Gladiolus Area Under Cultivation Gladiolus is mainly cultivates in Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Botanical Name :- Gladiolus x hybrida Family :- Iridaceae Plant Discription :It is a herbaceous plant bearing underground storage stems known as corms from which arise sword shaped foliage bearing terminal inflorescences of flowers known as spikes
Centre of Origin :- Tropical and south africa Pollination System :- Cross/Self pollinated Chromosome No. :- 2n=30 to 120
Gladiolus Diseases Botrytis Soft Rot (Botrytis gladolorum) : 0
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The disease occurs in the cold storage when the temperature stays below 13 -15 C. The disease is characterized by the formation of white-molded, soft, spongy corms. At early stage, the infection may be confined to surface only, but later on, it travels to the core as well. At high temperature, corms seal off infection, escaping further rotting. In the field, infection is characterized by circular brown leaf spots. The smallest spots are visible only on the upper surface of leaf. Control : Leaf infection cab be controlled by spraying the plants with 0.25% Dithane M-45, twice a week and by dusting healthy corms with Dithane M-45, during storage.
Fusarium Corm Rot (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli) : The fungus is carried in corms /cormels, and the soil. Latent infection in corms may develop into active rotting of corms/cormels during storage and also during plant growth. Extra losses occur when plant growth is checked by poor soil aeration, flooding or hot weather. Addition of excess nitrogen in the form of cow dung manure results in additional casualties. The disease is characterized by rot of corms, stunted plant growth, late blooming or blind plants, greener and smaller buds and poor opening. The most serious loss is the reduction in number and quality of flower spikes due to the infection. Control : Fusarium corm rot is difficult to prevent but can be controlled to some extent by growing disease tolerant cultivars and by various control measures. Hot water treatment of corm /cormels at a 0 temperature of 50 C for 30 minutes before planting, use of clean soil or fumigated soil, and treatment of corms /cormels with fungicide prevent/ control the disease. The most effective treatment is soaking the corms in Benlate/ Bavistin 0.02% solution for half an hour before planting and soil application of Furadan/ Thimet 10G @ 3g/square metre at the time of planting is very helpful in preventing the incidence of this dreaded disease. Penicillium Rot (Penicillium gladioli) : This is commonly known as green mold. The disease occurs when the corms are stored in heaps after having been dug in the cold weather. Large reddish brown lesions on the sides of the corm characterize the disease. Sometimes lesions may be covered with bluish green masses of fungal spores. Hot humid conditions favour the disease. Control : The corms during storage should be examined periodically and disease corms should be sorted out and discarded. Storing of the healthy corms may prevent the occurrence of the disease. Dusting of corms with Dithane M-45 is helpful in preventing this disease during storage. Tip Burn : This disease manifests itself in the form of necrosis of the leaf tips and is due to the damage done to the roots by excessive watering or by fluorides present in the soil at low pH or in air.
Gladiolus Harvesting Gladiolus spikes are ready for harvesting when the first bud shows the colour of the variety. Normally, early varieties start producing spikes from 75th day while the late season varieties from 85-90th day after planting Spikes should be cut in the tight bud stage, with one or two pairs of leaves and 1-3 floral buds showing colour. The plant should be left with 3-5 leaves on the stem for the development of new corms and cormels. If the spikes are to be used as fresh flowers, then they should be cut with 3-4 open florets, but without any sign of withering. The spikes are cut with a sharp knife either early in the morning or in the evening. Slant cut should be given at the base of the harvested spikes and immediately placed in a bucket with cold water. Harvesting, Curing, Grading and storage of Corms :
Lifting of Corms and Cormels : Corms planted during September-October are ready for lifting during March-April in the North-Indian plains and upto August in hills. Corms are matured when 25% cormels have become brown which generally take 30 to 45 days from flowering when the leaves also start yellowing. Plenty of moisture, followed by a dry period, Gladiolus Corm before lifting ensure the formation of large corms. After flowering, when the leaves start turning yellow, plants are twisted down to ground level for allowing the corms to mature. No irrigation should be given thereafter. Corms and cormels should be dug out with the help of a spade. Soil should be dug deep in order to take out all the cormels. The corms are checked for any disease infection and the affected corms are discarded.
Curing : Curing is one of the essential post harvest operations for successful storage of corms. After lifting and removing the adhering soil, the corms and cormels of each cultivar are kept in trays in a shady but well ventilated place for about a fortnight. For curing, the layers of corms should not exceed three, which may be cured for five weeks at 21째C.
