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Field evaluation of micropropagated and conventionally propagated ginger in subtropical Queensland

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Smith, M. K. and Hamill, S. D. (1996) Field evaluation of micropropagated and conventionally propagated ginger in subtropical Queensland. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36 (3). pp. 347-354.

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Article Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EA9960347

Publisher URL: http://www.publish.csiro.au/

Abstract

The growth and performance of micropropagated ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) was compared with 'seed'-derived plants in field trials conducted in south-eastern Queensland. In the first generation ex vitro, micropropagated plants had significantly (P<0.01) reduced rhizome yield with smaller knobs and more roots. Micropropagated plants had a greater (P<0.01) shoot: root (rhizome) ratio compared with seed-derived plants. Shoots from micropropagated plants were also significantly (P<0.01) smaller with a greater number of shoots per plant. The unusual shoot morphology of the micropropagated plants did not appear to be related to the presence of benzylaminopurine, a plant growth hormone added to the multiplication medium, as plants subcultured for 3 cycles on a hormone-free medium also exhibited similar characteristics. Seed collected from the micropropagated plants and seed-derived plants was harvested and, despite the micropropagated seed being significantly (P<0.01) smaller, by the second generation ex vitro there were no significant differences between the treatments. Factors that can improve rhizome size, while reducing production costs, need to be identified before micropropagated plants can be recommended for routine use in the ginger industry as a source of disease and pest-free planting material.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Horticulture and Forestry Science
Additional Information:Reproduced with permission from © CSIRO Publishing. Access to published version may be available via Publisher’s website.
Keywords:Growth; performance; micropropagated ginger; Zingiber officinale Roscoe; field trial; micropropagated plants; rhizome; plant growth hormone; ginger industry.
Subjects:Plant culture > Seeds. Seed technology
Plant culture > Propagation
Plant culture > Field crops > Other field crops
Live Archive:24 Dec 2007
Last Modified:17 Feb 2023 04:33

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