Floral biology and seed setting in standard carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is one of the most popular cut flower crop grown under polyhouse. Thepresent investigation was undertaken to assess the floral morphology, floral biology, pollen viability and seed setting behaviour among 12 genotypes at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bengaluru during 2011-12. Results revealed that the genotype IIHRCG 201 recorded maximum stalk length, IIHRCG 207 recorded maximum flower diameter and flower length and IIHRCG 209 recorded highest vase life and flower duration. The genotype IIHRCG 207 with superior flower quality recorded maximum number of styles/pistil. The genotypes IIHRCG 210, IIHRCG 204, IIHRCG 209 and IIHRCG 201 recorded maximum duration of stigma receptivity. The genotypes IIHRCG 210 and IIHRCG 202 were found to be superior for number of pollen grains and percentage of stained pollen grains indicating their suitability as good pollen parents. Highest pollen germination was recorded in genotype IIHRCG 202 at 1, 2 and 3 hr of incubation period. The genotype IIHRCG 202 was found highly superior as pollen parent followed by IIHRCG 208 and IIHRCG 210. On selfing and natural cross pollination, seed setting was not observed in all the 12 genotypes studied. On artificial cross pollination, seed setting was observed in four genotypes namely IIHRCG 202, IIHRCG 204, IIHRCG 205 and IIHRCG 210. Earliest capsule maturity was recorded in genotype IIHRCG 210 followed by IIHRCG 203 and IIHRCG 208. Highest number of seed/capsule was recorded in IIHRCG 202 followed by IIHRCG 204 and IIHRCG 210.