Growth, yield, physiological and biochemical traits of different accessions of bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae L.)

Twenty one accessions of bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae L.) were characterized for various traits at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, India during 2011−2017. Among different accessions, there were significant differences in number fans and leaves, leaf area, leaf biomass, spike yield and vase life. Maximum number of fans were recorded in IC-0624431 and lowest in IC-0624411. The IC-0624427 accession recorded maximum leaf area (311.92 cm² leaf⁻¹). Cumulative spike yield was significantly higher in IC-0624431 (153 spikes) followed by IC-0624412 (131.0 spikes). There was significant variability in plant height and leaf characteristics such as petiole length, leaf length, and lamina length/breadth. Maximum vase life of 10 days was registered with IC-0624427. Spike length (cm) was maximum in IC-0624433 (149.13) followed by IC-0624419 (130.12). The genotype IC-0624433 recorded higher inflorescence stalk length (128.66 cm) followed by IC-0624419 (108.44 cm) with lowest stalk length of 56.32 cm in IC-0624420. The variation among genotypes for wax content was significant and the wax content was significantly higher in IC-0624433 (0.62 mg cm⁻²). Anthocyanin content varied from 40. 9 to 12 4.0 mg. Genotype IC-0624419 recorded maximum anthocyanin content of 124.65 mg that was on par with IC-0624433 (122.25 mg). The maximum quantity of carotenoid in florets was recorded in IC-0624410 (22.31 mg) followed by IC-0624430 (19.06 mg). Total annual maintenance cost was estimated at Rs. 96,200 per hectare. IC-0624431 registered maximum net returns of 5.61 per rupee investment followed by IC-0624434 (4.71), IC-0624410 (3.80), IC-0624416 (3.69) and IC-0624414 (3.59). Overall, the accession IC-0624431 of bird of paradise registered better traits in all aspects. Bird of Paradise has low input requirement with less pest and disease load and is economical.