Phytomorphology of Callistephus chinensis as Influenced by Differential Planting Geometry, Pinching and Compound Nutrient Sprays

Vegetative growth of China aster (Callistephus chinenesis (L.) NEES) cv. Powder Puff as influenced by pinching, planting density and nutrient sprays was evaluated in a biannual (2016 and 2017) field experiment and the data was presented in pooled form. The experiment comprised of two levels of pinching (P0 = no pinching, P1 = pinching), 3 planting densities (30 plants m-2, 36 plants m-2 ,42 plants m-2) and three levels of commercial nutrient sprays (S1= 3 sprays, S2= 4 sprays and S3 = 5 sprays), constituting a total of 18 treatment combinations replicated thrice in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The elucidation of analysed data indicated that pinching at visible bud stage, significantly improves plant spread (37.73 cm), leaf area (5883.25 cm2), Leaf Area Index (LAI) (21.15), chlorophyll content (60.63), number of primary (16.64) and secondary branches (23.19), Increasing planting density increased plant height (81.26 cm), LAI (23.63). On the other hand wider planting density significantly improved, plant spread (35.61 cm), leaf area (5779.45 cm-2), leaf chlorophyll content (59.85), number of primary (16.12) and secondary branches (22.45). Four (S2) and five (S3) sprays of CalMax® Gold, significantly improved plant height (79.95 cm) plant spread (33.22 cm, leaf area, LAI, number of primary/secondary branches and chlorophyll content. Pinching results in tangible reduction of plant height, but improves the net photoassimilation and overall vigour, architecture and growth of plants. Wider planting density in advantageous in improving the overall growth of China aster. Application of 4 and 5 nutrient sprays are beneficial in improving the vegetative growth of China aster.