Characterization of Morphological Traits (Growth, Flowering and Corm Yield) in Different Gladiolus Cultivars

A study on morphological characteristics of 27 (Gladiolus spp.) varieties under open field conditions at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with five replications. The study revealed significant variability among cultivars. In growth parameters, Red Beauty had the highest number of sprouts per hill, Dhanvantari attained maximum plant height and Mohini produced the longest leaf. Flowering traits also varied significantly, with Chandni showing the earliest spike emergence and last floret opening, while Red Beauty had the earliest 1^st floret opening. Pink Friendship had the largest 1^st floret diameter and Flevo Souvenir had the largest last floret. Snow Princess produced the maximum florets per spike, Priscilla had the longest flowering duration and Dhanvantari had the longest spike. In corm yield, Shubhangini had the highest cormels weight per hill, whereas, IIHR recorded the maximum corms per hill and American Beauty had the largest corm diameter. These findings highlight the genetic diversity among gladiolus cultivars, aiding in the selection of high-performing varieties for commercial cultivation and market potential.

⓿ Red Beauty recorded the highest number of sprouts per hill and earliest first floret opening.

⓿ Dhanvantari exhibited maximum plant height and the longest spike length.

⓿ Among the varieties, Pink Friendship had the largest diameter for the first floret, while Flevo Souvenir had the largest diameter for the last floret.