Journal of Environmental Biology

Effect of gamma radiation on flowering and yield parameters of gladiolus varieties under Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh

R. Choudhary¹ and A. Kumar²*     

¹Department of Horticulture, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur-313 001, India

²Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, KNK College of Horticulture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Mandsaur-458 001, India

Received: 20 July 2024                   Revised: 16 December 2024                   Accepted: 23 July 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : dranuj333@gmail.com                     *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0459-8390

Abstract

Aim: To explore the impact of different doses of gamma radiation on flowering and yield parameters of gladiolus varieties under Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India.

Methodology: A comprehensive field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of gamma irradiation on four varieties of gladiolus: Arka Aayush, Arka Pratham, Arka Kesar and Arka Tilak. The experiment involved application of five different doses of gamma radiation: 0.0 kr, 1.25 kr, 2.25 kr, 3.25 kr, and 4.25 kr.

Results: The results of the field experiment revealed that the Arka Kesar variety excelled in various parameters, including days to spike emergence, color show, opening of first, third, and fifth florets, spike and rachis length, total number of florets per spike, open florets per spike, and number of open florets at a time and yield metrics. On the other hand, Arka Aayush exhibited a notably higher spike yield compared to other varieties tested. Regarding different doses of gamma radiation, the study found that 1.25 kr dose was particularly advantageous for several parameters, such as spike emergence, color show, total number of florets per spike, number of open florets per spike, and overall spike yield.

Interpretation: The findings suggest the significant role of gamma irradiation in improving gladiolus cultivation. Arka Kesar excelled in flowering parameters, while Arka Aayush had a higher spike yield. The 1.25 kr dose was particularly beneficial, and the control dose (0.0 kr) positively influenced the duration of floret opening duration and spike length.

Key words: Flowering parameters, Gamma irradiation, Gladiolus

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