Evaluation of the Different Varieties of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) in Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Lotus, an aquatic perennial flowering plant, holds significant economic and medicinal value. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) commonly known as sacred lotus, have significant medical value due to its wide range of bioactive compounds. This study, conducted in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, evaluates the performance of six lotus varieties under local agro-climatic conditions. The Lotus varieties under investigation–Yellow Peony, Pastel Pink, Bucha, Rani Red, White Budhha and Pink cloud exhibited significant variations across all observed parameters. The research focuses on various characteristics of Lotus, including growth parameters, floral parameters, quality parameters, yield parameters and economy of the cultivation, to determine the most suitable variety for cultivation in similar climatic conditions. The variety V3: Bucha demonstrated superior performance in terms of plant height (41.31 cm), leaf length (14.94 cm), leaf width (19.68 cm), flower diameter (16.28 cm), total numbers of flowers per plant (38.13), total number of flowers per hectare (1,525,000), yield of rhizome per plant (1.74 kg), and yield of rhizome per hectare (69.73 tonnes). Additionally, V6: Pink Cloud reported longest vase-life (6.25 days), followed by V3: Bucha (5. 75 days). The variety V3: Bucha also achieved the highest gross return (4,444,500 Rs .ha-1), net return (3,437,050 Rs .ha-1), and benefit – cost ratio (4.41). Based on the findings, V3: Bucha is recommended for cultivation in the agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.