The 23rd Chrysanthemum Show ( competition cum sale) organized by the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping in collaboration with Estate Organization, PAU opened to a colourful start today, with about 3000 pots of more than 100 varieties of chrysanthemum on display. It was a visual treat for visitors and flower lovers from across the city thronging the two day annual event at the University’s Open Air Theatre. PAU Vice Chancellor and Chief Guest of the day, Dr B.S. Dhillon inaugurated the show and later released the books on floriculture ‘Guldadian’ by Dr. Madhu Bala and Dr. H.S. Grewal, ‘Sajawati buteiyan di landscape vich warton’ by Dr. R.K. Dubey and Dr. H.S. Grewal and brochure on ‘Dr. MS Randhawa Bougainvillea Garden (Botanical Garden)’ by Dr. Ranjit Singh and Dr. Tanya Thakur. Eminent guests present at the occasion were Dr. S.S. Johal, Guest of Honour and First Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, retired eminent Professors Dr. Ajaypal Singh Gill, Dr. J.S. Arora, Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Dr. Mandhir Singh, retired XEN (Horticulture) S. Hari Singh Sandhu, Dr. J.S. Bilga, Officers of the University, faculty and students.
Dr. Dhillon in his message to the visitors highlighted the importance of flowers not just as beautifying factors but also as stress relievers, bringing peace of mind and harmony around us. He urged the public to ‘Grow More Flowers’ and encouraged them to consult the department for commercial flower cultivation in Punjab.
Dr Navtej Singh Bains, Director Research, PAU, informed about the release of two new varieties of chrysanthemum ‘Punjab Shingar’ for loose flower production and ‘Punjab Mohini’ for pot culture this year. Dr Bains shared that the show is organized every year since 1996 in the memory of the renowned Punjabi poet Bhai Vir Singh Ji, who had great love for the flowers and had written a poem ‘Guldadian aaiyan’ on Chrysanthemum commonly called as ‘Guldaudi’. “The university is also providing training to the youth through two certificate courses in floriculture and landscaping and nursery production of ornamental plants,” he revealed.
Dr. H.S. Grewal, Head, Department of Floriculture and Landscaping told that PAU is a leading centre of the ICAR for development of new varieties and production technologies for commercial flowers like chrysanthemum, gladiolus, marigold, rose etc. According to Dr.(Mrs) Madhu Bala, the department has released 19 varieties of Chrysanthemum namely Yellow Charm, Mother Teresa, Punjab Gold, Anmol, Royal Purple, Reagan Emperor, Reagan White, Baggi, Birbal Sahni, Ratlam Selection, Punjab Shyamli which were on display in the show. Dr. Premjit Singh, Senior Plant Pathologist gave tips on disease management in Chrysanthemum Show for improving quality of flowers.
Dr. Parminder Singh, Coordinator of the show shared details of the competition among 14 different categories of standard (Japanese) and spray (Korean) chrysanthemum held during the show. Major participants in the competition are DAV Public School (BRS Nagar), DAV Public School, Pakhowal Road, Ludhiana, Guru Nanak Public (Model Town Extension), Guru Nanak Public (Sarabha Nagar), Guru Nanak Public, Birmi (Ludhiana), Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, Verka Milk Plant, Ludhiana.
The Prize Distribution function will be held on November 29, 2018 and Dr. Jaskaran Singh Mahal, Director Extension Education, PAU will be the Chief Guest at the show. Dr. R.K. Dubey, Assistant Professor of Landscaping informed that the visitors can buy the flowering pots of chrysanthemum during the show on November 28-29, 2018 and from the Research Farm of the department and PAU nursery after the show . |
