Diseases and Management of Crops under Protected Cultivation

(Diseases and Management of Crops under Protected Cultivation)
Major Constraints
• Lack of air cargo space and high cost of freight.
• High cost of imported planting material.
• Lack of post-harvest infrastructure facilities and proper logistic support.
• Inadequate infrastructure facilities at the export gateways.
• Inadequate funding from financial institutions due to lack of knowledge and perceived risks.
• Market intelligence not available on regular basis.
• Industry fragmented and not vertically organized.
Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora) is an important flower crop next to rose in
importance in the international florists trade. Third position in India after jasmine and rose. It is
also known as “Queen of East”. It occupies a place of pride of a commercial flower crop and
popular exhibition flower. There is wide variation exhibited by large number of cultivars. In
Chrysanthemum Chrysos means golden and anthos means flower. The basic number of the genus
is 9 and wide range of ploidy level is found with 2n=36, 45, 47, and 51-57.
Importance and Uses: Chrysanthemum is among the most interesting group of ornamental plants
in the world and represents perhaps the oldest ornamental flower. It is also the leading commercial
flower, important both as cut flower and as potted plant in the international market. Tall and erect
varieties are suitable for background planting in borders. The compact & dwarf varieties are used
for pot culture. Flower with attractive colors with long stem having long vase life are suitable for cut
flower production. Decorative small flowered varieties are useful for loose flower and garland
making and hair adornment. The varieties having large flowers are used for exhibition purposes. It
is preferred particularly due to the range of shapes and sizes of flowers, brilliance of colours, long
lasting flower life, diversity in height and growth habit of the plant, exceptionally hardy nature,
relative ease to grow all the year round and versatility of uses. Chrysanthemum cinerariefolium &
C. coccineum are cultivated as source of ‘pyrethrum’ (an important insecticide).
Origin and History: Native to Northern hemisphere (Europe & Asia). First written mention seems
to be in Gyaneswari (1290 AD chapter 15, Shloka 20) by Sant Gyaneswar. This flower was highly
respected by Chinese and export was not allowed to other countries. However, the seeds of
chrysanthemum reached Japan from China via Korea as early as 386 AD. After reaching Japan,
chrysanthemum underwent miraculous transformation and today Japan has the highest number of
chrysanthemum cultivars in the world. Hindi name guldaudi meaning ‘flower of Daud’ suggested
that it must have been grown during the mughal period in this country.
Soil: Well drained, sandy loam with a pH of 6.5-7.0. The EC should be 1.0-1.5 with low levels of
NaCl and sulphates. This is shallow rooted crop and very sensitive to waterlogged condition. Very
light sandy soils are not recommended owing to their poor water holding properties.
Climate: It can be successfully grown up to an altitude of 1200 m MSL. It is a short day plant.
Chrysanthemums require long days for good vegetative growth and short days for flowering.
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