Technical Bullletin 1/22010
Prroducction Tech hnologgy off Glad dioluss With special referrence too Jamm mu reggion
R. K. K Pandeyy Uma Shankarr Sheetal Dograa
DIVISIION OF VE EGETABLE E SCIENCE E AND FLO ORICULTU URE
FA ACULTY OF O AGRICU ULTURE
S. K. K UNIVER RSITY OF AGRICUL LTURAL SCIENCE S A AND TEC CHNOLOG GY ATHA, JA AMMU-1800009 (J&K)) CHA
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
Contents 1. Introduction 2. Importance and Uses 3. Plant Morphology Corm and Cormel, 3.2 Root, 3.3 Leaf, 3.4 Spike and Rachis, 3.5 Flower, 3.6 Fruit, 3.7 Seed 4. Taxonomy 5. Description of Species 6. Classification 7. Important Cultivars 8. Breeding 8.1 Methods of Breeding, 8.2 Objectives of Breeding 9. Parameters for Evaluation of Cultivars 10. Propagation 10.1 Seed, 10.2 Corm, 10.3 Cormel, 10.4 Micropropagation 11. Dormancy 11.1 Tetrazolium Test 12. Selection of Site 13. Climate 14. Soil 14.1 Preparation of land 15. Planting Time 16. Selection of Planting Material 16.1 Treatments of Corms/Cormels 17. Planting Methods 17.1 Spacing, 17.2 Depth, 17.3 Seed Rate, 17.4 Planting Procedure 18. Manures and Fertilizers 19. Irrigation 20. Inter-culture Practices 20.1 Earthing-up, 20.2 Staking, 20.3 Mulching, 20.4 Weeding, 20.5 Hoeing 21. Crop Rotations 22. Harvesting 22.1 Harvesting of Flower spike, 22.2 Lifting of Corms and Cormels 23. Yield 23.1 Flower Spikes, 23.2 Corms and Cormels 24. Post Harvest Technology 24.1 Flower Spike, 24.1.1 Post Harvest Treatment, 24.1.2 Grading, 24.1.3 Packaging 24.2 Corms and Cormels, 24.2.1 Curing, 24.2.2 Cleaning and Grading 25. Storage 25.1 Flower Spike, 25.2 Corms and Cormels 26. Disease and Pest 26.1 Diseases 26.2 Pests 27. Related Literature 28.Cost of Production of Gladiolus
_________________________________________________________________________ Citation: Pandey, R., Shankar, U. and Dogra, S. 2010. Production technology of Gladiolus with special reference to Jammu region. Technical Bulletin 1/2010. Division of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, SKUAST- Jammu. pp. 26. 1
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
1. Introduction Gladiolus, commonly known as “sword lily” because of its sword-shaped foliage, “corn flag” is another name in Europe because it is also found wild as weed in the corn fields. It is a native of South Africa and Asia Minor. It was introduced in India in sixteenth century (Innes, 1985) and cultivation started in nineteenth century (Apte, 1958). The spikes of gladiolus are mainly used for garden, interior decoration eg. flower-pot/ vase, floral arrangement eg. basket, bouquets etc. Now it has been leading cut-flower of world as well as of India. It is so popular due to its spike which contains attractive, elegant and delicate florets with wide range of colours and good keeping quality (8-12 days) of cut spikes. First it was thought that only hilly tracts of the country were suitable for its cultivation, but latter on plains were also found suitable for its commercial cultivation. Jammu region of J&K is blessed with varied agro-climatic conditions and many areas of region are suitable for its cultivation. The main constraints in the commercialization of this crop in the region are lacking of suitable varieties for different agro-climatic conditions, corm rot and unstandardized cultivation practices for protected cultivation. The crop has equally important role in diversification at the farm. The cost-benefit ratio of this crop (1.79) is higher than the popular cereals e.g. paddy (1.40). It can be rotated in crop sequence with lady finger, fodder and maize. The area under gladiolus cultivation is limited with an area of 59 ha in J&K state of which only 10 ha in Jammu region in 2004-05, where is large gap in demand & supply. Therefore it requires immediate promotion of gladiolus cultivation in the region.
2. Importance and uses (i)
Gladiolus is a very popular flowering plant. Its magnificent inflorescence with variety of colours has made it attractive for use in herbaceous borders, bedding plots, rockeries, pots and for cut-flowers. For cut-flowers, Primulinus types are better, while Grandis tristis are preferred for growing in pots or bowls.
(ii)
The flowers of some gladiolus species are used as salad by nipping off the anthers in high altitude mountains and even native used the corms of gladiolus by roasting them.
(iii) Different preparations of gladiolus are also used as medicine for headache, diarrhea, rheumatism and allied pains.
2
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
(iv) The leaves of this genus also rich in vitamin ‘C’ ranging from 1 to 1.7 per cent depending on the species and cultivars.
