Evaluation of Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora) for Vegetative, Floral Traits and Precision Environment

Abstract

Portulaca oleracea (common purslane), is valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants. The plant thrives in warm climates with well-drained soil and requires full sunlight for optimal blooming. Recent studies highlight its medicinal and economic potential. This study explores their botanical characteristics, cultivation requirements and applications in horticulture and medicine, emphasizing their significance in sustainable agriculture and skincare industries. The experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2024–2025 at the Department of Horticulture, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur, to evaluate the vegetative and floral traits of eight genotypes of Portulaca grandiflora. The genotypes (PG-1, PG-2, PG-3, PG-4, PG-5, PG-6, PG-7 and PG-8) were planted in a Completely Randomized Design with ten replications in 6-inch plastic pots containing a 2:1:1 (v/v) mixture of soil, sand and vermicompost. Results revealed significant genotypic variation across all traits. The genotype PG-5 consistently performed best, recorded maximum vine length at 30, 60 and 90 DAP (24.02 cm, 27.18 cm and 30.05 cm), plant spread east to west and north to south (21.29cm and 21.68cm), earliest flower bud appearance (27.18 days), bud break (33.15 days), buds per plant (29.38), flowers per plant (29.13), flower weight (0.83 g), petals per flower (38.35) and longest flower duration (85.85 days). PG-1 recorded the highest leaves /branch (35.35), leaves /plants (312.13), branches /plant (12.15) and chlorophyll content (2.30 mg). The study identified PG-5 and PG-1 as promising genotypes for pot plant, ornamental and landscape purposes. Environmental analysis indicated that optimal performance occurred under 26.6°C temperatures, 3.8 hours of sunshine, moderate relative humidity (83.3%) for the vegetative phase and 27.7°C temperatures, 4.5 hours of sunshine, relative humidity (73.9%) for floral phase. The findings can assist in the selection of climate-resilient Portulaca grandiflora genotypes with high ornamental potential. The study contributes valuable insights for breeders, floriculturists and landscape designers seeking climate-resilient and low-maintenance flowering plants with commercial and ecological potential.