Corm Yield Research Articles

Corm Yield and Economics of Gladiolus Cultivars Affected by Micronutrients Grown under Open Field Conditions in under Subtropics of Jammu

A field experiment was conducted during the 2019-20 at the Experimental Farm, Division of Vegetable Science & Floriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, to evaluate the effect of micronutrients on corm yield and economics of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv. ‘Nova Lux’. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and nineteen treatments. The results revealed that the maximum number of corms per plant, corm weight per plant (118.31 g), diameter of corms (5.74 cm),Yield of corms per plot (1866.33 g), net income per hectare ( Rs 7,18,463.9/ha) and cost- benefit ratio (1:2.34) were obtained with the application of ZnSO4 at 0.2 % and FeSO4 at 0.2 %. However, maximum cormels weight per plant (8.67 g), number of cormels per plant (22.85) and yield of cormels per plot (178.73 g) were recorded with the application of ZnSO4 @ 0.4% + FeSO4 @ 0.4%. Thus, foliar application of micronutrients i,e ZnSO4 at 0.2 % and FeSO4 at 0.2 % proved to be most effective in increasing the production and productivity of gladiolus.

Effects of Chelated Iron (Eddha-Fe) Treatments on Corm And Stigma Quality in Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.)

Effects of different doses of chelated iron (EDDHA-Fe) on the yield and quality of saffron leaf, corm and stigma were investivated. The highest weight of harvested corms was obtained when treated with 2 g of iron chelate per corm, 366.57 g, and the highest number of corm was obtained when treated with 4 g of iron chelate per corm, 73.00 g. When the effects of the iron chelate treatments on the quality of the stigma studied, it was found that the treatment with 2 g of iron chelate per corm gave a yield of dry stigma 754.00 mg and the highest average amount of safranal of 1386.50 mg/kg. The treatment with iron chelate had a positive effect in increasing the yield of the corm, the yield of dry stigma, and the quality of stigma saffron. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(1): 97-103, 2023 (March)

Genotype, Environment, and GXE Interaction Effect on Some Selected Traits of Taro (<i>Colocasia esculenta</i> (L.) Schott)

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the nature and the extent of the genotype and environment interactions, to select stable and high yielding taro genotypes for fresh storage corm yield, and related traits to identify the most representative and discriminating environment in southwest Ethiopian regions. The study was tested across four environments (Jimma, Agaro, Gera, and Metu) for two cropping seasons in southwest Ethiopia. Nine selected and promising genotypes and one standard check (Denu) were evaluated by using RCBD that replicated three times. The important data were collected from all tested location and analyzed using different statistical software’s. The analyzed result showed significant differences (p<0.01) for genotype, environment, and genotype by environment interactions (GEI) effects for all the traits evaluated exceptions to the root length. It also revealed that the extent of the mean square of the environment was more than those of the genotype and GEI for all traits targeted and indicated the uniqueness of the test environment. The genotypes 053 and 133 were identified as an ideal genotypes being high yield and wider adaptability hence nominated for release and then for production. The GGE bi-plot also identified Agaro-2 and Gera-2 were the most ideal environment for the evaluated of taro genotypes for their important useable traits. Four mega-environments (MGE) were identified for taro breeding; where environments Agaro-22, Gera-2, and Gera-1 combined into MGE-1, environments Metu-1, and Jimma-1 fell into a separate MGE-2, and environments Jimma-2 and Agaro-1 pooled into MGE-3, and Metu-2 separated into MGE-4, respectively.

Effects of Plant Spacing and Indole-3-Acetic Acid on Vegetative Growth, Flowering and Yield Features of Gladiolus (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Gladiolus palustris&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;)

The experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during the epoch from November, 2020 to April, 2021 with the aim to observe the outcomes of plant spacing and indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) concentrations on the vegetative growth, flowering and yield features of gladiolus. The research was two factors, Factor A: three plant spacing viz. S₁ = 15 cm x 25 cm, S₂ = 20 cm x 25 cm, S₃ = 25 cm x 25 cm and Factor B: different concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) viz. I₁= IAA 0 ppm, I₂=100 ppm and I₃=150 ppm. It was Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The 25 cm × 25 cm spacing showed best performance in respect to plant height (69.88 cm), yield of flower (162.22 t ha^-1), yield of corm (15.65 t ha^-1), and yield of cormel (14.32 t ha^-1) than the other spacing. Application of IAA at a rate of 150 ppm was initiated to be excellent for plant height (68.51 cm), yield of flower (162.67 t ha^-1), yield of corm (15.57 t ha^-1) and yield of cormel (13.93 t ha^-1). Regarding the combined effect of treatments, 150 ppm IAA with wider plant spacing was found to be best for plant height (70.73cm), yield of flower (166.67 t ha^-1), diameter of corm (7 cm) and weight of cormel per plant (81.87gm). Considering the above findings, it was apparent that the combination of 25 cm × 25 cm spacing with 150 ppm IAA application was suitable for better growth, flowering and yield/production of gladiolus.

Environmental Influences on the Entomopathogenic Nematodes Used in the Biological Control of Insect Pests: Review

The importance of this appraisal is on the utilization and possible of entomopathogenic roundworms (EPNs) as biotic regulator factors in maintainable nutrition manufacture transversely an extensive variety of agronomic and extra supplies. To help by the consideration of the possibility of EPNs in supportable nutriment construction, this evaluation to offers impressions on EPN biology and environmental science, conglomerate manufacture and implementation expertise, and communications through additional organization gears. Primary find out in the 1920s, their trade as biopesticides in the 1980s was attended and pursued via exponential development in investigate on their implementation, biology, and ecosystem sought via a more increase in extra rudimentary investigate regions then the middle-2000s. This assessment précises important advancement completes in the study and implementation of EPN in insect pest administration in significant nutrition yields inclusive groves, minor fruitiness, corn, vegetative, corm yields, glasshouses, and bourgeons. Noteworthy agents impacting the achievement of EPN caramelization are similarly argued. An increasing benefit in substitutes to artificial insecticides and in biological cultivation unbolts chances intended for EPNs, nonetheless, EPNs will necessity to be additionally enhanced by a concern to effectiveness, decreased charges, and facility of utilizing. Furthermore, they're probable to reprocess harbor inhabitants and seduce them to be more invested for an extended period of pest repression.

Nutrient Uptake and Yield Attributes of Container Grown Elephant Foot Yam as Influenced by Growth Medium, Nutrient and Irrigation Schedule

An experiment was done in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani to study the effect of growth medium, nutrient schedule and irrigation schedule on nutrient uptake and yield attributes of container grown elephant foot yam by raising elephant foot yam var. Gajendra in plastic sacks of uniform size with 12 treatment combinations involving three growth media (M1 - soil : sand : FYM (farmyard manure) 1:1:1, M2 - soil : coir pith : FYM 1:1:1 and M3 - soil : coir pith : FYM 0.75:1.25:1), two nutrient schedule ( N1 – N and K in three splits and N2 – N and K in six splits) and two irrigation schedule (I1 - irrigation once in three days and I2 - irrigation once in six days) with four replications in completely randomized design. Based on the result of this study, higher root number, weight plant -1, corm weight plant -1 and bulking rate of corm were recorded in the growth medium M2, application of N and K in six splits and irrigation once in three days . Bulking rate of corm was observed to be higher between 4 MAP and 5 MAP in all the treatments. Higher corm yield plant-1, utilization index, total dry matter production plant-1 and highest uptake of N and P was noticed with the growth medium M2, application of N and K in six splits and irrigation once in three days. Corm yield and total dry matter production plant -1 were positively and significantly correlated with N, P and K uptake plant -1.

Growth and yield in taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) grown using different planting materials and exposed to different morphological alteration treatments

Abstract This study aimed to compare cormels and suckers to determine the better planting material (PM) and to evaluate the effects of morphology-altering treatments on both shoot growth and corm yield in taro plants. The PMs used included cormel (PMC), suckers with two leaves (PMS2) and suckers with four leaves (PMS4). Morphological alteration (MA) treatment included removal of all suckers (MAS), excising the mother plant (MAM), and non-treated control (NMA). Data were collected weekly for non-destructive and at 12, 20, and 28 weeks after planting (WAP) for destructive measurements. Results of this study indicated that the SPAD values were higher in taro plants grown using cormel and morphologically non-altered plants. Removal of all suckers caused the mother plant to increase the number of leaves. The dry weight of the leaf blades, petioles and fibrous roots of the mother plant and the number of suckers decreased after the corm enlargement process took place. Fresh and dry weights of the corm increased at 20 WAP and then slowed down at 28 WAP. The moisture content of corm was relatively constant at 75%. Cormel could form on the fibrous roots and on suckers, but the total wet and dry weights of the cormels were decreased if the suckers were periodically removed. The growth of suckers was very dominant compared to the NMA plant when the mother plant was excised. Meanwhile, if all the suckers were removed, the growth of the mother plant was relatively comparable to that of the NMA plants.

