Performance of heliconia under coconut garden and open field conditions

A Field experiment was conducted at ICAR Research Complex, Old Goa during 2004-2006 to evaluate the performance of heliconia under partial shade of coconut garden and open field conditions. Overall performance of varieties was better in open conditions for most of the characters. Interaction between varieties and conditions was found significant for all the characters studied. Among the varieties, maximum plant height, leaf size, stalk girth, spike length, spike width, spike and rhizome yield were observed in Golden Torch. Flowering was early in Golden Torch whereas it was late in Choconiana and Lady Di. Comparatively, the longevity of spikes and leaves of the variety Choconiana was more. All the varieties produced more spike and rhizome yield in open conditions when compared to shade.