Evaluation of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev) varieties in southern zone of Andhra Pradesh

Nine varieties of chrysanthemum, namely Poornima, Indira, Ravikiran, Redgold, Neelima, Yellow Gold, Pusa Kundan, White Anemone and local yellow were evaluated with the aim to identify suitable variety for different characters under southern zone of Andhra Pradesh during the year 2011-2012 at KVK Farm, Utukur, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. The results revealed that, Poornima variety recorded maximum plant height (100.94 cm), more number of branches per plant (13.77) but took more number of days for flowering (107.21 days). Yellow gold variety took less number of days (93.88 days) for first flowering. Poornima and white anemone were late flowering varieties with more number of flowers per plant, and recorded 253 and 154 % higher yields, respectively when compared to control. From this study it was concluded that Yellow gold is suitable for catching early market, while Poornima and White Anemone are suitable for late flowering under southern zone conditions of Andhra Pradesh.