DefinePK

Research Objective

To assess and compare four different Gladiolus cultivars (Amsterdam, White Prosperity, Essential, and Red Balance) for their physical, flowering, corm multiplication characteristics, and physiological attributes under the subtropical agro-climatic conditions of Multan, Pakistan, to identify the best cultivars for commercial production.

Methodology

The experiment utilized a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Four cultivars were planted in October 2021 at the Floriculture Research Sub-station, Multan. Corms (10-12 cm circumference) were planted at 45 cm (ridge to ridge) x 15 cm (plant to plant) spacing, 6 cm deep. Standard cultural practices, including fertilization (FYM & NPK split doses) and irrigation, were uniformly applied. Morphological data (sprouting days, plant height, leaf count/size, spike emergence/blooming days, spike length, floret count, corm/cormel production, vase life) and physiological parameters (Anthocyanin, Flavonoids, Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Antioxidant Activity (TAA), Chlorophyll a & b) were collected and analyzed using ANOVA and LSD test @ 5%.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD; A[Select 4 Gladiolus Cultivars] --> B[Planting in RCBDOct 2021]; B --> C[Apply FYM & NPK Fertilization]; C --> D[Monitor Vegetative Growth & Sprouting]; D --> E[Monitor Flowering Parameters]; E --> F[Harvest Corms & Collect Yield Data]; F --> G[Analyze Physiological Parameters Chl, TPC, TAA]; G --> H[Data Analysis ANOVA/LSD]; H --> I[Identify Superior Cultivars for Multan]; I --> J[Conclusion & Recommendation];                    

Discussion

Variations in growth, flowering, and yield parameters among the cultivars were significant, attributed primarily to the genetic makeup of the plants interacting with the subtropical environment of Multan. Amsterdam consistently excelled in traits related to quality (spike length, physiological compounds, vase life), while White Prosperity showed strength in corm multiplication. The study confirms that cultivar selection is critical for optimizing gladiolus production under specific agro-climatic conditions.

Key Findings

- Vegetative Performance: Cultivar Amsterdam achieved the tallest plant height (112.50 cm), followed by White Prosperity (98.42 cm). White Prosperity produced the maximum number of leaves (10.13).
- Flowering Performance: Amsterdam showed the earliest corm sprouting (16.21 days), earliest spike emergence (68.18 days), and earliest blooming (84.21 days). Amsterdam also produced the longest spike length (92.167 cm) and the highest number of florets (18.38, tied with White Prosperity at 18.38).
- Yield/Corm Attributes: White Prosperity produced the highest number of corms/plant (2.50). Amsterdam had the largest corm diameter (50.46 mm) and heaviest corm weight (60.21 g).
- Vase Life & Physiology: Amsterdam demonstrated the longest vase life (14.41 days). Amsterdam also exhibited the highest levels of Flavonoids (61.76 mg/100g FM), TPC (158.78 mg GAEg-1 FM), TAA (92.46%), Chlorophyll a (1.79 mg/g), and Chlorophyll b (2.33 mg/g).
- Overall Superiority: Amsterdam and White Prosperity were found superior over Essential and Red Balance for commercial cultivation in Multan.

Conclusion

The cultivars Amsterdam and White Prosperity are the most suitable choices for commercial cut flower production and propagation in the agro-climatic conditions of Multan, offering superior performance in terms of growth, flowering quality, and physiological robustness.

Fact Check

1. The minimum days recorded for corm sprouting was in cv. Amsterdam (16.21 days).
2. The tallest plant height achieved was 112.50 cm by cv. Amsterdam.
3. The highest total antioxidant activity (TAA) observed was 92.46% in cv. Amsterdam.

Mind Map