EFFECTS OF STORAGE-TEMPERATURE AND DURATION ON THE DORMANCY OF SANDERSONIA-AURANTIACA TUBERS

The effects of three storage temperatures (1, 4, and 9.5 degrees C) an d six storage durations (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 days) on tuber sp routing and stem quality of Sandersonia aurantiaca were investigated. Tubers did not sprout at lifting when given inductive conditions, but high percentages sprouted (91.7%) after only 30 days of chilling. Perc ent sprouting remained high (93.8%) after 90 days of storage, but decr eased to 86.5% with 150 days of storage. Sprouting percentages were hi gh for all storage durations at 4 degrees C. Sprouting was significant ly less after storage at 9.5 degrees C than at 1 and 4 degrees C at al l storage durations. Time to initiation of sprouting and the sprouting period decreased with storage duration up to 90-120 days and were low est at 4 degrees C. Stem length and flower numbers per stem were signi ficantly higher at storage durations of 90-120 days. Following 90 days of storage, stem length was greater for storage at 9.5 degrees C than at 1 or 4 degrees C. Storage at 4 degrees C for 90-120 days is requir ed to ensure rapid and even sprouting of sandersonia.