Bulbil production in Narcissus: the effect of temperature and duration of storage on bulb unit development and subsequent propagation by twin‐scaling

Abstract

SUMMARYThe growth of bulb components and carbohydrate content of Narcissus bulbs was followed during storage at 5–30 oC, and the productivity of twin‐scale propagules cut from bulbs after these storage treatments was studied. Growth of daughter bulb unit components was greatest during storage at 9–15 oC, and greatly inhibited at 30 oC. Concentrations of soluble sugars were highest following 30 oC storage, and higher in intermediate bulb scales than in outer or inner scales. Bulbil production on twin‐scales was greatest on propagules cut from the intermediate scales, and in bulbs previously stored at 15 or 30 oC.