spikes dipped for

1, 2 and 3 hrs. Tinting was observed up to the topmost florets of the rachis. Dipping in higher

concentration of dye (8%) resulted in flowers showing more intense or darker colour,

compared to those dipped in lower concentration (4%). In case of Bright Blue food colour,

the base of petals were more evenly coloured while the tips showed more intense colour.

Best tinting effect was seen in case of dipping in Raspberry Red dye, rendering the petals

baby pink and colour was evenly distributed. Orange Red Food Colour resulted in light

orange base colour while the tips and edges were deeper orange. Kesar Yellow had lighter

intensity of tinting compared to Lemon Yellow Food Colour. In general, higher

concentration resulted in deeper colour of both flowers as well as vase solution, viz., the

extra food dye not absorbed by the flowers were left in the solution. The percentage of floret

opening was not affected by the food colour concentration or duration of the dip, and flower

buds opened successively from base to top and still remained fresh till 5th day of putting in

vase solution. Vase life ranging between 5.4 to 5.8 days was recorded in combinations of

food dyes, concentrations and dip durations (5.4 to 5.8 days), while the control recorded 7.1

to 7.2 days (Table: 5.3.3.1).

33

Experiment 5.3.3.1: Effect of food dyes on tinting in tuberose stems

Treatments

Vase

life

(days)

Quantity

of dye

uptake

(ml/stem)

Opening

of

florets

(%) on

5th day

Maximum

floret

diameter

(cm)

Colour

appears

on

flowers

within

(hrs)

Duration

of colour

retention

(remaining

up to)

(days) T1 Control (water)+ no dip

7.1 - 98.4 4.5 - -

T2 Lemon Yellow-4% + 1hr

6.1 4.3 60.0 4.4 Within

30 -45

mins

Till 3rd day

T3 Lemon Yellow-4% + 2

hrs

6.1 4.3 59.0 4.2 ” ”

T4 Lemon Yellow-4% + 3

hrs

5.8 4.4 58.1 4.5 ” ”

T5 Lemon Yellow-8% + 1 hr

5.8 2.2 60.3 3.8 ” ”

T6 Lemon Yellow-8%+2 hr

5.7 2.1 64.0 4.2 ” ”

T7 LemonYellow-8% + 3hr

5.6 2.0 62.7 4.3 ” ”

T8 Kesar Yellow-4% + 1hr

5.8 3.3 85.0 3.5 ” Till 4th day

T9 Kesar Yellow-4% + 2 hr

5.6 3.3 98.2 4.2 ” ”

T10 Kesar Yellow-4%+3hr

5.5 3.3 95.0 4.3 ” ”

T11 Kesar Yellow-8% +1 hr 5.7 3.0 97.1 3.8 ” ” T12 Kesar Yellow-8%+ 2 hrs

5.5 3.1 75.7 4.0 ” ”

T13 Kesar Yellow-8%+ 3hrs

5.4 3.1 78.5 3.8 ” ”

T14 Bright Blue-4% + 1hr

5.7 3.5 53.0 4.39 ” Till 4th day

T15 Bright Blue-4% + 2hr

5.6 3.5 52.1 4.2 ” ”

T16 Bright Blue -4% + 3 hr

5.5 3.5 50.3 4.1 ” ”

T17 Bright Blue -8% +1hr

5.8 3.6 51.0 4.3 ” ”


5.6 3.5 49.5 3.9 ” ”

T19 Bright Blue -8% + 3hr

5.5 3.4 50.0 3.6 ” ”

T20 Orange red -4% +1hr

5.7 2.5 55.4 3.8 “ Till 4th day

34

T21 Orange red -4% +2 hr

5.5 3.1 43.1 3.7 ” ”


5.4 3.2 41.6 3.5 ” ”

T23 Orange red -8% + 1hr

5.5 3.2 46.2 3.67 ” ”

T24 Orange red -8%+2hr

5.4 2.8 26.1 3.5 ” ”


5.4 1.8 25.0 3.1 ” ”

T26 Rose Pink-4% +1hr

5.8 2.2 78.3 4.0 ” ”

T27 Rose Pink-4% + 2hr

5.7 2.4 76.4 3.7 ” ”

T28 Rose Pink-4% +3 hr 5.6 2.6 78.3 3.5 ” ” T29 Rose Pink-8% +1 hr

5.5 2.4 72.2 3.8 ” ”


