Evaluation of Sunflower Genotypes (Helianthus Annuus L.) as Bedding Plants in the Coastal Ecosystem

Abstract

The sunflower genotypes were evaluated to check their suitability as bedding plants for use in future trials to standardize their production technology in the coastal ecosystem. Fifty genotypes were evaluated which was laid out in a randomized block design replicated thrice. The experiment was conducted in the Floriculture Unit of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University. The vegetative parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, foliage rating and the flowering parameters viz., days to first flowering, flower diameter, ray floret arrangement and flower rating were observed. The cultivar with an outstanding overall performance was ‘Ring of Fire’ which has glowing golden yellow and reddish brown petals forming an indistinct ring around the dark center. This cultivar was found to be suitable as bedding plant in the coastal ecosystem in terms of all the vegetative and flowering parameters