Varietal performance of China aster on rice bunds in the plains of Chhattisgarh

The present study investigated the growth, flowering and yield performance of China aster {Callistephus chinensis (L) Ness} varieties (Arka Archana, Arka Shashank, Arka Kamini and Phule Ganesh Pink) cultivated on rice bunds in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, over two winter seasons (2018-19 and 2019-20). A randomized block design with four replications was utilized. Data were collected on plant height, number of branches per plant, plant spread, days to first bud appearance, days to 50 per cent flowering, flower weight per plant and number of flowers per plant and per hectare. Significant varietal differences were observed across all assessed parameters. Phule Ganesh Pink consistently demonstrated superior performance in plant height (64.10 cm), number of branches per plant (18.70) and plant spread (29.30 cm²) and also yielded the highest flower weight per plant (165.90 g). Arka Archana was noted for producing the highest number of branches (19.50) and the earliest to flower, with first bud appearance at 63.20 days and 50 per cent flowering at 73.40 days. Arka Archana and Phule Ganesh Pink also produced the highest number of flowers per plant (53.90 and 51.70 respectively) and per hectare (337,265.60 and 322,937.50 respectivley). Arka Shashank generally exhibited the lowest performance across most growth and yield parameters, while Arka Kamini displayed intermediate characteristics. The findings suggest that Phule Ganesh Pink and Arka Archana are particularly promising varieties for cultivation on rice bunds, offering potential for enhanced productivity and diversified income for small and marginal farmers in the region.