Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Main Garden, Department of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during rabi seasons of 2008–09 and 2009–10 to study the effect of varieties viz., Phule Neelrekha, Phule Tejas and Phule Ganesh and growth regulators viz., GA3 (100 and 150 ppm) and NAA (200 and 300 ppm) sprayed at 30th and 60th day after planting on growth, flowering, yield and quality of gladiolus spikes and cormels. The results revealed that the maximum protein content of leaves, yield of spikes/ha and the earliest opening of first pair of florets were found with the variety Phule Tejas, whereas total chlorophyll content of leaves, diameter and length of spikes, distance between two florets, length and width of florets and yield of cormels/plant were superior in the variety Phule Ganesh. In respect of growth regulators, the earliest opening of first pair of florets and the highest yield of better quality spikes were noticed with the gladiolus plants treated with GA3 150 ppm, whereas NAA 300 ppm treated plants noticed the highest yield of cormels.