Crocus sativus (L.) Grown in Pots with High Volume Capacity: From a Case of Study to a Patent

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) cultivation is widespread in different parts of the world, including various Mediterranean areas. The crop management techniques, requiring intensive manual labor from planting, weeding, flower picking to the collecting of stigmas, contribute greatly to the high price of the spice. Traditionally, the corms are cultivated in field soil and only stigmas are collected to obtain the spice while the flower’s remaining parts, corresponding to about 90% of the total biomass, are discarded and thrown away. In this study, in order to overcome some difficulties occurring during the whole crop cycle (pathogens, fungi, pests, weeds, etc.), as well as to ease and increase floral bioresidue recovery, an alternative planting way for Crocus sativus L. was proposed relying on the use of large pots. For this aim, corms with 3.0–3.5 cm diameter size, from two different geographical origins (Spain, Holland), were planted in plastic pots with a volume of 250 L or 350 L, placed in two different areas of the Basilicata region (Italy). The effect of this new growing condition on dry stigma yield as well as daughter corm yield and size was evaluated. Although this cultivation system is more expensive than the traditional one, it offers numerous and huge advantages. Among them, it allows us to maintain a more correct posture and to preserve flower integrity during harvesting. The structural integrity of the tepals is a very important factor to obtain innovative dried flowers in their original tridimensional shape (3D). Consequently, the proposed cultivation system facilitates the achievement of a real “niche product” with high added value (absence of pollen grains). Moreover, the qualitative analysis of the spice, performed according to the International Standardization Organization Normative 3632 (ISO 3632-2/1:2010/2011), classified all investigated saffron samples in the first qualitative category. The results of the first three trial years are very exciting and promising as they are similar to those from the literature carried out in ground soil. However, corms from Spain gave the best results. Further investigations are in progress in order to optimize this alternative cultivation system.

Breeding and selection of taro (Colocasia esculenta) for improved disease‐resistance in Hawaiʻi

Societal Impact StatementTaro is a root crop with wide geographic range and high cultural significance to Indigenous peoples of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Taro Leaf Blight (TLB) is a worldwide disease of taro, and Hawaiian taro varieties exhibited little resistance to it. To improve TLB‐resistance, conventional breeding was conducted by hand‐pollination. Out of ~3500 taro seedlings, 18 varieties were selected and evaluated under non‐flooded conditions at four locations in Hawaiʻi over 5 years. Four varieties were identified as high yielding and disease‐resistant. Further, to prevent confusion of new taro varieties with traditional Hawaiian taro, we developed DNA fingerprints to differentiate them. Taken together, these results have provided information regarding new plant material and new tools for those interested in conservation and breeding across the Pacific.Summary Breeding and evaluation of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) was conducted in Hawaiʻi to increase resistance to Taro Leaf Blight (TLB), caused by oomycete pathogen Phytophthora colocasiae Racib., while maintaining high yields and desirable eating qualities. When breeding Indigenous crops such as taro, it is important to consider issues of Indigenous, intellectual property rights. In response to concerns by cultural practitioners about potential confusion of new taro genotypes with traditional landraces, we also sought to develop DNA fingerprints using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify the new genotypes. Conventional breeding of taro was conducted by hand‐pollination of Hawaiian taro landraces with sources of TLB‐resistance from multiple countries. The most promising lines were multiplied and evaluated under upland (i.e., non‐flooded) conditions on four major Hawaiian Islands over 5 years. DNA was extracted from these new genotypes, analyses of SNPs conducted, and results compared to those of traditional Hawaiian landraces. Bayesian yield analysis of these multi‐year and multi‐location trials identified taro genotypes 1016‐003, 1016‐019, 1024‐215, and 1005‐084 as producing twice the fresh weight corm yield as control “Maui Lehua” and exhibiting disease‐resistance across years and environments. DNA fingerprints of new genotypes were able to differentiate them from traditional Hawaiian landraces that make up a portion of their parentage. Conventional breeding of taro in Hawaiʻi and multi‐year, multi‐location field trials have resulted in high yielding, disease‐resistant genotypes that maintain desirable qualities of some traditional Hawaiian landraces. DNA fingerprints of these new genotypes distinguish them from these traditional landraces, helping to preserve heritage germplasm.