5.4 2.2 68.4 3.7 ” ”

T31 Rose Pink-8% +3 hr

5.4 2.1 73.0 3.6 ” ”

T32 Raspberry red-4% + 1hr

5.7 2.3 76.1 4.5 ” ”

T33 Raspberry red-4% +2hr

5.7 2.5 74.5 4.4 ” ”

T34 Raspberry red-4%+ 3hr

5.6 3.2 75.5 4.2 ” ”

T35 Raspberry red-8% + 1hr

5.5 4.3 75.0 4.9 ” ”

T36 Raspberry red-8% +2 hr

5.6 2.3 73.5 4.8 ” ”

T37 Raspberry red-8% +3hr

5.5 2.1 75.8 4.7 ” ”

S.Ed. (+) 0.06 0.17 7.20 0.14

CD (5%) 0.13 0.34 14.32 0.29

35

Experiment 5.3.3.2: Effect of food dyes on tinting in tuberose stems (2015-16)

Treatments

Vase

life

(days)

Quantity

of dye

uptake

(ml/stem) till

Total

opening

of florets

on

spike(%)

Maximum

floret

diameter

(cm)

Colour

appears

on

flowers

within (hrs)

Duration

of colour

retention

(remaining

up to)

(days)

T1 Control (water)+ no dip 6.71 0.37 85.0 4.45 - - T2 Lemon Yellow-4% + 1hr 5.93 0.77 75.0 4.42 Within

30 -45

mins

Till 3rd day

T3 Lemon Yellow-4% + 2 hrs 6.07 1.42 74.5 4.37 ” ” T4 Lemon Yellow-4% + 3 hrs

5.87 0.37 70.3 4.54 ” ”

T5 Lemon Yellow-8% + 1 hr 5.73 0.72 70.2 4.38 ” ” T6 Lemon Yellow-8%+2 hr 5.71 1.20 68.7 4.28 ” ” T7 LemonYellow-8% + 3hr

5.50 0.38 62.3 4.17 ” ”

T8 Kesar Yellow-4% + 1hr 5.75 0.69 82.5 4.24 ” Till 4th

day T9 Kesar Yellow-4% + 2 hr 5.76 1.15 80.3 4.22 ” ” T10 Kesar Yellow-4%+3hr 5.42 0.37 80.8 4.10 ” ” T11 Kesar Yellow-8% +1 hr 5.67 0.60 78.5 4.09 ” ” T12 Kesar Yellow-8%+ 2 hrs 5.53 1.07 75.3 4.08 ” ” T13 Kesar Yellow-8%+ 3hrs 5.45 0.38 75.2 3.83 ” ” T14 Bright Blue-4% + 1hr

5.75 0.83 60.0 4.21 ” Till 4th

day T15 Bright Blue-4% + 2hr

5.53 1.19 55.2 4.06 ” ”

T16 Bright Blue -4% + 3 hr

5.48 0.39 54.1 4.13 ” ”


5.76 0.78 54.3 4.27 ” ”


5.61 1.20 52.7 3.97 ” ”

T19 Bright Blue -8% + 3hr 5.45 0.38 52.2 3.88 ” ” T20 Orange red -4% +1hr

5.57 0.78 56.1 4.03 “ Till 4th

day T21 Orange red -4% +2 hr

5.45 1.19 50.3 3.87 ” ”


5.47 0.39 51.5 3.51 ” ”

T23 Orange red -8% + 1hr

5.55 0.78 46.2 3.84 ” ”

T24 Orange red -8%+2hr

5.40 1.14 36.9 3.79 ” ”


5.43 0.40 36.5 3.72 ” ”

T26 Rose Pink-4% +1hr 5.89 0.78 77.5 4.25 ” ”

36


5.67 1.16 77.1 3.83 ” ”

T28 Rose Pink-4% +3 hr 5.60 0.39 73.6 3.73 ” ” T29 Rose Pink-8% +1 hr

5.55 0.80 70.5 4.06 ” ”


5.43 1.24 70.1 3.88 ” ”

T31 Rose Pink-8% +3 hr

5.41 0.39 70.7 3.73 ” ”

T32 Raspberry red-4% + 1hr 5.89 0.84 78.9 4.27 ” ”

T33 Raspberry red-4% +2hr 5.77 1.05 75.3 4.21 ” ”

