Journal of Horticultural Sciences

P. K. Pathak ¹, S. K. Dutta Ray ², S. K. Mitra ²

Affiliations
1 Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North 24-Parganas, West Bengal, IN
2 Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741252, IN

Abstract

Floral biology of seven litchi cultivars (China, Deshi, Elaichi, Kasba, McLean, Nafarpal and Piazi) was studied. Cultivar Deshi showed panicle formation on 2^nd January, while panicle initiation was early (10^th February) in cv. Piazi. Flowering duration varied between 13±4 days in 'China' and 30±3 days in 'Piazi'. Male:hermaphrodite flower ratio was maximum in 'Piazi' (5.8:1) and minimum in 'China' (2.74:1). In general, anthesis was maximum between 7 and 8 AM, while, anther dehiscence was maximum between 9 and 10 AM. Percentage of viable pollen varied between 82.14% in cv. Elaichi and 91.38% in cv. Piazi Pollen germination was higher in 15% sucrose solution.

Keywords

Litchi, Anthesis, Dehiscence, Pollen Viability, Flowering.

Full Text