Response of Freesia (freesia Refrecta L.) Plant to Different Growth Media, Calcium Chloride And Gibberellic Acid

A pot experiment has been conducted in a plastic house at the Department of Protected Cultivation, Technical Institute of Zakho, Duhok Polytechnic University during the fall season of 2021–2022 to investigate the effects of three growth media (peat moss, loam + peat moss (1:1) and clay + peat moss (1:1)), foliar spraying of calcium chloride (CaCl2) at three concentrations (0, 500 and 1000 mg. L-1) and Gibberellic acid (GA3) at three concentrations (0, 200 and 400 mg. L-1) on vegetative growth, flowering and corm yield of freesia (Freesia refrecta L.) plant. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) of three factors with three replicates. The obtained results displayed that the peat moss medium surpassed other media in giving the highest vegetative growth traits (plant height, leaf area, and number of leaves per plant) as well as enhancing flowering traits (number of florets/spike, and vase life of cut flower) and corm yield traits (number of produced corm/plant, and corm volume). The same significant impact was exhibited by CaCl2 at concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg. L-1. Whereas GA3 at concentrations of 200 and 400 mg. L-1 improved most studied traits except number of florets per plant and vase life of cut flowers. The maximum vegetative, flowering, and corm harvest traits were obtained from grown plants in peat moss medium and by spraying them with increased concentrations of CaCl2 and GA3. Therefore, the peat moss medium in combination with increased concentrations of GA3 and CaCl2 is recommended for the improvement of freesia production quality and vase life

Effects of Nutrient Solution Electrical Conductivity on the Leaf Gas Exchange, Biochemical Stress Markers, Growth, Stigma Yield, and Daughter Corm Yield of Saffron in a Plant Factory

Indoor saffron farming systems under controlled conditions are required to meet the high demand for this valuable crop. The aim of the present study was to determine the flowering, growth, and yield responses of saffron grown using nutrient solutions with different electrical conductivity (EC) levels (0.7, 1.4, and 2.1 dS m−1). Sprouted saffron corms were cultured for 24 weeks under a volcanic rock-based aerated continuous immersion system. Vegetative growth and leaf gas exchange, but not flowering, were affected significantly by EC levels. The optimal EC in a balanced nutrient solution was 0.7 dS m−1, at which level the highest plant height, leaf area, biomass, photosynthetic rate, number of daughter corms, and percentage of corms ≥ 25 mm were recorded. An EC level of 2.1 dS m−1 decreased the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of saffron but increased biochemical stress marker levels and elevated various antioxidant defense enzyme levels significantly in saffron leaves, possibly reflecting a defense response to the cellular damage provoked by the higher EC level. In terms of nutrient solution EC, 0.7 dS m−1 was optimal in saffron, whereas 2.1 dS m−1 caused oxidative stress that led to reduced growth and daughter corm production.

Impact of GA3 on corm nutrient and yield of gladiolus (Gladiolus hortensis) (cv. Punjab Dawn)

Nutrient status in gladiolus corms were assessed following GA3 treatment and number of bud of corm (cut as well as whole corm). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design involve factorial combination with three replications. Result revealed that 5 bud and GA3 200 ppm showed maximum (10.99% and 9.24%) nitrogen uptake whereas phosphorus accumulation (17.26% and 21.88%) was recorded maximum in 200 ppm GA3 and 6 bud corm and 5 bud with 200 ppm GA3 gave maximum (11.93% and 15.87%) potassium content. Minimum (3.36% and 5.37%) nitrogen accumulation was exhibited with 1 bud and control and 2 bud and 100 ppm GA3 application, in context of phosphorus, minimum (4.25%) and (7.11%) was observed with 1 bud and control (distilled water) cormsand also potassium uptake was least (2.75%) and (3.90%) in 1 bud and 200 ppm GA3. Similarly corm and cormel parameters were influenced by whole corms which were treated with 200 ppm GA3 in the both year of experiment. Hence, whole corm as well as higher concentrations of GA3 (200 ppm) enhanced uptake of N, P, K in harvested gladiolus corm as well as corm yield due to potential ofenhancing the source-sink relationship.