T34 Raspberry red-4%+ 3hr 5.56 0.37 74.2 4.07 ” ”

T35 Raspberry red-8% + 1hr 5.53 0.85 74.4 4.54 ” ”

T36 Raspberry red-8% +2 hr 5.60 1.06 72.8 4.50 ” ”

T37 Raspberry red-8% +3hr 5.45 0.34 75.1 4.31 ” ”

T38 Kalakhatta-4% + 1hr

5.03 0.63 60.0 4.33

T39 Kalakhatta -4% +2hr

5.21 1.02 58.2 4.55

T40 Kalakhatta -4%+ 3hr 5.19 0.26 57.7 4.34

T41 Kalakhatta -8% + 1hr

5.33 0.54 57.3 4.08

T42Kalakhatta -8% +2 hr

5.18 0.98 56.2 4.07

T43 Kalakhatta -8% +3hr

5.05 0.37 55.1 3.81

S.Ed. (+) 6.71

CD (5%)

37

Project No. 5.4.1: Identification of ornamental species for preparation of value added

dry products

Objective: To identify suitable plant species and their various parts for preparation of value

added dry product for domestic and international market


Results: In the initial approach 40 speies of the ornamental plants found in Assam were

identified that could be exploited to be used for preparation of dry products in the dry flower

markets. Some of important plants of the region were listed in the table for this purpose in

the current year.

Table: 5.4.1.1.Plant species suitable for dry flower production (2015-16)

Sl.No. Botanical Name Common name Family Botanical parts may

be used

1. Acacia mangium Manjum Goch Fabaceae Leaf and twisted pods

2. Acacia auriculiformis Australian

wattle

Fabaceae Pods

3. Albizia lebbek Siris Fabaceae Pods

4. Araucaria cookii Australian pine Pinaceae Leaf

5. Allamanda cathartica Allamunda spiny pods

6. Aspergus setaceous Leaves

7. Oroxylum indicum Indian Trumpet

Flower

Bignoniaceae Long dry pods

8. Solidego Golden rod Penicles

9. Callistemon

lanceolatus

Bottle brush Myrtacae Foliage, flower and

seeds

10. Bambosa vulgaris Yellow bamboo Gramenae Leaf and shoots, leaf

sheath

11. Bambosa arundanaria Kota bah Poaceae Stump

12. Melocanna baccifera Muli bah Gramenae Stump and seed

13. Chrysalidocarpus

lutescens

Yellow palm Palmae Leaf and fruit bunch

14. Rhapis excelsa Fish tail palmor

fan palm

Leaves

15. Phoenix datyfoliat Date palm Leaf and fruit

bunches

16. Ficus elastica Rubber tree Moraceae Leaf

17 Asplenium nidus Bird nest fern Polypodiacae Leaf

18. Adiantum Maiden hair fern Polypodiacae leaf

19. Pinus Needle pine Pinaeae Leaf and seed

20. Caesapinia oriarea Diidi Fabaeae Pods

21. Delonix regia Gul mohar Fabaeae Pods

38

22. Ficus religiosa Pipal tree Moraceae Leaves

23. Polianthes tuberosa Tuberose Amaryllidiac

ae

spike with seed pods

24. Gladiolus grandiflorus Gladiolus spike with seed pods

25. Areca catesu Areca nut Palmae Spadix, leaf sheath,

bunch with calyx

26. Cocos nucifera Coconut Palmae Spadix, fruit calyx,

immature

inflorescence, nut

shell,mid rib of leaf

27. Cycus revolta Sago palm cycadacae Foliage

28. Heliconia spp. Flower inflorescence

29. Nephrolepsis exaltata Bostan fern Polypodiacae Foliage

30. Toona ciliata Toon(Poma) Fruit

31. Thuja orientalis Thuja Foliage

32. Gravellia robusta Silver oak Gravelliaceae Foliage

33. Celocia spp. Celocia Amaranthace

ae

Flower

34. Zea mays Maize Poaceae Cob

35. Hydrengia macrophylla Forget me not Flower

36. Luffa cylindrica Sponge gourd Cucurbitacae Fruit net

37. Zinnia elegance Zinnia Asteracae Flower

38. Gomphrena globosa Globe

amarantha

Amaranthaca

e

Flower

39. Helichrysum Paper flower Flower

40. Gloriosa superba Indian glory lily Flower

41. Mimusops elengi Indian medlar Foliage and seed

42. Beloperone guttata Shrimp plant flower

43. Salvia splendens Salvia flower spike

44. Nelumbo nucifera lotus Nymphaeace

ae

Leaf,fruiting

receptacle

Remarks: The trial couldnot be carried out at full length due to late received of technical

programme

Experiment 5.6.1: Effect of holding solutions on keeping quality of orchid spikes

