Effect of Different Genotypes and Growing Conditions on Floral Parameters of Asiatic Lily

The present investigation was conducted during 2019-20 at CCS HAU, Hisar, Haryana to find out the most suitable variety and growing condition for the production Asiatic lily. The experiment comprised of 12 treatment combinations [4 varieties (Courier White, Tresor, Nova Lux & Red Stone) and 3 growing conditions (polyhouse of 200 μ, green shade-net of 50% shade & open field)], each replicated thrice. The results revealed that the variety Tresor performed better in most of the floral parameters viz. early floral bud emergence (54.11 days), early colour change of first floral bud (103.08 days), early opening of first flower (105.19 days); and maximum floral bud length (9.52 cm), floral bud diameter (3.28 cm), stem/stick length (83.49 cm) and stem/stick diameter (1.03 cm) as compared to other varieties. Red Stone variety performed next to Tresor in various parameters viz. days taken to emergence of flower bud, floral bud length, floral bud diameter, stick length and stem/stick diameter. However, the maximum number of flowering buds/plant (6.97) were obtained in variety Nova Lux followed by Tresor (4.20) and the maximum flower diameter (20.02 cm) was recorded in variety Courier White followed by Red Stone (18.35 cm). Out of the three growing conditions, varieties of Asiatic lily cultivated under polyhouse comparatively performed better in most of the floral parameters, resulting in early bud emergence (49.83 days), early colour change of first floral bud (99.32 days), early opening of first flower (102.68 days). In addition, maximum number of flowering buds/plant (5.06), floral bud diameter (3.42 cm), flower diameter (20.59 cm) and stick length (100.00 cm) were also observed under polyhouse. However, the floral bud length (9.89 cm) was recorded maximum under shade-net, whereas stick diameter (1.05 cm) was recorded maximum under open field condition. Henceforth, varieties viz. Tresor and Red Stone grown under polyhouse performed comparatively better than the other treatment combinations of varieties and growing conditions.