3. Plant Morphology Gladiolus is a tender herbaceous perennial. 3.1Corm and Cormel: The corms are bulb like, globose having series of nodes, wholly covered with tunic and oriented strictly in vertical fashion under the soil. The new corm is produced on the old corm by the lateral expansion of the lowermost nodes and internodes of the current year aerial shoots. Besides branched rhizomatous outgrowth arises from the base of new corm, the tips of which become dormant and swell to form cormels. These cormels have very hard tunic and take two to three years to become commercial size corm. 3.2 Root: There are two types of roots. One type arises from the base of the corm / cormel soon after planting and makes its appearance in the form of a ring. The other, the contractile types is characterized by heaving branched tips. 3.3 Leaf: The leaves are sword-shaped phyllode, clustering at the swollen stem base, attached to stem in the opposite directions. Its length is 15-20 cm and width is 3-4 cm. The numbers of leaves in modern cultivar vary widely between 5 and 12. 3.4 Spike and Rachis: The portion of stem above flag leaf called spike, whereas the portion of stem that bears florets called rachis. 3.5 Flower: The inflorescence (rachis) bears up to 25 florets arranged alternately on the axis in one side of spike. Florets are 2 whorled with 6 perianth segments. The outermost 3 segments are called calyx (sepals) and innermost 3 segments are called corolla (petals). Florets are hermaphrodite, sessile, stamen 3. Gynoecium tricarpellary and syncarpous having inferior ovary and long style. 3.6 Fruit: Fruits oblong-ellipsoid to obtrusely triangular, loculicidal capsule with 3 chambers each havings 2 rows mostly with winged seeds. 3.7 Seed: The seeds are very light, enclosed in papery wings and floats in air when capsule bursts open.
4. Taxonomy Basic Chromosome of gladiolus is no (x) = 15. Its taxonomic position is as follow. Order
: Iridales
Family
: Iridaceae
3
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
Sub family : Ixioideae Genus
: Gladiolus (8 genera)
Species
: Many (120 spp)
According to Lewis et al (1972), the genus gladiolus divided in to four groups. I. Plurifoliali – 22 species, comes under this group. These species having 5-8 or more well developed leaves forming a fan e g. G. cardinals; G. cruentus; G. natalensis; G. densiflorus II. Paucifoliati - 34 species comes under this group. These species having 2-5 well developed leaves, spirally arranged. Few species are fragranced e.g. G. acuminatus; G. floribundas; G. arcuatus; G. alatus; G. equitans (Fragranced) G. carneus; G. microcarpus; G. undulatus III. Exfoliati – 24 species comes under this group. These species having well developed leaves, absent at the time of flowering, the scape bearing 1-3 sheathing bracts without or with small free blades. Few species are fragranced e.g. G.odoratus; G. maculatus (Fragranced) G. carmineus; G. monticola; G. aurantiacus; G..parvulus
5. Description of species There a different views regarding the number of species, which this genus represents. One puts the number of species as 150 (Chittenden, 1956) and according to Bailey (1964) there are probably 250 species. It is generally agreed that 11 species were involved in the development of the present day gladiolus, which are discussed as follows. G. aurantiacus : Its plant is about 90 cm tall with 4-6 leaves. Flowers are bright orangeyellow or tinged with red. G. blandus: The stem may have a height of 30-45 cm with 4 leaves. The loose spike may have 4-8 florets. Flowers are white or tinged with red or light pink. G. byzantinus: The plant has a robust stem, 60 cm long. The spike may have 6-10 red florets, which are sparsely arranged on the rachis. G. cardinalis: its plant with large corm and stout stem (90 cm, tall). The florets are scarlet. G. cruentus: The plant height is between 60-90 cm. the florets are more or less bell shaped and bright scarlet.
4
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
G. dracocephalus: The florets are multi coloured. The yellowish petals have pale purple –red lines. The base of the petals are greenish with purple spots. G. primulinus: The florets are hooded and off primrose-red coloured. They are 4-5, loosely arranged on the spike. G. psittacinus: Plants have large corms, with 10-12 florets is a spike. The florets are hooded and bright-red coloured. The throat is yellow with scattered red spots. G. tristis: The spike consists of only 3-4 florets. Which are yellowish white and fragranced. G. tristis var concolor : The flowers are normally pale yellow and some time white. G. trimaculatus: They have fragranced, yellow, pink or white florets. Streak and spotted with brown or red colour. 6. Classification Gladiolus species and varieties / cultivars exhibits great variation in their vegetative and floral characters and these are classified as follow. (i) Grandiflorus (Large type): Which grow up to a height of 90-150 cm with spray and erect stalks, bearing 14-20 cm (diameter) closely arranged, triangular and symmetrical flowers and coming up in blooming after 90 days of planting of corms. (ii) Butterfly: Grow up to 125 cm, bearing medium sized flowers (8-10 cm diameter) spaced closely and marked with attractive blotches and throat with markings. (iii) Primulinus: Smaller then Grandiflorus, grow up to 100 cm height, bearing 5 to 10 cm (diameter) flowers with mostly hooded florets of soft colours and blooming generally in mid season (60-90 days) after planting of corms. (iv) Miniature: Growing up to a height of 75 to 90 cm with flowers size 5 to 7.5 cm (diameter). Similar in arrangements to the Primulinus but frequently ruffled and early flowering (60 days) after planting of corms.