Objective: To find out a suitable combination of post harvest additives to extend the vase of

commercial cultivars of Dendrobium orchids

Year os start: 2015-16 onwards

Results: The trial could not be carried out due to insufficient flower spikes at the time of

reporting

6. Recommended varieties, Technologies, recommendation to the flower growers,

planting material produced and supplied, training Extension programme organized

39

i. Varieties recommended: Ferns:

Following different Fern species have been categorised into various groups for growing

in different situations

i). As cut foliage: Nephrolepis Rita’s Gold, N. cordifolia (ladder fern), N. biserrata

‘Furcans’

ii). Dwarf potted plants: Adiantum formosum, A capillus veneris, N. exaltata “Fluffy Ruffles’,

Nephrolepsis biserrata furcans miniata

iii). As Tall potted plant: Nephrolepis ‘Rita, s Gold’, N. cordifolia, N. biserrata ‘Furcans’

iv).As Hanging basket: Drynaria, Polypodium diversifolium (Wart’s fern)(epiphytic), A. nidus,

Platycerium alcicorne(Staghorn fern), Davallia fejeensis(Harefoot fern)

v). AsGround cover: Nephrolepis “Rita’s Gold’, N. C, Nephrolepsis biserrata furcans miniata

(finer one), Nephrolepsis biserrata ‘Furcans’

Asperagus:

Asparagus plumosus /setaceus is most widely used as cut foliage. Asparagus

aethiopicus and Asparagus retrofracus/A. makowanii plants were smallest and are suiable as

dwarf potted plant. Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ , Asparagus densiflorus ‘Meyersii’

(foxtail asparagus) including all three others species are suitable as cut foliage/ cut greens ,

but Asparagus plumosus /setaceus and Asparagus densiflorus ‘Meyersii’(foxtail asparagus)

most promising.

ii. Technologies, recommendation to the flower growers: Nil

iii. Planting material produced and supplied: Differen kinds of planting materials produced

and supplied by the centre was as follows

Sl.

No

Name of the crop Planting material

produced (in nos)

Planting material

supplied to the

farmers (in nos)

Approx. area to

be covered

(ha)

1. Tuberose (Bulbs)

i. Vaibhav 20,000 12,700 0.3

ii. Prajwal 25,000 14,500 0.45

iii. Phule Rajani 7,000 1.200 0.01

iv. Arka Nirantara 22,000 4,000 0. 16

v. Local single 10,000 2,000 0.03

vi. Sikim Selection 8,000 800 -

2. Gerbera (Suckers)

i. Red Gem 2,000 800 -

40

iv. Training Extension programme organized:

a) 2 nos. of month long training programmes on skill development of Mali (gardener) were

organized in collaboration with EGM (Employment Generation Mission, Govt. of Assam)

where 100 nos of unemployed youth (both male and female) were trained. Among the pass

out trainees about 20 % youths has already been employed by the Stateb Govt. and other

private organizations.

b) Acted as resource person in 50 training organized by the Govt. of Assam, NGOs

including AAU organization like KVK, PFDC, and Department of Horticulture.

V.Seminar/Workshop: Following Seminar/workshop were attended by the Scientists of

Kahikuchi centre during 2015-16 organized by the PFDC, AAU, HRS, Kahikuchi

a. Usage of Agrotextiles for protected cultivation in Assam. Date: 27th December, 2015,

organized by the PFDC, AAU, HRS, Kahikuchi

b. State Level Workshop on “Bamboo based Rain shelter house for year round cultivation of

vegetable crops” Date: March 3-4, 2015, organized by the PFDC, AAU, HRS, Kahikuchi

c. National Seminar on Integrated Development of Horticulture in Sub Tropical & Hill

