Pages: 28-33

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Right choice of the suitable medium contributes a lot in the successful ornamental flower production. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various growing substrates on the growth and development of miniature rose cultivar “Baby Boomer”. Four different growing substrates with variable composition and combinations with peat, farm yard manure, silt and leaf mold and their combinations with each other were compared using garden soil as a control. There were 4 treatments in the experiment and each treatment was consisting of 10 plants and these plants in pots were arranged according to completely randomized design (CRD) which was replicated thrice. Data regarding different growth attributes including plant height, number of leaves per plant, number and length of branches per plant and yield attributes included number of flowers per plant, diameter of flowers, fresh and dry weight of flowers were recorded and analyzed statistically by using Fisher’s analysis of variance technique and means were compared for significance by using Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at 5% probability level. Results indicated that the medium consisting of leaf compost exhibited overall better performance as compared to other media for various vegetative growth characteristics including plant height, number of leaves per plant, number and length of branches per plant and some reproductive growth parameters like number and diameter of flowers, and while the medium consisting of peat also showed better results to produce maximum fresh and dry weight of flowers.