Farklı yetiştiricilik uygulamalarının tarla ve sera koşullarında yetiştiriciliği yapılan safran (Crocus sativus L.) korm verimi ve özellikleri üzerine olan etkileri

Aims: This study aimed to determine the effects of different cultivation practices on yield and characteristics of saffron corm grown in field and greenhouse conditions.Methods and Results: Two different saffron corm sizes, with an average weight of 12 g and 6 g, were used as production material. The cultivation of saffron corms was carried out in areas where 4 different treatments were applied such as silt (fine stream sand), cockpeat, peat + perlite and cockpeat + perlite. Field studies were set up according to the randomized blocks split-plot design experimental design, and greenhouse studies were set up according to the randomized plots design with 3 replications. The highest corm yield, corm increase rate per unit and the harvested corm weight were obtained in field conditions where silt applications were made.Conclusions: In field and greenhouse conditions, silt application has been determined as the most suitable cultivation treatment for the production of corm as seed material in a short time, as well as the corm properties of saffron.Significance and Impact of the Study: It has been demonstrated that the field conditions are more effective than the greenhouse conditions and the silt treatment is more effective than other applications used for saffron corm production.

First Report of Phytophthora sansomeana (E.M. Hansen) Causing Leaf Blight of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) in South Eastern Nigeria

Leaf blight and corm rot of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) caused by Phytophthora colocasiae Raciborski is the most disparaging disease of taro inducing severe losses in yield and quality of taro corms. Investigations were carried out in Umudike in 2016 and 2017 to determine the pathotypes present in that locality with a view to screening them on available taro genotypes for resistant cultivars. Symptomatic taro plant samples were collected from Taro Project Farm of the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. Leaf tissue sections were excised from the periphery of lesions on symptomatic leaf, surface sterilized in 10% Sodium Hypochlorite solution for 2 minutes, rinsed in three changes of sterile distilled water and plated on Water Agar (WA). Mycelia emerging from diseased tissues after incubation were aseptically transferred to Corn Meal Agar (CMA). A total of 15 fungal isolates under 6 groups of species were obtained and these isolates were transferred to Carrot Agar (CA) from time to time until pure cultures were obtained. Based on varied cultural patterns, morphological characteristics and microscopic examination, the isolates were identified as Phytophthora sp, Fusarium sp FSSC, Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum and F. equiseti. Pathogenicity test confirmed that only Phytophthora sp induced leaf blight on detached leaf of taro plant. Molecular characterization of the isolates via Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequence analyses confirmed that the already implicated Phytophthora species was Phytophthora sansomeana. This is apparently the first report of P. sansomeana as a taro leaf blight pathogen in addition to the already known P. colocasisae.

Effects Of Different Planting Times and Corm Sizes on Plant Growth, Development, and Flower Production Of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus) under Sanliurfa Conditions

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of different planting times and corm sizes on plant growth, development, and flower yield in Gladiolus. The Red Beauty variety was used as the study material. In the study, two corm sizes (10–12 and 12–14 cm) and five different planting times (April 1, April 15, May 1, May 15, and June 1) were used. The sprouting time (day), flowering time (day), plant height (cm), number of leaves (number/plant), length of the flower stem (cm), length of the spike (cm), number of florets (number/spike), thickness of the flower stem (mm), diameter of the new corm (cm), circumference of the new corm (cm), number of new corms (number/plant), weight of new corm (g/plant), number of cormels (number/plant) and weight (g/plant) and corm yield (g/plot) were determined. We determined that the planting times indicated were suitable for cultivation under Sanliurfa conditions in terms of yield and quality. The best Gladiolus cultivation times in Sanliurfa varied, but the best results were obtained from large corms (12–14 cm). As the temperature increased, corm growth times increased, and plant height, number of leaves, new corm weight, and cormel number and weight decreased. The maximum flowering time and parcel yield were obtained from the fifth planting (June 1), the longest spikes, maximum number of florets, maximum number of cormels and greatest cormel weight, and greatest plant height were determined from the first and second planting times. There was no significant difference between planting times for the other investigated parameters. The large corms (12–14 cm) were observed to be better than small corms (10–12 cm) for increases in most of the parameters investigated.