Region, 17-19th February 2016, organized by CHI, Nagaland and AAU, Jorhat

7. Details of new lines/hybrid developed: Nil

8. Photographs:

ii. Red Monarch 2,000 850 -

iii. HRSG-OWC 5,000 1,500 -

iv. Jowaharlal 800 500 -

3. Heliconia (Rhizomes)

i. Bihai Yellow 800 100 -

ii. Bihai Orange 800 100 -

iii. Pink Heliconia 600 100 -

iv. Heliconia Pendula 1,000 200 -

4. Day Lily (Hemirocalis spp.)

Bulbs

1,000 800 -

5. Spider Lily (Hymenocalis) 3,000 1,000

41

Neph’Rita’ Gold A. scolopendrium

N. cordifolia

Lemon Buttons’

N. biserrata furcans

Drynaria quercifolia

Birds nest fern

Lucky bamboo GW

Lucky bamboo GY

D. deremensis ‘Janet Craig’

42

9. Meteorological data

Table: Meteorological data of the centre (2015)

Month

Mean Temp [°C] *Relative

Humidity [%]

Rainfall

[mm]

Rainy days

Maximum Minimum Average Mean No.

January, 2015 26.9 9.3 79.9 2 2

February, 2015 30.7 8.5 72.2 12 5

March, 2015 33.4 13.3 64.1 29 6

April, 2015 35.0 18.3 77.4 179 24

May, 2015 35.3 20.9 82.8 330 23

June, 2015 35.1 22.9 87.1 244 21

July, 2015 36.0 24.1 83.7 237 14

August, 2015 36.4 24.6 87.9 292 19

September, 2015 35.9 23.1 86.7 219 11

Tinting in Tuberose

43

* Average of morning at 8-30 a.m. and evening at 5-30 pm

Mean annual rainfall of the area: 2000 mm (35 years)

Climatic aberration: About 21.70 % less amount of total rainfall

Agro climatic region: Himalayan zone

Soil parameters:

pH: Acidic

Texure: l-sicl

Status of major nutrient: Mostly medium (N 272-544kg/ha), medium (P2O5 22.5-56.0

kg/ha) and medium (K2O 136-336 kg/ha))

October, 2015 34.7 19.3 82.2 9 4

November, 2015 30.7 13.9 81.3 1 1

December, 2015 27.4 7.9 83.7 12 3

Total - - - 1566 133

120

10. Research publications:

(i) N. Mazumder., S.K.Borah and P. Hatibaruah (2016) Management of leaf spot

Alternaria polyanthI of tuberose through fungicides. Ind. J agric. Sci (Accepted)

(ii) K. K. Deka., M.R.Das., P Bora and N. Mazumder (2015) Effect of sowing dates and

spacing on growth and yield of ccyamopsis tetragonoloba) in subtropical climate of

Assam. Ind. J agric. Sci. 49(3): 250-254

(iii) N.Mazumdar., S.K. Borah. and P. Hatibarua (2016) Management of leaf and flower

blight (Alternaria dianthi) of marigold using chemicals. Paper presented in “National

Seminar on Integrated Development of Horticulture in Sub Tropical & Hill Region, 17-

19th Feb 2016, pp-11-12

(iv) S.Gogoi J.Talukdar, J.Bora and P.Hatibaruah (2016) “Growth and yield of Cabbage

as influenced by drip fertigation (Brassica oleracea var.capitata L.)” National seminar on

“Integrating Agri –Horticultural and Allied Research for food and Nutritional Security in

the Era of Global Climate Disruption”4-6th March Imphal organized by ICAR Research

Complex for NEH Region,Umiam, Meghalaya.

(v)P.Hatibarua, S.K. Borah and N.Mazumdar (2016) “Pulsing packaging technology for

distant marketing ofcut Gerbera Flowers” National seminar on Integrated Development

of Horticulture in Sub tropical & Hill region 17-19th Feb 2016

(vi) P. Hatibarua,, S.K. Borah and N.Mazumdar (2016) “Packaging of loose flowers of

marigold for distant marketing” National seminar on Integrated Development of

Horticulture in Sub tropical & Hill region 17-19th Feb 2016

(vii)P. Hatibarua,S.K. Borah and N.Mazumdar and Sarat Saikia (2016) “Effect of

fertilizer doses on plant growth and flowering lilium cv. Brunello under assam

condition.” National seminar on Integrated Development of Horticulture in Sub tropical

& Hill region 17-19th Feb 2016

(viii) P. Hatibarua,S.K. Borah and J.Talukdar (2015)Influence of bulb size on sustainable

planting material production of Amaryllis (Hippeastrum species)- a potential commercial

flower of Assam.

