Characterization and Evaluation of Few Genotypes From the Composite Population of Limonium Sinuatum

Abstract

In the present study conducted in the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University in 2021-22, Limonium sinuatum cv. Pacific Mix was grown from which 4 component genotypes were derived. These genotypes were characterized and evaluated on the basis of their growth and floral characters. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with 5 replications. Comparison of flower colours with the RHS colour chart showed that Genotype 1 flowers exhibited dark blue violet (93 B) colour, while those of Genotypes 2, 3 and 4 showed Medium yellow (3 A), White (155 D) and Medium violet blue (94 C) colours respectively. Genotype 1 recorded the maximum plant population (37.33 %) among the four genotypes. Genotype 2 recorded the maximum plant height (88.33 cm) and plant spread (54.33 cm). The maximum leaf production was recorded in genotype 1. Genotype 1 showed the earliest flowering (66.63 days), maximum number of spikes per plant (11.88), better Spike quality in terms of number of florets per spike (18.75), rachis length (3.63 cm), floret diameter (0.76 cm), stalk diameter (0.93 cm) and inflorescence diameter (7.22 cm). Genotype 2 recorded the maximum spike length (78.15 cm) and longest flowering duration (64.00 days).