The effect of bulbs size and induction techniques of tuberose (Polianthes tuberose L.) on its sprouting rate, simultaneity, and bulbs number

Abstract

Increasing flower production of Polianthes is hindered by limited supply of bulb. After ripening, a newly harvested bulb exhibits a phenomenon in which new bulbs do not readily sprout. Farmers usually air or sun-dry the bulbs before curing them for 1-3 months above the kitchen stove to induce sprouting. Therefore, it is necessary to accelerate sprouting. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of bulb size and induction techniques on the sprouting rate, sprouting simultaneity, and buds number of Tuberose bulbs. The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Seed Science and Technology, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Bogor Agricultural University. A completely randomized design with two factors was used, namely, bulbs size and induction techniques. The bulbs were grouped into three sizes; small (0.5 < Ø < 1.5 cm), medium (1.5 < Ø < 2.5 cm) and large (Ø > 2.5 cm) sizes and subjected to air-dry and fumigation for six days. Each treatment was replicated four times with 20 bulbs for each experimental unit. The result showed that larger bulb produced higher number of side-bud, so did fumigation as opposed air-drying. The large bulb produced higher percentage of sprouting bulb than medium and small bulb The larger the bulb, the earlier they sprout.