Seed Germination, Vegetative Growth and Flowering Performance of Cockscomb (Celosia cristata L.) in Response to Different Potting Media

The experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Garden, Department of Horticulture, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan, during the cropping season March 2017 to May 2017. To estimate germination percentage, vegetative growth and flowering performance of Cockscomb (Celosia cristata L.) in response to different potting media. Aim of the research was to evaluate the best potting media and select the best segregating genotype of Cockscomb for superior performance on flowering traits. The trial was laid out in randomized complete block (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment consisted with two genotypes G1 (Amigo Red) and G2 (Prestige scarlet) were planted in different potting media T1 (100% Canal sediment), T2 (75% Canal sediment + 25% FYM), T3 (50% Canal sediment + 50% Coco peat), T4 (25% Canal sediment + 50% bagasse + 25% Coco peat) and T5 (25% Canal sediment + 70% bagasse + 5% Coco peat) in the earthen pots. Our present findings of genotype (G2) in potting media (T4) indicated highest seed germination percentage (87.50%), germination index (1.77), plant height (36.55 cm), seedling vigor index (3394.2), fresh weight of shoot (56.40 g), fresh weight of root (13.35 g), fresh weight of a single flower (16.97 g), days taken to initiate flowering (74.88 days), number of flowers per plant (5.05) and chlorophyll content of leaf (36.08%). To compare mean of the G2 obtained better results in comparison to genotype (G1). The interaction of the genotypes and potting media was highly significant in G2 from the plants grown in (T4) potting media. This study showed that based on the potting media performance of the Cockscomb genotypes found maximum performance in (T4) potting media at Tandojam location. Others potting media along with genotypes and geographical locations might be explored for future research activities.