Cleaning, Grading and Storage : After the corms are fully cured, these are cleaned and diseased ones discarded. The old withered corms are taken out and cleaned. Treating the corms with 0.2% Captan 15 days before storage or dusting with 5% Cythione dust and Dithane M-45 protects them from insects, pests and diseases during storage. After cleaning, the corms and cormels are graded in different grade-sizes. The corms are stored in perforated trays in a well-ventilated cool and dark room with temperatures O not exceeding 27 C. Being smaller in size, the cormels are stored in plastic trays having fine perforations. It is advisable to keep on turning corms and cormels periodically, for preventing their
rotting due to poor aeration. The corms are periodically checked during storage and the decaying ones are removed. The cormels of exotic cultivar vary considerably in respect of hardiness, depending upon their size. The small sized cormels (<0.5cm dia) are fairly hardy and may be stored at room temperature, without decay. However, the large ones (>0.5cm dia.) of exotic cultivar require low temperature during storage and should be kept in cold storage. To avoid chances of mixing, the cormels are packed in hessian cloth bags before putting them in perforated trays for keeping them in the cold storage. Like corms, the cormels should also be taken out of the cold storage in the first week of October and kept at room temperature for a week before planting them in the ground.
Yield : The yield of flower spikes and corms in gladiolus depends on variety, corm size, planting density and management practices. Gladiolus planted at a spacing of 30 x 20 cm yields approximately 1,50,000 marketable spikes per hectare. Additional income can be obtained from the sale of about 3.5 lakh corms.
Gladiolus Intercultural Operations Weeding and Hoeing : The field is kept clean by regular weeding and hoeing. When the area is small, weeding and hoeing is done manually. First weeding is completed within three weeks after sowing while the second weeding is done before application of fertilizer as top dressing.
Earthing Up : Earthing up is practiced when the soil is heavy and deep planting is not possible. It is done when the plants are 20-30 cm in height. The tall plants are staked. Staking is done after the emergence of spikes but before opening of florets. Plants are loosely fastened at three places with the help of jute cord.
Mulching : Mulching with dry grass helps to conserve the moisture and suppress the weed growth. However, this practice should be discouraged in fields infested with termites.
Gladiolus Irrigation Sufficient water is required for good growth of gladiolus. Number of irrigation depends upon the climate and type of soil. Usually, 1-2 irrigation a week are sufficient. Irrigation is provided immediately after the application of fertilizers and during the emergence of buds. Watering should be stopped at the time of ripening of corms.
Gladiolus Manuring & Fertilization Application of fertilizer leads to the formation of healthy and large sized corms, which give large-sized flowers on long spikes during the succeeding year. FYM should only be applied for a preceding crop and never before planting gladioli. Application of fertilizer use should be based on soil analysis. Normally 120 kg N, 150kg P2O5 and 150 Kg K2O per hectare is recommended, of which 60 kg N and entire dose of P2O5 and K2O is applied as basal dose. The balance N is given in two split doses, one as foliar spray at four leaf stage while the second as soil application at the bud stage. Application of growth regulators mainly GA3, IAA and NAA as soil drench has beneficial effects on the growth and flowering of plants and induces early flowering.
Gladiolus Pests Thrips (Taeniothrips simplex) This is one of the most serious pests of gladiolus. Yellow coloured nymphs and black adults damage leaves and spikes. Affected leaves and spikes develop silver streaks, turn brown, get deformed and dry if damage is severe. Attack on young plants reduces flower production. The pest also attacks corms under storage. Infected corms become sticky, shrivel and produce weak plants when planted. Control : Spraying of Methyl Demeton 25EC or Dimethoate 30EC @2ml/litre of water at 10 days O interval provides significant control of thrips. Storing of infested corms at 2 C for 6 weeks and later treating them with hot water at 46OC completely kills the thrips on gladiolus corms.
Cut Worms (Agrotis segetum) The pest attacks mainly the newly planted gladiolus plants. Female moth lays eggs near ground on plant parts. Hatched larvae feed during nights on emerging shoots. Grown up larvae, which are clay coloured, cut the plants at ground level. Plants are vulnerable to attack upto 3rd leaf stage. They also damage underground corms and developing spikes. Control : Ploughing during summer exposes the pupae to predators. Poison bait consisting of Carbaryl or Malathion @ 0.1%, wheat bran and molasses scattered in the field effectively controls the larvae. Sprays of Methyl Parathion @0.05% or Quinalphos @0.05% provides protection to foliage from cutworms
Leaf Eating Caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) This caterpillar mainly damages foliage of gladiolus plants. Female moth lays ash coloured eggs in groups on lower side of leaves. The young larvae feed on lower surface of leaves by scraping while greenish-brown mature larvae feed voraciously during nights on these leaves. Control : Collection and destruction of egg masses and leaves infested with young larvae reduce pest build up. Setting up of light traps attracts adult moths and helps in monitoring pest population. Deep ploughing in summer exposes pupae to predators. Spraying of Quinalphos @0.05% or Carbaryl @0.1% or Chlorpyriphos @0.05% gives protection to foliage from the leaf-eating caterpillar.
