Evaluation of different varieties of China aster (Callistephus chinensis (L). Nee s) for growth and flowering characters under Nagpur conditions

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of different varieties of China aster (Callistephus chinensis L.) for growth, flowering, and quality traits under the agro-climatic conditions of Nagpur region during the rabi season of 2024-2025. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental unit, Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of twelve China aster varieties: Arka Poornima, Arka Kamini, Arka Aadya, Arka Shashank, Arka Shubhi, Arka Archana, Arka Advika, Arka Nirali, Phule Ganesh White, Phule Ganesh Violet, Phule Ganesh Purple, and Phule Ganesh Pink.

The results revealed significant differences among the varieties. Phule Ganesh White exhibited superior performance in growth parameters, recording the highest plant height (81.44 cm), number of branches per plant (32.24), and leaf area (10.52 cm²). Phule Ganesh Purple achieved the greatest plant spread in both North-South (48.60 cm) and East-West (50.53 cm) directions. In terms of flowering traits, Phule Ganesh White recorded early flowering with the minimum days to first bud initiation (55.27 days), flower opening (7.78 days), 50% flowering (75.87 days), first harvest (82.37 days), along with the longest flowering span (35.16 days) and maximum yield of flowers plant-¹ was recorded in variety Phule Ganesh White (111.26 g).These results suggest that Phule Ganesh White is a promising variety for cultivation under Nagpur conditions due to its superior vegetative and reproductive performance.