Growth of Amorphophallus muelleri Blume Emerged from Bulbil of Petiole in Greenhouse Condition

Abstract

            The objective of this research is to study growth and growth factors of Amorphophallus muelleri Blume, emerged from bulbils on petiole of mature leaves and began to senescence. Bulbils were cultivated in greenhouse under 70% of natural light intensity during November 2010-December 2012, at Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom Province. Bulbils were collected in Huay Nhong Hoi Natural Trial of Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi Province. Bulbils size were measured and separated by weight to 4 groups; 5.74-13.39, 3.36-5.50, 1.73-2.94 and 0.79-1.24 g. respectively with 50 bulbils per group. The average size of leaf, corm and weight of corm in group 1 was highest (6.07 g.) and group 2, 3 and 4 were moderate and lowest (5.29, 4.85 and 2.66 g.). Survival rate of new corm in group 2 was highest (82%) and group 3, 1 and 4 were lower respectively (78%, 36% and 28%). Growth and survival rate could be reduced by age, size and vigor of bulbils, soil physical character was different from habitat, heavy rain, hot temperature in summer, diseases, insects and small animals.

Keywords:  Amorphophallus muelleri Blume, bulbil, growth of Amorphophallus, Erawan National Park