Effects of ethephon application on growth and development of Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep
2009
Khuankaew, T., Niigata Univ. (Japan) | Ohyama, T. | Ruamrungsri, S.
Rhizomes of Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep. were planted on 24 June 2004 in Chiang Mai University. Aqueous solution of ethephon (100 ml) at four concentrations (0, 100, 300 and 500 mg/L) were fed twice at 4 weeks (shoot emergence) and 6 weeks after planting (WAP) by drenching. The results showed that the application of ethephon decreased plant height, especially with application at high concentrations (300 mg/L and 500 mg/L). At 14 WAP, the average plant heights were 46.5 cm, 43.6 cm, 35.1 cm and 33.9 cm when ethephon is applied at 0, 100, 300 and 500 mg/L, respectively. Application of ethephon also decreased the quality and quantity of flowers. At a high level of ethephon, flower stalk length and flower length had decreased. Furthermore, the number of pink and green bracts, and the number of flowers per a cluster of whole plant were decreased by ethephon application. The application of ethephon did not affect the rhizome size (width and length of rhizomes, length of storage roots) and the number of storage roots. However, the rhizome weight per a plant cluster tended to decrease when ethephon was applied. The nutrient contents and concentrations (N, P and K) of the aboveground part organs and underground part organs were determined at flowering stage. Results indicate that the highest concentration of ethephon (500 mg/L) reduced the accumulation of plant nutrient in aboveground part organs (N, P and K) and in under ground part organs (N and P).
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