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The sprouting process in yam (Dioscorea spp.) tuber pieces

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

I. C. Onwueme
I. C. Onwueme
Affiliation:
Plant Science Department, University of Ife, Nigeria
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Summary

The progression of sprouting was observed in water-yam (Dioscorea alata) and whiteyam (D. rotundata) tuber pieces planted in moist sawdust. Soon after planting, white callus-like protuberances (sprouting loci) were seen on the tuber surface, followed by the appearance of one or more differentiated shoot buds on the sprouting locus. Sprouting loci appeared more readily on the upper and lower parts of each tuber piece than on the sides. Large tuber pieces sprouted more rapidly, had larger and more numerous sprouting loci, and gave rise to more shoot buds than small tuber pieces.

Anatomical examination showed that the shoot bud resulted from the activity of a layer of meristematic cells lying close to the tuber surface. Extensive cell divisions commenced in this layer after planting, and some of the resulting cells soon differentiated into the shoot bud.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 81 , Issue 3 , December 1973 , pp. 375 - 379
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1973

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References

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