Evaluation of cut chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) genotypes for yield performance and economic returns under open field conditions

The present investigation entitled "Evaluation of Cut Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) Genotypes for Yield Performance and Economic Returns under Open Field Condition" was conducted during 2023-24 at the Floricultural Research Block, College of Horticulture, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with sixteen genotypes and two replications. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for yield and economic parameters. Among the genotypes, 'Mix Button' recorded the highest number of flowers per plant (549.59), whereas the maximum flower yield per plant was recorded in 'Bright White' (430.97 g), followed by 'NPF Yellow' (411.18 g) and 'Lollipop Purple' (392.84 g). The highest flower yield per unit area (2.21 kg m^–2) and per hectare (22.10 t ha^–1) was also recorded in 'Bright White'. Economic analysis revealed that 'Bright White' recorded the highest gross income (Rs. 13,26,000 ha^–1), net income (Rs. 9,24,914 ha^–1) and benefit-cost ratio (3.31), followed by 'NPF Yellow' and 'Lollipop Purple'. In contrast, 'Mix Button' recorded the lowest yield and resulted in negative net returns. The study indicated that genotypes with higher flower weight and better market value contributed significantly to increased yield and profitability. Overall, 'Bright White', 'NPF Yellow', 'Lollipop Purple' and 'Artic Queen' were identified as superior genotypes for yield and economic returns under open field conditions.