7. Important Cultivars (i) American Beauty: Pinkish red, spike length 65-75cm. No. of florets/spike 15-16, floret size 9.5-10.5 cm. Corm production moderate. (ii) Candyman: Red with yellow in middle, spike length 50-60 cm, no. of florets/plant 1214, floret size 9.5-10.5 cm, corm multiplication moderate. (iii) Eurovision: Dark vermilion with white vein, spike length 75-80 cm, no. of florets/plant 14-16, floret size 9.0-10.0 cm, corm multiplication moderate. 5
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
(iv) Pink Friendship: Floret pink, spike length 80-85 cm, no. of florets/plant 15-16, floret size 8.5-9.5 cm, corm multiplication moderate. (v) Gunjan: Yellow, spike length 45-50 cm, no. of florets/plant 16-18, floret size 8.0-8.5 cm, corm multiplication good. (vi) Her Majesty: Violet blue with white marking in centre, spike length 60-65 cm, no. of florets/plant 12-13, florets size 7.0-8.0 cm, corm multiplication poor. (vii) Puas Jyotasena: Pink, spike length 85-95 cm, no. of florets/plant 16-18, floret size 9.510.5 cm, corm multiplication good. (viii) Nova Lux: Yellow, spike length 85-95 cm, no. of florets /plant 14-16, floret size 9.510.5 cm, corm multiplication moderate. (ix) Peter Pears: Orange with mandarin red, spike length 80-90 cm, no. of florets/plant 1516, floret size 8.5-9.5 cm, corm multiplication moderate. (x) Priscilla: Pink with yellow in middle, spike length 80-90 cm, no. of florets/plant 15-16, floret size 8.0-9.0 cm, corm multiplication good. (xi) Rose Supreme: Pink spike length 100-110 cm, no. of floret 15-17, floret size 8.5-9.5 cm. Good cormel producer. (xii) White Prosperity: Creamy white, spike length 100-110 cm, no. of florets/plant 16-20, floret size 10-11 cm, corm 2-3 /plant, cormel 60-80/plant. Out of twelve varieties described above six have been identified for Jammu region for wider cultivation namely, White Prosperity, American Beauty, Novalux, Eurovision, Pusa Jyotasena,.
8. Breeding Most members of this genus are heteroploids having very small chromosome ranging from 2n= 30 to 120 (diploid, triploid, tetraploid, pentaploid, hexaploid, octaploid and hyperaneauploid). Mojority of the South African species are diploid, summer flowering commercial ones tetraploid and Central African and Eurasiatic species polyploidy (Lewis et. Al., 1972). In gladiolus even diverse parents cross together and the cultivation and species that differ widely in chromosome numbers are also cross-fertile. The genealogy of the modern cultivars involves about 20 or more species and even a few allied genera. 8.1 Methods of Breeding: Following methods are generally used for gladiolus improvement (i) Selection (ii) Hybridization (iii) Mutation breeding (iv) In vitro mutagenesis 6
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
8.2 Objectives of Breeding: (i) Generate variability for resistance against the corm rot (Fusarium wilt). (ii) Improvement in floral traits e.g. colour, shape, vase life. (iii) Higher yield of corm/cormel. (iv) Tolerance to high temperature for summer cultivation.
9. Parameters for Evaluation of Cultivars Following parameters have been evaluated for assessing good quality cultivars. (i)
Sprouting percentage of corm
(ii)
Plant height (cm)
(xii) Number of florets/spike (xiii) Diameter of floret (cm)
(iii) Spike length (cm)
(xiv) Length of florets (cm)
(iv) Rachis length (cm)
(xv) In situ life of spike (days)
(v)
(xvi) Vase life of spike (days)
Number of leaves/shoot
(vi) Breadth of leaf (cm)
(xvii) Diameter of daughter corm (cm)
(vii) Length of leaf (cm)
(xviii) Number of cormels/ corm
(viii) Number of marketable spike/plant (ix) Days to full emergence of spike (days) (x)
(xix) Economic value of spike (Rs./ dozen) (xx) Weight of corm/plant (gm)
Days to first floret to bloom (days)
(xi) Days to last floret to bloom (days)
10. Propagation Gladiolus is propagated both sexually by seed and asexually by corms and cormels. Division of big corms for multiplication, although not very common, is also used. Propagation through tissue culture technique is very effective to get virus free material and for rapid multiplication. 10.1 Seed: Seed propagation is mainly used to evolve new cultivars. Gladioli set seeds abundantly and about 60 seeds are normally formed in three chambers of each capsule. The plants raised from seeds require four seasons to come to bloom under ordinary conditions and under best cultural treatments it may be reduced to two seasons. The capsules when start turning brown i.e. about four to six weeks after flowering are ready for dehiscence and collection. In generally the time for collection of capsules is between Jan and March in the plains. Then the winged seeds are sown in raised beds at 1 cm depth during Oct-Nov. Seeds germinated in 3 to 5 weeks and on germination strike a single root down and stand up single 7
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
grass like blade above the ground. After the seedlings have attained a good growth (in 2-3 months), these are shifted to cultivation in field. 10.2 Corm: The commercial method of propagation of gladiolus is by corm or cormels. Corm is a thickened underground perennating structure consisting of a short vertical stem having many ring like nodes full of buds, covered with tunics all round and a disc like root zone at the base. Corm develops at the base of flowering stem, when the old corm is gradually used up. Corms of 4-6 cm diameter generally used for propagation. 10.3 Cormel: They produced in clusters on stolens between mother and daughter corms. These vary in size each one enclosed in a hard shell which is less permeable to water and thus prolongs the dormancy. Young gladiolus cormels required 2-3 seasons of vegetative growth before flowering. The average size of cormels used for propagation as 0.5 to 1.5 cm (diameter). The cormel plants are not allowed to flower as that will reduce the production of cormels and the spike are removed carefully without injuring foliage, when first floret shows colour. 10.4 Micropropagation: Simonsen and Hilderbrandt (1971) are probably pioneers in developing in vitro plants of gladiolus from cormel culture. In vitro culture of the apical meristem or of the whole terminal bud plus the upper portion of the corm, able to produce planting material free from various virus/fungi. It is now possible to produce foundation stocks of virus free gladiolus cormels on a commercial scale. Growing of such cormels demonstrated the production of slightly earlier, uniform and high quality flowers. The optimum size of gladiolus corm explants was found to be 0.3 mm3.