The Assessment of Morphological Diversity of Colchicum luteum L., an Economically Important Threatened Medicinal Plant of Kashmir Himalaya

Colchicum luteum L. is an economically important and endangered medicinal plant of the Kashmir Himalaya. The corm extract is used for the treatment of rheumatism, gout, Behcet’s syndrome, and Alzheimer disease. It is also used extensively in plant breeding programs for the doubling of chromosomes. The present study was carried out for two years (2017–2019) to study the genetic diversity of C. luteum, an economically important and endangered medicinal plant of Kashmir Himalaya. The mapping of genetic diversity of C. luteum was estimated using Mahalanobis D2 analysis in the Aharbal (Kulgam), Dhara (Theed), and Baera Baal Hills (Harwan) of Kashmir Valley. The results showed the presence of 5 clusters for 30 populations. There were 17 populations in cluster-1, 1 in cluster-2, 2 in cluster-3, 3 in cluster-4, and 7 in cluster-5. The majority of the population was a group in cluster-1 followed by cluster-5. The maximum intracluster distance (D2 values) was observed in cluster-5 (46.55588) followed by cluster-3 (41.61871), and the maximum inter-cluster distance (D2 values) was observed in cluster-3 (46.55588) followed by cluster-5 (41.61871). Our study revealed that plant species possessed sufficient genetic diversity among the populations. Cluster-5 showed superiority in plant−1 respect of the maximum mean plant height (28.46 cm), leaf area (47.0 cm2), number of seeds plant−1 (26.85), corm length (5.15 cm), corm width (3.17 cm), fresh weight of corm plant (6.87 g), and dry weight of corm plant (4.81 g) as compared to other clusters. Out of five clusters, cluster-5 is a promising one for better yield and yield attributing traits. The present study revealed that plant species possessed sufficient genetic diversity among the populations as 30 populations were arranged into 5 clusters. Therefore, cluster-5, consisting of seven populations from the undisturbed area of Harwan, and consequently the populations from the same cluster can be multiplied for initiating a conservation and breeding program and can serve as a tool for the scientific community to evolve better contemporary varieties of C. luteum with profitable characters such as more yield of corms, etc. This will assist farmers, particularly the marginal farmers, to alleviate their income.

Effect of Chemical and Organic Fertilizers on Growth and Corm Yield of Indonesian Konjac (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) Grown on Alfisol soil at Medium Altitude

Effect of Chemical and Organic Fertilizers on Growth and Corm Yield of Indonesian Konjac (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) Grown on Alfisol soil at Medium Altitude

Breeding potential of acrid elephant foot yam genotypes for yield and nutritional quality using multivariate analysis

Acrid genotypes (var. sylvestris) of elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson syn. A. campanulatus (Roxb.) BL. Ex Dence] are consumed in spite of non-acrid (var. hortensis) types being available, due to their specific flavor, color and taste. Acrid genotypes need to be evaluated for yield and nutrition related characters for selection of desirable food and nutrition content. Genotypes variability was evaluated for yield related traits. Pseudo-stem diameter, number of leaflets, corm volume and corm yield per plant had high genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean indicating selection would bring improvement in these traits. The top priority should be given to selection based on corm volume, canopy spread and corm width for yield improvement and could be considered while formulating selection indices in the improvement of elephant foot yam. Principal components of most variable traits, pseudo-stem diameter, canopy spread, number of leaflets, corm length, corm width, corm volume and corm yield per plant had eigen values >1 and accounting for 92.82 % of total variation among eleven genotypes. The cophenetic correlation coefficient of dendrogram (0.733) was very close to 1, indicating clustering was good. Based on average performance, genotypes ACC-85 and ACC-136 were found promising for corm yield and carbohydrate, potassium, iron, and zinc contents. The outcome of the study will be helpful for breeders in selection of such genotypes for development of nutritionally rich and high yielding varieties.