Mites (Tetranychus equatorius) Attack by the mite begins at an early stage when plants are young. Green coloured nymphs with lateral specks and reddish-brown coloured adults colonize on leaves and suck the sap causing discolouration and wilting. The affected leaves fall off. Control : Methyl Parathion 0.05, Fluvalinate 0.012% and Diazinon at 0.4% offer significant control of mites.
Mealy Bug (Ferrisia virgata) Damage by mealy bug begins in the field on underground corms during dry conditions and carries on to the storage. Nymphs and adults damage corms by sucking the sap causing shriveling and drying of affected corms. Control: Prompt collection and destruction of infested parts reduces spread of the pest. Crawling of ants on plants is the sign of beginning of mealybug infestation. Spraying should be taken up at this stage. Sprays of Methyl Parathion 0.04% or Dimethoate 0.04% or Acephate 0.1 % at 15 days interval effectively contains mealybug infestation
Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne sp). The symptoms of the attack are in the form of stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, heavy galling on roots. Control: Use nematode-free planting material is the best method to avoid the nematode infestation. Hot water treatment of corms at 57.8째C for 30 minutes helps to control the nematode population. Intercropping or crop rotation with marigold reduces the severity of attack in the field. Application of 2 Carbofuran/Phorate @ 1g a.i./m is found effective.
Rodents: Rodents cause a considerable damage to gladiolus corms in the fields as well as during storage, by eating them away. The damage during storage can be prevented by dusting the corms with 5% Cythion and storing them in perforated trays. Poison bait is quite helpful in checking rodent menace in the field as well as during storage.
Gladiolus Post Harvest Technology Grading Spikes are graded into three lots, based on overall quality, variety, colour spike length and number of florets per spike. After grading, they should be bunched in units of 12 and held together by rubber bands.
Packaging Bundles of 12-spikes each are first wrapped in corrugated paper for protection from sudden temperature fluctuations, bruising and moisture loss. Then they are fasted with rubber bands, packed in ribbed cardboard boxes and transported to their destinations. They remain fresh during transit for 13 days, depending upon the weather conditions.
Storage Graded spikes should not be stored for more than 24 hours before they are packed and transported. 0 These should be kept at a minimum temperature of 4-8 C in upright position until packed for transportation. To prevent desiccation before and after grading, the spikes can also be kept in floral preservatives. Spikes are stored in refrigerated van for transporting them to long distance. Refrigerated storage increases the shelf life of the flowers without any addition to the spike weight.
Vase-life Upon arrival at destination, the spikes should be immediately taken out of the cardboard boxes. About 2.5 cm long basal ends of the spikes should be cut off and the spikes placed in acid solution having pH between 3-3.5 to increase the shelf life. Spikes can also be kept in floral preservatives containing sucrose (3000-5000ppm) and Streptocycline. Spikes should be opened at a moderate temperature of 21-230C, in diffused light but not in the open sun. It is advisable to store the spikes in air-conditioned chambers for sale. Vase-life of gladiolus spikes varies from 5-10 days, depending upon the cultivar and room temperature.
Gladiolus Planting Land Preparation : The soil should be thoroughly ploughed 30-40 cm deep and exposed to sun for at least 25 days. After removing the weeds, the field should be reploughed and levelled. If green manuring crop is taken it should be turned down into the soil at least two months before planting of corms. Animal manure is not recommended, as it is a source of pathogens. Ridges and furrows are prepared as per the spacing recommended.
Size of Corms : The size of the corms has a positive correlation with the height of the spike and number of florets per spike. Medium-sized corms of 4-5 cm diameter each are selected for planting to obtain quality blooms and uniform flowering. The bigger corms called 'Jumbo', 6-8 cm diameter, are good for getting top quality spikes for exhibition purposes. Smaller corms, of 2-5 cm diameter each can also be planted as flowering stock but corms and cormels having diameter less than 2.5 cm are mainly used as a planting stock in the nursery for development of bigger corms for next year planting.
Time of Planting : The best time for planting flower size corms is mid-September to mid-October. For getting a succession of flowering spikes from November to May, corms are planted from early September to the end of November, at fortnightly intervals. In hilly regions, the planting time is from March to May so as to get the spikes from June to October.
