The Influence Of Corm Source, Age And Size On Growth And Flowering Of Liatris Spicata L.

Abstract

The influence of corm source, age and size on growth and flowering of Liatris spicata L. ov. Gloriosa (Gay feather) was studied. Adequately cold-treated 2, 4, and 6 months old corms were used. Equal numbers of vegetatively propagated daughter corms and those propagated from seeds were selected. Medium and large-sized corms measured 2.5 and 3.5 cm in diameter, respectively, however, the 2 months old ones measured only 1.0 – 1.5 cm.

The % sprouting, the total number of shoots (flowering and non-flowering shoots), the number of inflorescences and the % marketable inflorescences (above 30 cm long) produced increased with increasing corm age and size. Vegetatively propagated corms produced more and higher % marketable inflorescences than those propagated from seeds. All the 2 months old corms produced the least number of vegetative shoots and no flowering was observed. The older corms produced earlier flowering shoots which resulted in earlier flower cutting.