Assessment of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) germplasm for commercial cultivation under Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh

Fifty nine chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) genotypes were evaluated for their performance under southern zone of Andhra Pradesh at HRS Farm, Anantharajupeta, Y.S.R. Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for all vegetative, flowering and yield traits studied. Genotype Selection-5 (56.50 cm) recorded maximum plant height, and plant spread was maximum in two genotypes Chandini and Violet (51.83 cm). Genotypes Sugandha Yellow and Sugandha White produced maximum (11.67) number of primary branches/plant while least in Yellow Cherub (2.33). Earliest bud appearance was observed in genotype Violet (61.67 days), whereas genotype Meera (113.52 days) was late. The highest number of flowers/spray and spray length was produced by genotype Yellow Star and Selection-2 (41.67 and 44.87 cm), respectively. Flower diameter was maximum in Firtation (10.06 cm), however, number of flowers/plant was highest in HYDC7 (287). The weight of single flower and 100 flower weight was maximum in Mother Teresa (4.96 g and 495.50 g). Keeping in view of these characters, genotypes Mother Teresa, Firtation and Chrysanthemum Yellow were found to be highly suitable to grow under Rayalaseema conditions of Andhra Pradesh for loose flower production. Based on hierarchical cluster of the morphological traits, the genotypes were grouped into three. Results of principal component Analysis (PCA) were also in conformity with the results of cluster analysis. Key word: Chrysanthemum, genotype, morphological traits, cluster analysis and PCA