Response of Some New Hybrids of Gladiolus grandiflorus to Different Corm Storage Temperatures

Effect of storage temperature on corm germination and various vegetative and reproductive growth parameters of six gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus sect. Blandus) varieties namely Peter pear, Rose supreme, Oscar, Pricilla, Princess Margaret Rose and Jester Ruffled Yellow was studied. Corms were stored at 8°C in a potato store house, at 12°C in a fruit store house and at 27±3°C in a farmer’s store house. Increase in storage temperature concomitantly declined corm weight losses during storage, delayed germination and flower initiation, declined in germination percentage, reduced root, shoot and spike length, number of flowers, corm weight after harvest and number and biomass of cormlets. With few exceptions, adverse effect of increase in storage temperature was substantial. However, the effect of highest storage temperature of 27±3°C was more adverse significant for germination and various plant vegetative and reproductive growth parameters in all the varieties as compared to lower temperatures. Thus for better germination, plant vegetative and reproductive growth, corms of different varieties of gladiolus should not be stored at 8°C.