Dormancy responses to post-harvest application of growth regulators in Dioscorea species. 2. Dormancy responses in ware tubers of D. alata and D. esculenta

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effects of post-harvest application of gibberellic acid on dormancy of tubers of Dioscorea alata and D. esculenta were examined. In both species, gibberellic acid extended the dormancy of immature and mature tubers but when GA3 application was made after storage for varying lengths of time, there was a decreasing effect with increased storage time. Dormancy was also reinduced in germinating tubers, that had gone through a normal dormant period, as a result of gibberellic acid treatment. A possible mechanism of dormancy in tropical yams is discussed. It is concluded that use of gibberellic acid as a means of extending the storage life of yam tubers by post-harvest application is a distinct possibility.