11. Dormancy The corms and cormels after lifting from field undergo a period of dormancy, when they will not sprout even if all the favorable conditions are available. The dormancy in cormels is longer then that of corms. The dormant corms require 3-4 months cold storage at 2-4oC and 75% relative humidity to break the dormancy. An alternative method of breaking the dormancy is to expose the corms to chemicals e.g. ethylene chlorohydrin (0.3%), thiourea (4%). Soaking of corms in 20 ppm BA solution for 24 hours, followed 3 days later by re-soaking in a GA3 solution at 100 ppm resulted in breaking of dormancy and good shoot and root growth after sprouting (Tsukamoto, 1974). Dormancy of larger cormels is usually broken in 4 months. 8
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
Swelling of root at the base indicates that corms/cormels are ready for planting. About one to three weeks prior to planting, cold stored corms and cormels are brought to a warmer condition to break dormancy and to encourage root swelling.
11.1 Tetrazolium Test: Tetrazolium (Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride) test has been a reliable indicator for measuring the depth of dormancy in gladiolus corms. A positive correlation was found between the degree of Tetrazolium colouration and germination potential of the cormels.
12. Selection of site The gladiolus is a sun loving plant throughout its growing period. So the place where it is to be planted should be sunny and there should be some protection from strong winds. So that plants may not break. At shady site, plants become leggy and have a tendency to bend towards the source of light and the flower quality was adversely affected. Therefore, gladioli should never be planted under shade of trees or any other location where a large part of the day is not sunny. 13. Climate Mild climate is ideal for gladiolus cultivation, while very hot and too cold atmospheric conditions are harmful. Temperature between 20-23oC during the day and 15-18oC in the night are optimum for its growth. But temperature falling below 6oC may cause frost injury to the plant. At the time of planting the soil temperature should not be less than 1oC. During winter lack of sufficient light may result in abortion of flower spikes. Constant humid atmosphere is not favorable as it attracts various pathogens.
14. Soil Gladiolus can be grown in a wide range of soils from light sandy to a clay loam but deep (at least 30 cm), well drained, friable, soils rich in organic matter and nutrients are preferable for best results sandy loam, acidic soil with pH 5.5 to 6.5 preferred because on this condition most of the nutrient become available to the plants. If the soil is light and sandy, adequate amount of well rotten organic matter should be applied and in very heavy soils, coarse sand may be added to improve the texture. 14.1 Preparation of land 9
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
The soils should be thoroughly ploughed 15-20 cm deep firstly two months before planting and then left as such for at least 15 days, so most of the pathogen has removed. About two to three weeks before second ploughing is done followed by leveling and at the time weeds are also thoroughly removed. At the time of land preparation Chloradane / Lindane is to be applied in soil to prevent insect attack on planting material. The basic doses of manure and fertilizer are also added at this time. 15. Planting time Optimum time for planting corms / cormels is mid September to mid November in the plains and March-April in the hills, whereas in uniformly mild climate like Bangalore, Pune, it may be planted throughout the year. It is a normally seven month crop from planting up to lifting of corms. To have flush of flowers at different periods, planting of corms at 15 days interval is suggested. Spikes are obtained after 15th January from the winter crop in plains, while in hills spikes are obtained in the month of June and July.
16. Selection of planting material In gladiolus planting material is corms / cormels. So they should be checked before planting and only healthy, disease free and dormancy free planting material should be used for planting. The dormancy breaking of corms / cormels can be easily judge by swelling of root at the base and in mass scale Tetrazolium test also be used for this purpose. The size of the corm markedly influence the growth and development of gladiolus including flower and corm production. In most cultivars large corms give maximum bud count and hold most floret open. Ideal size of corms for planting is 3.5 to 5.0 cm. Different experiment shows that below and above this size of corm, corms size not significantly influenced the flowering attributes of gladiolus. In general large sized corms start to emerge earlier with good flower quality than those from smaller corms. The cormels taken about 2-3 repeated planting to produce proper bloom. It is better to get the corms sprouted before planting by keeping them in a dark warm place covered with black polythene or by burying the corms in 5 cm to 7.5 cm layer of moist sand and than only planted in beds/pots. 16.1 Treatment of Corms/Cormels: Before planting corms/cormels should be dipped in a solution containing Bavistin (0.2%) and Captan (0.2%) for half an hour to prevent fungal
10
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
disease e.g, fusarium wilt, botrytis blight. After the treatment corms are air dried and than only used
17. Planting Method Following spacification should be followed for planting of gladiolus corms/ cormels.
17.1 Spacing: For high spike production gladiolus corms are planted 20 cm apart in a row and row are spaced 30 cm apart. While for quality corm production corm should be planted 20 cm apart in row and row are spaced 40 cm apart. Spacing varies with cultivars, corm size and the purpose for which the plants are grown. The corms size and cormel production reduced with the increasing plant density but the number of florets rises. 17.2 Depth: The depth of planting is measured from tip of the corm/cormels. Corms are planted 6-10 cm deep, while cormels are placed 3-6 cm deep in furrows. Depth of plants depends more on the size of planting material. In light soils the depth is more as compared to heavy soils.
