Evaluation of Carnation Cultivars; and Nitrogen and Indole Acetic Acid for Their Growth, Yield and Quality in Khumaltar, Nepal

Abstract

Carnation is an important cut flower in Nepal. Several cultivars imported from abroad are being adopted for their commercial production. However, the performance of these cultivars in  the specific agro-climate has not yet determined. Thus, study aimed to evaluate the performance  of common cultivars, including mineral nutrition and IAA hormone on the plant growth and flowering. The study was carried out in Horticulture Research Division, Khumaltar, Nepal during 2012 and 2013. Four cultivars: King Lion, Delson, Eskimo and White Liberty including nitrogen and foliar application of IAA were evaluated for plant growth and floral characteristics. The experiment was held in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications.Based on the results, cultivar King Lion had significantly highest plant height (20.66 cm),  while cultivar Eskimo had the highest flower stem length (53.59 cm) and stem diameter (5.63 cm) followed by Delson (51.66 cm). The lower flower stems lengths of cultivars: White Liberty (42.48 cm) and King Lion (43.87 cm) were at par. The effect of mineral nutrition and hormone on plant height, flower stem length and flower head diameter was non-significant, however, IAA 25 ppm foliar spray was found superior over N 40 g/m2 and IAA 50 ppm applications. Thus, Eskimo is recommended as the excellent cultivar for its bigger flower stem, straightness and attractive flower looking, while cultivars; Delson and White Liberty as promising for higher flower yield. Similarly, soil application of nitrogen @ 40 g/m2 and foliar spray of auxin @ 25 ppm are recommended for higher flower yield.