Assessment of four Gladiolus cultivars for the best production under Multan's agro-climatic conditions

Abstract

Gladiolus is a prominent cut flower used worldwide for its attractive color and prolonged vase life. Evaluation of gladiolus cultivars under agro-climatic conditions of Multan is essential for sustainable cut flower production on commercial scale. Four different gladiolus cultivars viz: Amsterdam, White Prosperity, Essential, and Red Balance were evaluated for their physical and flowering & corm multiplication characteristics. The results displayed that the vegetative attributes of gladiolus cultivars were significantly influenced. The minimum numbers of days were recorded for corms sprouting in cv. Amsterdam (16.21 %) and White Prosperity (17.98 %). Maximum days for sprouting of corms were exhibited in Essential (22.28 days) and Red Balance (20.393 days). The tallest plant height (112.50 cm) and (98.42) was achieved by Amsterdam followed by White Prosperity. However, more leaves were produced in white prosperity (10.13). The findings of study depicted that floral traits in gladiolus cultivars were remarkably changed.  Lowest days for emergence of spike were taken in Amsterdam (68.18) and White Prosperity (72.23). Late spike initiation was observed in Red Balance (80.19 days) and Essential (75.80 days). The early blooming (84.21 days), the longest spike length (92.167 cm), greater number of florets (18.38), large corm diameter (50.46 mm) and long vase life (14.41 days) were demonstrated in Amsterdam followed by White prosperity. The minimum numbers of corms were produced in red balance (1.08) and essential (1.41). Similarly highest flavonoids compounds (61.76 mg100g-¹ FM), total phenolic compounds (158.78 mg GAEg-¹ FM), total antioxidant activity (92.46 %), chlorophyll a (1.79 mg/g) and chlorophyll b (2.33 mg/g) were observed in cvs Amsterdam. The investigation of study proved that Amsterdam & white prosperity were found superior over other gladiolus cultivars. Hence, both cultivars are appropriate for commercial cultivation and propagation under agro-climatic conditions of Multan.