17.3 Seed rate: For commercial spike production, high density planting is recommended with seed rate is 16 corms/m2 (152000 corms/ha). While for quality corm production seed rate to be 12 corms/m2 (114000 corms/ha) and 4 q cormels required to be planting in one hectare area. Note: Above seed rate is in case when 95% area used for planting and 5% area left for path in one hectare area. 17.4 Planting Procedure: Handful of sand also kept below the corms to protect them by rotting due to improper drainage. Immediately after planting the corms are covered with soil. Where ever danger of water logging condition, planting should be done on ridges, which are made 30-40 cm apart. Every year field should be changed, after 3-4 years, the same field may be used again. If staggered flowering is desired, corms are to be planted at the interval of 15 days. 18. Manures and Fertilizers Nutritional requirement of gladiolus vary according to climate, type of soil and the method of irrigation followed. In certain heavy loam soils, fertilizer requirement of gladiolus is negligible for flower production, this is because a well developed large corm which is planted in this soil sufficiently stored organic & inorganic nutrients to supply one crop. While 11
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
in light sandy soils, especially where rainfall is high, fertilizer have to be applied in several small doses as there is a danger of leaching in such soils. Plants grown from small corms and cormels will need more fertilizers. Large corms have more stored nutrients and hence the fertilizer need of such corms is comparatively less. For nutritional requirement well rotted FYM should be apply one month before planting on the rate of 120-240 q/ha. For good growth and attractive flowering N @ 125 Kg/ha, P2O5 @ 75 Kg/ha and K2O @ 50 Kg/ha should be apply. Full dose of phosphorus and potassium should be applied as basal dose, whereas Nitrogen in two equal doses (One at 3 leaves and other at 6 leaves stage).
19. Irrigation Irrigation schedule for gladiolus depends upon weather conditions, soil types and rainfall. Normally irrigation is required at the interval of 7-10 days. But watering should be stopped at the time of ripening of corms, to avoid rotting of corms. But it should keep in mind that gladiolus crop for flowering never be allowed to water stress, especially during the spike development.
20. Inter-culture Practices Once the corms are planted the inter-culture starts with the appearance of the sprouts through the soil. 20.1 Earthing up: When the shoot is about 20 cm high or 3-5 leaves stage (40-50 days after planting), earthing up should be done to a height of 10-15 cm. This enables the plants to grow erect despite of high winds and rains. Earthing up is a must in case of light soils. 20.2 Staking: In case where spikes grow longer or stem are not strong enough to bear the lodging or mild stroke of wind, they are supported with about 1.5 meters. Strong stakes of wooden or bamboo strings may be used in place of stakes. Strings are stretched between the stakes alongside each row to provide easy and adequate support. One string has to be about 15 cm above the ground, which the other along the base of the emerging spikes. For miniature gladiolus staking is not needed. 20.3. Mulching: Mulching is important for conserving the moisture and reducing the weed population and its effectiveness depends on the type of mulch used. Mulching is done between and across the rows. Case should be taken to mulch the beds only when there is sufficient moisture, otherwise it will not serve any purpose. Fresh manure, chopped straw, 12
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
dried grass, saw dust, peat husk, bark and strips of black polythene may effectively be used as mulching materials. Mulching supports early sprouting, flowering and good corm production. 20.4. Weeding: Weeding is an important operation to raise gladiolus crop. Weed should be removed whenever they appear. Otherwise weeds will compete with the main crop for nutrition and moisture. 4-5 weeding is required to raise a crop successfully. Weeds can be control by application of 1 lit/acre, Basalin as pre planting spray. 20.5 Hoeing: Hoeing is to be undertaken carefully, when the corms are just sprouting, as a careless hoeing can break many a sprout.
23. Crop Rotation The following crop rotations are possible with gladiolus in plains of Jammu region. (i) Lady finger
Gladiolus
(ii) Fodder crops (Chari, Millets)
(iii) Maize Gladiolus
Gladiolus
(iv) Coarse rice Gladiolus
22. Harvesting 22.1 Harvesting of Flower Spikes: For cut flower purpose the spike are inspected regularly in the field for their growing style, placement of the flowers on spikes or for any other possible mishaps. Care should be taken that spikes must grow straight, therefore stakes are to be placed in time. Gladilolus flower can be harvested, 65-120 days after planting, depending upon the variety, size of corms and the tight bud stage. The spike should be harvested when lower most floret shows colour. At least four leaves should be left on plant for proper development of corms. The leaves left on the plant are needed for development of corms and cormels. These spikes then proceed for different post harvest treatment before the shifting to storage or market. 22.2 Lifting of Corms and Cormels: Lifting in the plain start from April to May and in hills September to November. Irrigation is withheld at least 15-25 days before the corm lifting. Plants are twisted down to ground level for allowing the corms to mature. Corms and cormels are ready for lifting from the ground after 30-45 days of harvesting of flower spikes at this time more ever leaves also start yellowing. Lifting is done with the help of spades and khurpi. After lifting the corms from the ground, they are kept in shade along with the leaves for drying for 1 week. Leaves are removed from corms and cormels and then cleaning and grading is done.
23. Yield 13
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
23.1 Flower Spikes: The flower spike yield in gladiolus vary according to the cultivar, corm size, planting density and management practices etc. Generally, one plant produces single marketable spike. However in many cases more than one spike also produced from one corm. Approximate yield of flower spike would be around 114000-152000 spikes per hectare. 23.2 Corms and Cormels: The yield of corms and cormels is influenced by cultivar, corm size and other factors. Singh (1996) reported that large cormels produced larger corms with more cormels/plant. The average yield of corms and cormels are 30 q/ha and 5q/ha respectively. Each corm produced on an average 10-15 cormels. It depends on various factors e.g. cultivars, size of corms, planting time etc.
