Protocol for cost-effective and rapid propagation of quality planting material of Gloriosa superba L. Padmpriya S.*, Rajamani K. Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641003, Tamil Nadu, India *Corresponding author e-mail: spadmapriyaa@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 23 September, 2021. Abstract A cost-effective protocol for the generation of seed propagated planting material of Gloriosa superba was standardized. Experiments were conducted to optimize seed germination efficiency of glory lily using hot water treatment along with different chemicals (Thiourea, KNO3) and growth regulators (GA3) in varying concentrations. Hot water treatment resulted in highest seed germination (65.93%), early germination (46.18 days) along with increased shoot length (11.17 cm), root length (6.89 cm) and vigour index (1189.24). Hot water treated seeds also exhibited highest tuber length (2.83 cm), breath (3.33 cm), fresh weight (2.84 g) and dry weight (0.93 g) of the micro tubers. From seeds, first, second and third generation of micro tubers were produced in 5, 8 and 11 months, respectively. Micro size (2–3 g), medium sized (15–18 g) and plantable sized (40–50 g) tubers were produced in three consecutive seasons through the process of dormancy and bulking alternatively. The performance of third generation micro tubers were compared with the yield potential of conventionally produced tubers in the farmer's field. The fresh seed yield of tubers obtained from routine practices adopted by farmers was 75.10 g/plant, while the micro tubers produced 87.60 g/plant, which was 18.70% increased over the normal routine practice. Top Keywords Glory lily, Germination, Seeds, Micro tubers, Cost economics. Top |