Dormancy and viability of Amorphophallus seeds. (59)

Abstract

True seeds were produced in elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst) Nicolson] by artificial pollination and adopting appropriate breeding techniques. The seeds were tested for the reported dormancy in the species by comparing germination in treated and untreated seeds. The results showed that Amorphophallus seeds are non-dormant and that they could be stored at room temperature for six months without any substantial reduction in germinability. Seed germination also showed the occurrence of polyembryony in Amorphophallus.