Method of Planting : Normally, corms are planted 8-15 cm deep at a spacing of 15-30 cm x 30-40 cm, depending upon the size of corms. A plant population of 15/sq.m or 1,50,000/ha is ideal for quality production of flower spikes and corms. The following are the corm size/density guidelinesCorm Size (cm)
Number of Corms Gross sq.m
6-8
60-80
8-10
50-70
10-12
50-70
12-14
30-60
14+
30-60
The soil should have adequate moisture before planting so that no watering is required till sprouting. Each cultivar has a fairly definite number of days to bloom, ranging from 60-69 days, 70-74 days, 80-84 days, 91-99 days and 100 days or more for very early, early, early mid-season, mid-season, late and very late cultivars, respectively.
Gladiolus Propagation For multiplying the planting stock it is advisable and cheaper to use cormels. They are produced in clusters on stolons between mother and daughter corms. Cormels are selected carefully to prevent spreading of disease. Hot water treatment or water soaking for four to seven days facilitates early and uniform sprouting. Swelling of root at the base indicates that cormels are ready for planting. Most cormels are planted at a depth of 5 cm and in rows 10 to 13 cm wide furrows, spaced 60-75 cm apart. About 130 large cormels are planted per metre of row. The soil is initially kept moist to facilitate uniform germination. Sprouting takes place within one to three weeks time from the date of planting, depending upon the size of the corms. Flowering size corms are obtained within 1-3 years after planting the cormels.
Gladiolus Soil & Climate Soil : Gladiolus produces the best spikes when grown in deep, well-drained sandy loam soil. A heavy clay soil, with poor drainage, is unfit as the gladiolus root system is easily damaged by excessive soil moisture. However, mixing of 5-8 cm thick layer of river sand along with the manure will make the clay soil cultivable. For best growth they require slightly acidic soil of about pH 5.5 to 6.5 where most of the nutrients become available to the plants.
Climate : Gladiolus prefers mild climate and sunny situation for their proper growth and flowering. Temperature is considered as a major factor influencing the number of days taken for flowering. Optimum growth of O O gladioli occurs at temperatures between 10 and 25 C where the night temperature is not above 16 C. However, it can tolerate temperature upto 40OC only if the relative humidity is high and soil moisture levels are optimum. Light levels affect initiation of flower. The period of flower initiation commences when the third leaf becomes visible and ends when the sixth and seventh leaf appears. Quality of flower spikes and yield is better in a long day condition than short days. Minimum illumination of 8 hours/day is essential for most of the gladiolus varieties.
Gladiolus Varieties Archana : This variety is released by NBRI, Lucknow. It is a cross between G. psittacinus 'Sylvia' x G. 'Friendship'. The spike is branched with a mean spike length of 80cm. The petals have a central white streak with the throat blotched with prime rose yellow. There are 16-18 florets/spike.
Basant Bhar : This variety is released by NBRI, Lucknow. It is a seedling produced by selfing G. 'Tunias Challenge'. Mean spike length is 50cm. The florets are Empire Yellow with throats speckled magenta. There are 14 florets/spike
Gazel : This variety is released by NBRI, Lucknow. It is a seedling produced by selfing G. 'White Friendship'. Mean spike length is 35cm. The florets are Fuchsine pink with darker tips and linear shading while the throat is persian yellow. There are 14-18 florets/spike
Jwala : This variety is released by NBRI, Lucknow. It is a seedling produced by selfing G. psittacinus hybrid. The spikes are branched with a mean spike length of 65cm. The florets are Vermilion with sparingly spread long liner streaks of Vermilion. There are 14-18 florets per spike.
Manhar : This variety is released by NBRI, Lucknow. It is a cross between G. 'Friendship' x G. 'tristis'. The spikes are one sided with a mean spike length 60cm. The florets are Primrose Yellow and the tips of outer three petals are splashed with Tyrian Rose. There are 14-18 florets per spike.
Manisha : This variety is released by NBRI, Lucknow. It is a cross between G. 'Friendship' x G. 'tristis'. The spikes are one sided with a mean spike length 60cm. The florets are white with outer three petals splashed with Tyrian Rose colour more towards margins. There are 14-16 florets per spike.
Manmohan : This variety is released by NBRI, Lucknow. It is a cross between G. 'Friendship' x G. 'tristis'. The spikes are one sided with a mean spike length 80cm. The florets are Primrose Yellow having irregular splashes of Orchid Purple colour at the tips of outer three petals. There are 14-16 florets per spike.
Mohini : This variety is released by NBRI, Lucknow. It is a cross between G. 'Friendship' x G. 'tristis'. The spikes are one sided with a mean spike length 60cm. The florets are white with outer three and inner upper petal heavily splashed with Tyrian Rose and lower inner two sparsely splashed with the same colour. There are 12-14 florets per spike.
