LUCKNOW, Dec. 22 -- CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, on Sunday formally launched two new indigenous chrysanthemum varieties-'NBRI-Madhukram' and 'NBRI-Shukra'-during the Annual Chrysanthemum & Coleus Show-2025, reaffirming the institute's leadership in ornamental plant breeding and floriculture innovation. The varieties were unveiled by the dignitaries in the presence of scientists, growers, exhibitors, and the general public, marking an important milestone in CSIR-NBRI's efforts to develop high-value, visually distinctive ornamental crops suited to Indian conditions. 'NBRI-Madhukram' is a new anemone-type chrysanthemum characterised by its unique honey-comb shaped hemispherical disc and attractive pinkish-purple flowers. As per NBRI, developed through spontaneous hybridization from the parent variety 'White Anemone', the compact and floriferous plant flowers during mid-December to mid-January, produces a large number of blooms per plant, and is ideally suited for pot culture and display purposes. 'NBRI-Shukra' an anemone-type chrysanthemum derived from the parent 'Dainty Maid', was introduced for its large, attractive disc florets, elegant radial symmetry, and appealing pinkish-purple coloration. Flowering from December to early January, the variety bears larger blooms and taller plants, making it particularly suitable for exhibitions, landscaping, and ornamental use. Launching the varieties, CSIR-NBRI scientists highlighted that 'NBRI-Madhukram' and 'NBRI-Shukra' have been developed to combine novelty, aesthetic appeal, and grower-friendly traits, offering new options to floriculturists, nurseries, hobby gardeners, and the ornamental plant industry. The director of CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) Dr P K Trivedi emerged as the top prize winner at the annual Chrysanthemum and Coleus Show-2025, organised by CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI). Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Lucknow, and Headquarters Central Command (Cantonment), Lucknow secured the second and third positions, respectively. The valedictory ceremony on Sunday was graced by Uttar Pradesh minister of state (Independent Charge) for Horticulture, Marketing, Foreign Trade and Agri-Exports Dinesh Pratap Singh, who encouraged rooftop gardening for mental well-being and fresh produce. A total of 157 prizes were awarded. Guest of honour Mahendra Kumar Gupta, joint secretary (Administration), CSIR, and Dr Trivedi highlighted the role of floriculture in research, entrepreneurship and rural development....