Effect of colchicine treatment on growth and yield traits of cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae var. botrytis) under Siquijor, Philippines condition

Abstract

Background and Objective: Cauliflower contains high levels of antioxidants and anticarcinogenic compounds. It is highly affected by extreme weather conditions in tropical countries resulting in hindrances to growth, immature fruit, and reduced yield. A study that has implications for polyploidy in cauliflower through colchicine induction is essential during such extreme weather to help farmers save their crops. The study investigated cauliflower seeds’ germination and the morphological and yield responses of cauliflower affected by colchicine.
Methodology: The seeds were soaked in different concentrations for three hours: T₁ - control (untreated), T₂ - 0.05% colchicine, T₃ - 0.10% colchicine, T₄ - 0.20% colchicine, and T₅ - 0.50% colchicine, with three replications. They were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD).
Main Results: Percentage germination (P < 0.05) was high in plants treated with 0.10% colchicine reaching 92.38%. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the morphological responses in plants treated with 0.10% colchicine with increased plant height (73.79 ± 0.36 cm) and number of leaves (27.34 ± 0.31 cm). Regarding leaf width, 0.20% colchicine application (23.64 ± 0.80 cm) was comparable to applying lower colchicine concentration (control, 0.05%, and 0.10%), but was significantly larger than the highest concentration (0.50%). The use of 0.10% colchicine showed promising results in above-ground fresh weight (1,839.58 ± 3.49 g), flower weight (777.08 ± 3.85 g), and inflorescence diameter (19.45 ± 0.65 cm). However, both 0.10% and 0.50% showed delays in the flower formation, with days to flower recorded at 61.46 ± 0.63 and 61.04 ± 0.46 days, respectively indicating a notable implication of polyploidy in plants.
Conclusions: This study showed that treatment with 0.10% colchicine had a significant positive effect, being the most effective treatment in improving cauliflower and increasing morphological and yield responses. These observed improvements encompass various implications associated with polyploidy, which are beneficial in places with extreme weather conditions like Siquijor, Philippines.