24. Post Harvest Technology 24.1 Flower Spike 24.1.1 Post Harvest Treatment: There are two important treatments which are employed before transport/ storage to cut flowers for prolonging their vase life. These are conditioning and pulsing. The aim of conditioning (hardening) is to restore turgidity of cut stem, since it suffers due to water loss during cutting and handling. For this after harvesting spikes immediately placed in fresh water at 4 to 5oC for about 8 hours. Then sale these spikes in local market as early as possible or for distance market next treatment is followed. Pulshing (loading) is a treatment, given to flower spikes by direct to increase their vase life. It is generally given before transporting for distant market or before storage of spikes. In this treatment spikes are placed in a solution containing 20% Sucrose and 250 ppm HQC (Hydroxy Quinoline Citrate) for a period of about 12-24 hours under temperature 20 to 27oC. Pulshing indicates its importance in prolonging life (by 3-5 days), promoting opening and enhancing colour and size of petals of gladiolus. 24.1.2 Grading: Gladiolus spikes are graded into 4 categories based on overall quality, length of spike and number of florets in each spike (Wilfret, 1980). Grade
Spike length (cm)
Number of florets (minimum)
Fancy
>107
16
Special
> 96 to 107
15
Standard
> 81 to 96
12
Utility
< 81
10
14
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
24.1.3 Packaging: After harvesting and pulsing treatment, flower spikes for local market may be taken submerged in water solution up to market reach. About 12 spikes are arranged head to tail alternately and tied with cotton wool. Such 20-30 bundles are covered in news paper and then sent to local market in gunny bags. But for long distance./ International market these bundles placed in rectangular cardboard boxes having 120 cm length, 60 cm width and 30 cm height and perforated at several places for circulation of air. These boxes are also to be stored in cold storage (4-5oC) until shipped. These spikes then can be stored up to a week before these reach up to consumer. Then shipped in distance market either by refrigerated vans or air flight. 24.2 Corms and Cormels 24.2.1 Curing: After lifting and removing of adhering soil, the corms and cormels of each cultivar are kept in trays in a shady but well ventilated place for about 15 days at 24 to 30o C temperature. Proper and effective curing of corms are very important for storing them successfully. For curing, the layer of corms should not exceed three, otherwise it takes more time. If the old withered corms have not been remove after lifting and during curing these become very hard to remove and if forced the corms may be damaged. So it should be done either at lifting or whenever the old corms can be detached easily in the process of curing. 24.2.2 Cleaning and Grading: After the corms are fully cured these are cleaned and diseased ones are discarded. The old withered corms are taken out and dirtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are cleaned. After cleaning the corms and cormels are graded in different sizes. Then before storage these corms / cormels are dipped in fungicide Captan @ 0.2 to 0.02% / Bavistin @ 0.2% solution and stored for 30 minutes. Then these are directed in shade for 2-3 weeks.
25. Storage 25.1 Flower Spike: After packing for distance market flower spikes should be stored in cold storage at 2.3 to 2.8oC and can be stored for a week. The storage of flower can also be extended to over 30 days by low pressure storage technique, but this method is not economically feasible. Cold stored spike are frequently taken out to facilitate opening of flowers according to market demand. 25.2 Corms and Cormels: After treatment corms stored in a single layer in wooden trays having a wire bottom. The scales over the corms are not removed during storage. Cormels are packed in polythene bags, these are well perforated and then corms and cormels are stored in 15
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
a well ventilated places/ cold storage at 5 to 6o C and 75% relative humidity for at least 2-3 months. Growers may store corms in a well ventilated thatched roof house and the trays may be placed on racks. Person having only few corms and cormels may store these in shade. In storage corms should be inspected periodically and only disease infected corms should be removed and burnt. About 10-20 days before planting cold stored corms and cormels are brought to a warmer condition to encourage root swelling and then only planted.
26. Disease and Pest One of the major constraints in gladiolus cultivation is the occurrence of some serious diseases and pests. Even some physiological disorders also cause considerable loss in gladiolus. The best insurance against these problems are to develop more and more cultivars resistant to these causes. 26.1 Diseases: The disease causing organisms in gladiolus are fungus, bacteria and virus. They caused considerable loss of flower and corm every year. The important diseases of gladioli are as follow. 26.1.1 Fusarium wilt: It is most destructive fungal disease of gladiolus. It is seed (corm) and soil borne disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli. Corms when split in to halves; show radiating dark-coloured streaks extending from the corm base through the flesh and in severe cases the centre of entire corm is black and rotten. Optimum temperature for growth of this fungi is 28oC, if we will able to avoid this temperature during growth season of crop disease can be control to a great extent. Symptoms:
Curving, bending, arching, stunting, yellowing and drying of leaves and flower spikes are common symptoms.
On the corms red brown lesion, having cleared and concentric marking with well defined margins are found.
Plants bend geotropically with leaf tip burn is a conspicuous feature.
Control Measures:
Corms/cormels are soaked for two days in water and then in 5% ethyl alcohol mixed in hot water,effectively control this fungus. 16
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
Fumigation of soil with methyl bromide or by methyl bromide-chloropicrin mixture before planting. In between fumigation and planting there could be gap up to 2 weeks.