(ix)P. Hatibarua, S.K. Borah, M. Bhagawati, J.Talukdar (2015) Effect of plant size on

growth and flower production of Phaius tankervilleae (Banks ex L'Herit.) Blume-an

endangered orchid of North east india. National seminar on “Bioprospecting of Gene

Pool: Trends and Prospects in North East India”26-27th June2015 organized by

D.K.College, Mirza

121

(x) P. Hatibarua J. Talukdar (2016) “Identification of disease in Phaius tancarvilleae

(Banks ex L’Herit.) Blume-an endangered orchid of ” 6th International Conference “Plant

Pathogen and people, Feb.23-27,2016 ,New Delhi,India PP.229. Poster Presentation

(xii) P. Hatibarua J. Talukdar (2016) “Survey and detection of disease of Amaryllis

(Hippeastrum species)- a potential commercial flower of Assam” 6th International

Conference “Plant Pathogen and people, Feb.23-27,2016 ,New Delhi,India PP.230. .

Poster Presentation

Abstracts :

(i) Juri Talukdar., N. Mazumdar., S, Gogoi., S.Pathak.and J.Bora (2016) “ Disease

complex in capsicum (Capsicum annum) under protected cultivation in Assam. National

Seminar on Integrated Development of Horticulture in Sub Tropical & Hill Region 17-

19th Feb 2016, pp-8

Popular articles of Dr.(Mrs) Preeti Hatibarua

1. “Gerbera phulor krishi pranali “Article Training Manual “Vigyan sammat paddhatir

pulibari sthapon aru parichalona (Raising of modern & scientific nursery), published by

KVK , Kamrup, Assam pp 11-12 on May 2010

2. “Gladiolus phulor krishi paddhati” Article Training Manual “Vigyan sammat paddhatir

pulibari sthapon aru parichalona (Raising of modern & scientific nursery), pp 15,

published by KVK, Kamrup, Assam on May 2010

3. Tabot kora phul goshor rupon pronali” Article in Training Manual “Vigyan sammat

paddhatir pulibari sthapon aru parichalona (Raising of modern & scientific nursery, pp

20-21, published by KVK, Kamrup, Assam on May 2010

4. "Lily – a promising bulbous ornamental"Article published in Souvenir published in

Agriculture & Allied Expo., 2010, Diphu, Assam

Popular articles of Dr. N.Mazumder

(i) Sak pachalir pradhan Bemar Smuha aaru niyantran (Major diseases of vegetables

and their management.

(ii) Phular pradhan Bemar Smuha aaru niyantran (Major diseases of flowers and their

management.

(iii)Preparation of Bordeaux mixture (1%)

Published Book:

Nomita Laishram, Arvinder Singh and Preeti Hatibarua (2011) Division of corms for

increasing planting material of gladiolus: cut corm segments increase number of

propagules. Published as Paperback by Lambert Academic Publishing in August 26,

2011.

122

Technical Bulletin: Few Technical bulletins were published under HMNEH during

2011

(a) Gladiolus karm utpadanar bivinnha dikh (Different aspects on gladiolus corm

production) By Preeti Hatibarua, S.K.Borah, N. Mazumder and A.Sarma

(b) Rajanighandha kandha utpadanar prayojanio dikhsamuh (Important aspects on

tuberose bulb production). By S.K.Borah, N. Mazumder, Preeti Hatibarua and A.Sarma

(c) Cultivation of Dendrobium Ochid By S. K. Bora

11. Training/symposium/seminar attended by the project staff

(i) Dr. N.Mazumder attended One week training programme on ELISA and PCR

based detection of viruses in Plant Virology Unit, Division of Pl.Pathology, IARI,

New Delhi ,w.e.f 14-19th nov,2011, organized by DFR

(ii) Dr. N.Mazumder and Dr.(Mrs) Preeti Hatibarua attended One day (16.03.12)

seminar INDPAK National Conference organized by Indian Institute of packing,

Bombay at Guwahati,Assam

12. NRC item procured in the year 2015-16: All items as sanctioned

S. K. Borah,

PI, AICRP (F) S.Saikia

Chief Scientist,

HRS, Kahikuchi

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