Morphological characterization of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) genotypes and their value addition

The study was conducted to evaluate six genotypes of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) for cut flower production and different value-added products prepared from the flowers of selected genotypes at the Experimental farm of Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan, (HP) during 2019-20. Among the genotypes evaluated, ‘UHFSChr133’ was found to be superior with respect to maximum plant height (69.77 cm), flower size (10.86 cm), number of side shoots per plant (9.21), number of cut stems per plant (9.67), stem length (61.39 cm) and highest B:C ratio (2.38). For different value-added products prepared from cut flowers; highest B:C ratio was obtained for ordinary bouquets (13.94) followed by special bouquets (12.71) of genotype ‘UHFSChr133’. However, when the flowers of the same genotype were sold in the form of cut stems, B:C ratio was calculated to be 2.38. Therefore, for profit maximization, genotype ‘UHFSChr133’ is recommended for cut flower production. From the present studies, it can be inferred that selling of cut flowers after preparation of suitable value-added products i.e., bouquets and flower arrangements can lead to increased returns to the farmer.