* Corm treatment with bavistin (0.2%) captan (0.3%) and benlate (0.2%) and drenching the soil with the same chemicals are effective.
Infected cormels in soil can be destroyed by spray of herbicide.
Use disease free propagation material.
26.1.2 Botrytis blight: It is a soil borne highly destructive fungal disease, caused by Botrytis gladiolorum. The fungus affects the plants during cool and humid weather, most favorable temperature between 13 to 15oC. Air borne spores from infested plants spread the disease rapidly through petals and buds during the dew. Symptoms:
The disease starts as small spots (round to oval) which develops into large spots covered with a mould, soon killing the leaves.
Small red bordered and rusty coloured specks on leaves and stem and colour less spots on the flowers. Translucent water soaked areas on the petals, which caused rotting of flower during transportation.
Through the vascular bundles of stem and leaves, the fungus reaches to the corms and causes spongy corm rot.
Rotting of the corms start from the top and on scrapping shows browning.
Control:
High temperature (25-30oC) storage of corms also beneficial to check this fungus.
Spray with 0.25% Dithane M-45, twice a week and by dusting healthy corm with Dithane M-45, during storage. Spray of Vinclozolim, Iprodione and Benlate are also able to control this problem..
26.1.3 Curvularia blight: It is caused by Curvularia trifolii f. sp. gladioli. This is a soil born fungus, which survives in the soil for three or more year, plants grown by seeds and cormels seriously attacked by this disease. Leaf infection by this pathogen leads to the infection of corms also. All plants parts including leaves, stems, flowers, corms and roots are infected. Aerial parts especially young leaves are more susceptible for this pathogen. Symptoms:
Firm sunken black lesions and corking on leaves. 17
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
Dark brown, rounded/ elongated or irregular shaped spots surrounded by a reddish brown ring on leaves. These spots also severely found on stems and corms also.
Severe yellowing and browning of leaf tips, initially with circular to oval spots, which in favorable conditions become lengthwise along the leaf blades (12 cm length) turn to dark brown in later stage and filled with black spores and finally leaves breakdown.
Hard sunken spots on the corms, which leads to the dark board red elongated spots.
Control:
This can be checked by digging the corms in dry weather and curing immediately after harvest.
Dithane M-45 (Mancozeb) and Miltox (Copper Oxychloride + Zineb) each at 0.2% at fornightly intervals. Moneb is also very effective in controlling this disease.
26.1.4 Dry or neck rot: Dry rot is a wide spread disease attacking gladioli in the field and corm in storage. It is caused by Sclerotinia gladioli. It is more severe during humid condition in the field. It is a soil borne fungus and its longevity in soil has been found to be 10 years or more. Symptoms:
It is seen on the stored corms as small, dark, superficial spots or lesions varying from merely a dot to 0.6 cm in diameter. When these corms planted caused coller-rot and finally plants die.
The spots on the corms are more or les circular and sunken. In moist storage condition these black lesions coalesce together to make the corms mummfied.
The leaves turn brown from the tip downwards and at base they decay (neck rot), but corms remain attached to the stem firmly and the sheath become shredded.
Control:
Cormels may be cured by soaking, first in cool water for 24 hours and then for 30 minutes in hot water at 55oC.
Haasis (1954) suggested immersion of corms shortly after harvesting for 5 minutes in Cereson-M, 4.5 gm per gallon for effective storage. 18
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
26.1.5 Neck rot: It is caused by bacteria Pseudomonas marginata. The disease is much serious on the plants grown from cormels and seeds and in over crowded plants. Warm humid weather is favorable for this disease. Symptoms:
This disease appear as red brown specks on leaves which become dark brown in the later stages. In severe attack leaves start drying from tip and tissue at the base decay in wet weather.
On corm husk, scab appears as elongated lesions with black rough margins.
Control:
Dipping of corm in Mercuric chloride at the time of planting and storage gives good result.
26.1.6 Cucumber mosaic virus: Now it is one of the major disease of gladiolus. It affects the plant size and the number of spikes. Many species of aphid including green peach aphid, potato aphid, cabbage aphid work as a vector. Myzus persica also transmit the virus Lee et.al. (1983). Symptoms:
The infection is expressed as white discontinuous streaks on the foliage and are more angular in outline.
Wrinkling or pitting of corms and discolouration of vascular bundle in the corms.
Cultivars with white/ yellow colours florets shows distortion due to this virus.
Control:
The use of systemic insecticides e.g. Dimethoate and Phorate.
The use of reflecting surface (aluminium foils) around the plants.
Affected plants has to be uprooted along with the corm and burnt.
26.2 Pests 28.2.1 Aphids (Aphis gossypii): They suck sap from tender leaves and emerging spikes as well as florets. Even they are also responsible from transmitting cucumber mosaic virus and yellow been mosaic virus. Control: 19
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
Spraying Metasystox, Monocrotophos @ 0.1% concentration, using some wetting agent like Teepal.
Spray of Rogor or Nuvacron @ 0.1%.
26.2.2 Thrips (Tetranychus simplex): They feed on leaves, spike and florets. Silver and brown streaks may be noticed on leaves attacked by thrips. Corms also infected during storage. Control:
Storage of corms at 2oC for 6-8 weeks killed larvae, pupae, adults of the thrips.
A predatory mite (Amblyseins barkeri) gave promising results as a biological control.
Spray of Nuvacron @ 0.1 to 0.15 % is quite effective to control the insect.
