Abstract
Tuber morphology and propagation efficiency in three dioecious, tuber bearing Momordica species of India were investigated. Tuber morphology of M. dioica and M. sahyadrica is different from that of M. subangulata ssp. renigera. M. dioica and M. sahyadrica develop taproot tuber with shoot sprouts only at caudex region, whereas M. subangulata ssp. renigera has both taproot and adventitious tubers with shoot sprouts all over tuber surface. Tubers of M. dioica and M. sahyadrica are perennating whereas, in M. subangulata ssp. renigera they serve as both perennating and propagation structures. M. dioica and M. sahyadrica had prolonged tuber dormancy of 4–5 months whereas, M. subangulata ssp. renigera had short dormancy period of about 2 months. Cutting of tuberous roots is a highly efficient method for multiplication in M. subangulata spp. renigera, whereas whole tubers or longitudinal splits in to two or at best four equal halves with a portion of the apical meristem may work in the case of M. dioica and M. sahyadrica.
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Joseph John, K., Antony, V.T., Marydas, J. et al. Tuber morphology, germination behaviour and propagation efficiency in three edible Momordica (Cucurbitaceae) species of India. Genet Resour Crop Evol 56, 861–868 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-009-9407-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-009-9407-5