ISHS Acta Horticulturae 673: IX International Symposium on Flower Bulbs
PROPAGATION STUDIES ON CHILEAN GEOPHYTES |
| Authors: | F. Schiappacasse, P. Peñailillo, P. Yáñez, M. Bridgen |
| Keywords: | bulb, bulb multiplication, corm, seed germination, scaling, stratification |
| Abstract:
Chilean geophytes are distributed throughout the country, between Arica (18°29’ South latitude) and Tierra del Fuego (54°20’ South latitude). However, the greatest diversity is concentrated in the central part of the country, which has a Mediterranean climate. There are about 40 genera, and, depending on the species, they have a great potential either as garden plants or as cut flowers. A 4-year study was conducted to test different methods of both sexual and vegetative propagation on 19 species: Alstroemeria pseudospathulata, Bomarea salsilla, Calydorea xiphioides, Conanthera bifolia, Herbertia lahue, Leucocoryne coquimbensis, L. ixioides, L. purpurea, Libertia sessiliflora, Pasithea caerulea, Phycella australis, Placea arzae, Rhodophiala bagnoldii, R. montana, R. phycelloides, R. rhodolirion, R. splendens, Tecophilaea violiflora and Tropaeolum polyphyllum. The seeds of most of the species either germinated poorly or did not germinate when placed in standard conditions (20°C and moist conditions). To find the optimum germination procedures various seed treatments were tested including: soaking, chilling, and scarification, among others. The treatments were considered satisfactory when more than 70% germination was achieved. All species that were studied can be propagated efficiently by seeds when the appropriate treatment is being used, except Libertia sessiliflora. The bulbs, depending on their size, were also propagated asexually by cutting into halves, or into more sections. All species can be vegetatively propagated by these techniques with the exception of Alstroemeria pseudospathulata. Techniques of scooping, cross cutting, and twin scaling were also tested in some species with good results. Further research on these and other aspects on the cultivation of the Chilean geophytes are required, and are currently underway. | |
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