Mukta : This variety is released by NBRI, Lucknow. It is a cross between G. 'Friendship' x G. 'tristis'. The spikes are one sided with a mean spike length 70cm. The florets are Sulphur Yellow with splashes of Orchid purple in irregular fashion. There are 12-15 loosely arranged florets per spike.
Pitambar : This variety is released by NBRI, Lucknow. It is a cross between G. 'Friendship' x G. 'tristis'. The spikes are branched with a mean spike length 64cm. The florets are Uranium Green towards edge with throats having a streak of Orchid purple colour. There are 15-16 overlapping florets per spike.
Smita : It is an Indian bred late season hybrid developed from a seedling of G. 'Lavanesque'. The mean spike length is 45 cm. The florets are China Rose in colour with darker margins. There are 14-18 florets per spike.
Triloki : This variety is released by NBRI, Lucknow. It is an Indian bred late season hybrid developed by crossing G. 'Friendship' x G. 'tristis'. The spikes are one sided with a mean spike length of 75cm. the florets are China Rose in upper half portion and Primrose Yellow in the lower half. The petals have splashes of China Rose along the margins. Threr are 14-15 florets per spike.
Aldebaran : It is an exotic variety having a mean spike length of 62cm. The petals are Straw Yellow in colour with throat blotched with Signal red colour. There are 12-14 florets per spike.
Friendship: It is an exotic variety having a branched spike with a mean length of 75cm. The upper outer lower petal and inner upper two petals towards the apex are dawn pink in colour. There are 18-20 florets per spike.
Aarti : This variety is released by IIHR, Bangalore. It is a cross between 'Shriley' and 'Melody'. It is a midseason variety requiring 70 days for flowering. Spikes are attractive and 93cm long. The florets are light orange with red and yellow blotch and red spots. There are 12-13 florets per spike. Cut flower life is 6 days.
Apsara : This variety is released by IIHR, Bangalore. It is a hybrid from the cross between "Black Jack' x
'Friendship'. It is an early flowering variety, which flowers in 55 days after planting. The spikes are strong, dazling and 117cm long. The florets are purple with tight yellow flecks in the throat. There are 18 florets per spike. Cut flower life is for 8 days.
Meera : This variety is released by IIHR, Bangalore. It is from a cross between 'G.P.I' x 'Friendship'. It is an early flowering variety, which flowers in 58 days after planting. The spikes are robust, bewitching and 106cm long. The florets are snow white in colour. There are 18 florets per spike. Cut flower life is for 8 days. Ideal for cut flower and display purposes. This variety has performed well in a number of places all over country such as Vellanikkara (Kerala), Chaubathia (U.P.), Ludhiana (Punjab) and Bangalore (Karnataka).
Poonam : This variety is released by IIHR, Bangalore. It is from a cross between 'Geliber Herald' x 'R.N. 121'. It is a mid-season cultivar, which flowers in 61 days of planting. The spikes are 98 cm long. The florets are light yellow in colour. There are 17 florets per spike. Cut flower life is for 7 days. It is tolerant to Fusarium wilt disease. Based on its performance for over 3 years, this variety has been recommended for Commercial cultivation in U.P. Hills (Chaubattia/ Ranikhet), Bangalore, Kalyani and Ludhiana.
Sapna : This variety is released by IIHR, Bangalore. It is a hybrid from the cross 'Green Woodpecker x 'Friendship'. It is an early flowering variety, which flowers in 60 days after planting. The spikes are strong, magnificent and 83cm long. The florets are light yellow in colour with greenish yellow blotch and light red tinge on margins. There are 17 compact florets per spike. Cut flowers last for 8 days in vase. It is moderately tolerant to Fusarium wilt disease.
Shobha : This variety is released by IIHR, Bangalore. It is an induced mutant of var. 'Wild Rose'. It is an early flowering variety, which flowers in 60 days after planting. The spikes are pleasing and 105cm long. The florets are light pink with creamy throat. There are 18 florets per spike. The vase life of cut flowers is for 7 days.
Grock : It is an exotic variety having a mean spike length of 72cm. The florets are oriental blue in colour with throat blotched violet purple and ruby red. There are 16-18 florets per spike.
Jacksonville Gold : It is an exotic variety having a mean spike length of 68cm. The florets are empire yellow in colour with throat blotched ruby red. There are 14-16 florets per spike.
White Goddess : It is an exotic variety having a branched spike with a mean spike length of 65cm. The florets are white in colour with throat blotched violet purple. There are 17-20 florets per spike.