Optimal light intensity and quality increased the saffron daughter corm yield by inhibiting the degradation of reserves in mother corms during the reproductive stage

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) two-segment (TS) cropping system, with mother corms flowering in a controlled environment first and then growing daughter corms in the field, can greatly increase stigma yield and quality, but may decrease daughter corm yield (mainly due to depletion of nutrient reserves in mother corms). Light plays crucial roles in regulation of nutrient reserve metabolism in tubers, corms, and other storage organs. However, how the metabolism of mother corm reserves, which determines the daughter corm yield, responds to light intensity and quality during the reproductive stage remains unclear. Plants grew under five light intensities (56, 200, 400, 600, and 800 μmol m−2 s−1) and three combinations of red (R) to blue (B) light (4R1B, 3R1B, and 3R2B) at 200 μmol m−2 s−1 during the reproductive stage. After flowering, the plants were transplanted to the field. Leaf growth, net photosynthesis, carbohydrate and nutrient content, stigma yield and quality, and daughter corm yield were assessed. The stigma yield and quality decreased with increasing light intensity, whereas the carbohydrate and total N, P, and K content in the mother corm showed the opposite trend. The light treatment of 200(3R2B) not only maintained the stigma yield (up to 482.4 mg (10 corms)−1) at a highest level, but also improved the apocarotenoid content (up to 33.6%) in stigma, and carbohydrate and nutrient content in mother corm. Compared with 56 μmol m−2 s−1, light 200 (3R2B) decreased the length and weight of leaves, ratio of leaf to corm weight, and starch and nutrient decomposition in corms, but increased the rate of photomorphogenesis, stomatal opening, chlorophyll concentration (up to 72.9%), net photosynthesis (up to 448.6%), and leaf sucrose concentration (up to 156.7%). A decreased demand for leaf development and increased carbon capture inhibited the decomposition of carbohydrates and nutrients in the mother corm. The high sucrose concentration in leaves served not only as a carbon substrate for leaf growth, but also as a signal for inhibiting the translocation of carbon from corm to leaves and then the decomposition of starch in corm. The increased reserves in mother corms and improved stomatal opening combined to result in large leaf area, well-developed vascular tissue, and then high rate of leaf photosynthesis in the field, which provided assimilates for achieving yield potential and a high proportion of large-size corms. This is the first report on optimizing light intensity and quality during the reproductive stage to partially eliminate daughter corm yield decreases in the TS cropping system. Furthermore, this work also contributed to understanding the metabolism of nutrient reserves and leaf growth in saffron as regulated by light intensity and quality.

Impact of corm size and phosphorous on growth and floral characteristics of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus)

Abstract. Hossain TM, Pitol MNS, Mannan MA, Khan SAKU. 2021. Impact of corm size and phosphorous on growth and floral characteristics of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus). Asian J Agric 5: 90-97. The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of corm size and phosphorus levels on the growth, flowering, corm and cormel production of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.). The experiment was laid out in Randomized a Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, three corm sizes, viz. S1 (31-40 g), S2 (21-30 g), S3 (10-20 g) and four phosphorus levels, viz. P0 (Control), P1 (200 kg ha-1 Triple Super Phosphate (TSP), P2 (300 kg ha-1 TSP), P3 (400 kg ha-1 TSP). The observations were recorded for various vegetative, floral and corm parameters. Corm size had a significant impact on plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, size of the leaf, number of spikes, spike length and number of florets. Corm size also significantly impacted all yield contributing characters and yield of corm and cormel. Large (S1) and medium-size (S2) corms were found superior to small-size (S3) corms in respect to all the parameters. At 60 days after planting (DAP), the highest plant (83.53 cm), the maximum number of leaves (10.00), the utmost number of tiller (3.00), the highest number of spike (10.00), the largest spike (87.03 cm), the maximum number of floret (13.80), the greatest number of corm and cormel (154.67), the maximum size of corm (44.16 mm) and the highest weight (2706.7 gm) of corm was obtained from the treatment combination of S1 (31-40 g) treated with P3 (400 kg ha-1) TSP under this observation. The obtained result will guide the farmers on what types of planting materials and how much fertilizer to use to cultivate gladiolus commercial successfully.