26.2.3 Cut-worms (Agrotis segetum): The larvae of this insect feed on different plants of the plant. Particularly at base in young plant. The insects are nocturnal in habbit, therefore they hide in the soil during day time and cause damage in night. Control:
Spray the crop with 0.2% Methyl parathion at fortnightly interval.
Fumigation of infested soil has also been effective.
26.2.4 Mites (Tetranychus urticae): They feed on gladiolus leave under warm and shady conditions and causing tiny white specks on leaves, which consequently results in bronzing or silvering of the affected plants. Control:
Spray of acaricide like Kelthane @ 0.02% to 0.04% is able to control this pest.
Spray of Nuvacron.
26.2.5 Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita): Nematodes damage the root of gladioli in well drained loamy and sandy soils and causing root gall (root-knot) formation in gladioli (Reddy et.al., 1979). Control:
Treatment of dormant planting stock in hot water (53oC) for 30 minutes.
Soil fumigation by Nematicide, like Temik @ 8-10 kg a.i./ha, Thimet @ 4-10 kg a.i./ha, Furadan 2 12-20 kg a.i./ha.
27. Related Literature 20
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus
2011
Apte, S.S. (1958). Gladiolus, 33:31-46. Bailey, L.H. (1964). Manual of cultivated plants. The Mcmillian Company, New York. Chittenden, Fred J. (1956). The Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. Oxford University Press, London. Haasis, F.A. (1954). Plant Dis. Reptr., 38: 518-520. Innes, C. (1985). The world of Iridaceae-a-comprehensive record, Holly Gate international Ltd., England. Lee, S.H., Kim, J.S. and Choi, Y.M. (1983). Korean J Pl. Protection, 22: 198-202. Lewis, G.J., Obermeyer, A.A. and Barnard, T.T. (1972). Gladiolus- a revision of the African species, Purnell, C.P. Reddy, P.P., Singh, D.B. and Rao, V.R. (1979). Curr. Sci. 48:82. Simonsen, j and Hilderbrandt, A.C. (1971). Canadian j. Bot., 49:1817-1819. Singh, K.P. (1996). Advances in Plant Sci., 9: 241-243. Tsukamoto,Y (1974). Acta Hort., 43(II): 393-404. Wilfret, G.J. (1980) In: Introduction to Floriculture (ed. R.A. Larson), Academic Press Inc., pp.166-181.
28. COST OF PRODUCTION OF GLADIOLUS (FOR ONE HECTARE AREA) A. COST OF PRODUCTION S.
Particulars
No.
Commercial
Commercial
Corm
Spike Production
Production 1.
Land Preparation 3000.00
3000.00
b. Cost of 10 trucks FYM@ Rs. 600/truck
6000.00
6000.00
c. Basal dose of fertilizers + spreading of FYM and
6050.00
6050.00
1750.00
1750.00
710.00
710.00
a. 2 ploughing with disc plough + 1 ploughing with cultivator @ Rs. 1000/ploughing
fertilizers (15 L*) d. Land preparation for planting (25 L*) e. 21
One irrigation @ Rs. 500/irrigation + 3 L*
SKUAST-Jammu
2011
Production technology of gladiolus 2.
Planting of Corms 3,42000.00
a. Cost of corms @ Rs. 2.5/corm
4,56000.00
(1,14000 b. Cost of planting + treatment of corms (40L*)
3.
Ten irrigation (@ Rs. 500/irrigation +3L*/irrigation)
4.
Inter culture operations (4 hoeing + weeding + earthing up - 25 L/operation)- 100L*
5.
Disease and pest control- 6 spraying
(1,52000
Corms)
Corms) 28000.00
28000.00
7100.00
7100.00
7000.00
7000.00 10100.00
10100.00
14000.00
17500.00
(200 L*)
(250 L*)
(10 kg. Bavistin@ Rs. 400/kg, 20 kg Dithane M-45 @ Rs. 200/kg + 5L/spray) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30 L* 6.
Harvesting of spikes
7.
Packaging charges
7000.00
7000.00
8.
Transportation charges
7000.00
7000.00
9.
Digging of corms
7000.00
8750.00
(100 L*)
(125 L*)
4200.00
3000.00
(70 bags)
(50 bags)
2500.00
2500.00
3,96410.00
4,95460.00
10.
11.
Cold storage charges @ Rs. 20/bag for 3 months
Miscellaneous Total Expenditure
L*= Labour charges @ Rs. 70/day
B. INCOME S.No Particulars
Commercial Corm Production
Commercial Spike Production
1.
2,85000.00
3,04000.00
(1,14000 Spikes @ Rs. 2.5/spike)
(1,52000 Spikes @ Rs. 2./spike)
3,42000.00
3,80000.00
(1,14000 Corms @ Rs. 3/corm)
(1,52000 Corms @ Rs. 2.5/corm)
Cormel
85500.00
76000.00
production
1700000 Cormels @ Rs5/100
15,00000 Cormels@ Rs5/100
cormels
cormels (Production 10
2.
3.
Spike production
Corm production
22
(Production 15
SKUAST-Jammu
Production technology of gladiolus Cormels/corm)
Cormels/corm)
Total Income
7,12500.00
7,60000.00
Net Income
3,16090.00 (7,12500.00-
2,64540.00 (760000.00-
3,96410.00)
4,95460.00)
2011
C. COST BENEFIT RATIO Particulars Cost benefit ratio
23
Commercial Corm Production 1:1.79
Commercial Spike Production 1:1.53
SKUAST-Jammu