Effect of Bulb Storage Duration and Temperature on Performance of Lily

Investigations were undertaken on Lilium hybrid cultivars Jollanda and Harmony bulbs to study the effect of storage durations (4, 6, 8 week) and temperatures (0, 2, 4°C). Earliest sprouting (63.1 days) was observed with 8 week storage duration. Minimum days to sprouting (51.0) was recorded in Jollanda when bulbs were stored at 4°C for 8 week. Least days to bud formation (102.2) was observed in Jollanda in 4 week storage duration. Storage of bulbs at 4°C for 6 week increases the plant height. Maximum flower diameter (13.9 cm) was observed in 4 week storage of bulbs at 4°C. Earliest flowering (140.3 day and 147.4 day) was observed with 8 week storage of bulbs at 4°C in both the cultivars (Harmony and Jollanda, respectively). In Harmony more number of flower buds (5.3) was observed in 6 week storage of bulbs at 2°C, whereas in Jollanda it was (3.3) with 8 week storage duration at similar temperature.