Boom Time for Anthurium

[rgiridhar]

ANTHURIUM FLOWERS are in great demand both in the domestic and overseas markets for making bouquets and floral arrangements.

The flowers of anthurium are commonly known as flamingo flower or tail flower.

The flower consists of two parts. A colourful modified leaf called spathe and a candle like structure on which the flowers are spirally arranged called the spadix.

The plant is commonly grown in southern states of India such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Anthurium is found to grow well in temperatures of about 25-28 degrees Celsius. They can also be grown under shade nets, according to Prof. P.K. Rajeevan, Head, Department of Pomology and Floriculture, Kerala Agricultural University.

Flower yield
"Yield of the flowers may vary with the variety cultivated. At present there is a good demand for bright red and orange coloured flowers," he said.

About 60,000-65,000 plants can be planted in one hectare. Once planted, the plants can be maintained economically for 5-7 years, according to Prof. Rajeevan.

The plant bears flowers all through the year. Each plant bears about 6-8 spikes every year.

"For commercial cultivation the number of varieties should be limited to a few," said Prof. Rajeevan.

Common methods of propagation are by suckers and stem cuttings. Quick multiplication of the variety is also done through tissue culture method.

The plants may be grown in pots and on the ground. The pots should be filled with two parts sand, one part brick piece and charcoal piece and one part cocoa peat.

Spacing requirements
For planting in the ground, a spacing of about 45 x 45 cm apart is ideal. A closer spacing of 30 x 30 cm can also be adopted, if leaf pruning is practised, explained Prof. Rajeevan.

The plants should be irrigated twice daily with micro sprinklers except during the monsoon.

A fertilizer dose of NPK 19:19:19 must be applied for the plants grown on the ground. About 5gms of the complex fertilizer dissolved in 500 ml of water could also be given every month along with organic manures.

"The plant is found susceptible to fungal rot and bacterial blight which are common infestations during the monsoon," he said.

Alternate sprays of Akomin 3ml diluted in one litre of water and Indofil M 45 2 gms dissolved in one litre of water at weekly intervals may help in the control of fungal rot, according to Prof. Rajeevan.

Spraying antibiotics like streptocycline (0.5gms dissolved in one litre of water) at weekly intervals can help spread of bacterial blight, he explained.

Harvesting time
The flowers can be harvested in 10-12 months for tissue cultured varieties and about 5-6 months for medium sized after planting.

"Medium sized plants are priced about Rs. 40-45 and the larger ones may go up to 70-75 rupees. An initial investment of about 15-20 lakhs may be required for growing these plants.

"Farmers could expect a net income of about Rs.10 lakhs from the second year of planting, said Prof. Rajeevan.

Medium sized flowers are priced at about Rs. 8-10 in the market, according to him.

The State governments, the National Horticulture Board and nationalised banks are extending subsidies for farmers who wish to cultivate this crop.

For more information, readers may contact Dr. P.K. Rajeevan, Head, Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, P.O. Thrissoor, Kerala, Ph. Office: 0487 2370822 or 2371652

Source: Hindu 23-Mar-06