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Giant Himalayan lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum Wall.) is a perennial bulbiferous herb of Liliaceae and an endemic species in the eastern Himalayan region, which has become one of the new flower crops because of its high ornamental value. The present investigationwas conducted to study pollen morphologyi.e., fresh pollen grains size was measured in different media, viz., water, acetocarmine, glycerol and without any medium (dry). The pollen grains of Giant Himalayan lily exhibited the average size (length x width) of (22.64 x 19.72μ) in water suspension. The result revealed that in glycerine and dry condition shape of pollen grains was perprolate. However, in water and acetocarmine it looked was round in shape. The result also shown that highest pollen germination (54.70%, 63.69%) and pollen tube growth (89.24μ, 175.85μ) in 10% sucrose solution for 12 hours and 24 hours respectively. In control light treatments, red light was found to be best in pollen germination and pollen tube growth.

The present investigation was conducted to develop a sustainable INM package for economical production China aster crop under high hill condition of Uttarakhand. The experiment was conducted at Floriculture farm, COH, VCSG, UUHF, Bhrasar from March to September 2022. The treatments were 12, replicate thrice in Randomized Complete Block Design. The results showed that maximum plant spread (22.86 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (219.33), leaf area (38.56 cm²), earliness in days taken to 1st bud appearance and flower opening (68.630 and 82.707days, respectively) and maximum flowering duration (23.430 days) were recorded in T7 (50% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% Vermicompost + Azotobacter (5 mL L-1)). However, maximum number of flowers plant-1 and plot-1 (36.80 and 441.53, respectively), stalk length (38.40 cm), flower diameter (7.26 cm), individual flower weight (3.86 g), flower yield plant-1 and bed-1 (142.89 g and 1.71 kg), seed yield plant-1 (3.330 g) and test weight (2.477 g), shelf and vase life (4.50 and 12.300 days, respectively) and C:B from flowers (1: 2.19) were recorded from the plants grown in plots applied with T8 (50% RDF + 25% FYM + 25% Neem cake + Azotobacter (5 mL L-1)). So, from the present investigation it can be concluded that treatment T8 was found effective in economical production of China aster cv Kamini under high hill condition of Uttarakhand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roscoea alpina Royle (Zingiberaceae) commonly known as Kakoli is a perennial medicinal plant endemic to the Himalayas. It has been used in vitality strengthening Ayurveda groups i.e., Astavarga and Jeevaniyagana and in preparation of Ayurvedic formulations e.g., Chyavanprasha and Divya Pidantak Tail. Considering its medicinal uses, high demand and overexploitation, natural habitats were surveyed in subalpine and alpine regions of Garhwal Himalaya for population estimation and to identify elite germplasm. R. alpina frequency was recorded more than 60% in Tungnath, Dayara, Valley of Flowers and Kedarnath populations. However, plant density and area occupied were low compared to other species of subalpine and alpine site. For threat category assessment, IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria were used and conservation status was assigned, based on site to site and for entire Garhwal region of the Western Himalaya. R. alpina, based on extent of occurrence was categorized as Vulnerable and based on number of mature individuals as Endangered for the Garhwal Himalaya. Further, habitat destruction and degradation were the major threats for population reduction in the wild. Morphological variation revealed plants from Tungnath and Kedarnath may be used for future propagation and domestication programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of biofertilizers on floral attributes and corm yield of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflora L.) var. Arka Amar at Floriculture and Landscaping Block, College of Horticulture, VCSG, Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, during 2016. The experiment consists of eight treatments, viz. control, PSB @ 2ml/l, Azotobacter @ 25g/l, VAM @ 20g/l and their combinations. Recommended doses of fertilizer were applied as a common basal dose in all treatments. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. The results revealed that minimum number of days were taken to first floret opening (111.76) and maximum number of spike per plant and per plot (2.00 and 32.00, respectively), floret diameter (12.46 cm) and number of corms per plot (31.00) were recorded from the corms inoculated with PSB @ 2ml/l + Azotobacter @ 25 g/l + VAM @ 20 g/l. There was maximum corm weight (60.60 g), corm diameter (6.20 cm), numbers of cormels per plant and per plot (37.33 and 600.76, respectively) from the corms inoculated with Azotobacter @25 g/l +VAM @20 g/l, followed by PSB @ 2ml/l + Azotobacter @ 25 g/l + VAM @ 20 g/l. Thus, it can be concluded that application of PSB @ 2ml/l + Azotobacter @ 25 g/l + VAM @ 20 g/l can be used for getting superior quality and yield in gladiolus var. Arka Amar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) is one of the important leading cut flowers worldwide. It is popularly known as queen of bulbous flower crop. It is popular for its attractive spike, magnificent florets which vary in size and colour. The flowers are used for making bouquets and flower arrangements. It is considered as a viable diversification option from traditional field crop due to increased per unit return. Farmers profit can be augmented by selling the corms and cormels as well as spikes. Consequently, a comprehensive acquaintance is needed on quality and quantity production of the flowers of gladiolus. Though the quality of flower is primarily a varietal but it is greatly influence by various cultural operations. Optimum plant density is essential for proper growth and development of plant as it allows the plant to acquire the essential growth elements i.e., light, nutrients and CO2. Besides plant spacing, nutrition play an important role. Excessive and continuous use of inorganic fertilizers has various ill effects on soil health therefore attention shifted towards the holistic approach i.e., integrated nutrient management (INM). This approach has profound effect in improving flower quality and quantity. This paper reviews all the literature on important aspects of cultivation practices of gladiolus viz., plant density and INM for better understanding and to develop future strategies for quality and quantity of production of gladiolus spikes and corms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]