Effects of chitosan on growth and development of Dioscorea bulbifeia L.

[Objective] The effects of chitosan on growth and development of Dioscorea bulbifera L.stems was studied to facilitate its commercial production.[Method]Single factor four-level group experiments were conducted,in which Dioscorea bulbifera L.stems having single bud were cultured in MS+KT(2mg/L)+NAA(0.5mg/L) culture medium.The concentration of chitosan was 0(CK),0.5,1.0 and 2.0 g/L.Various morphological indexes of Dioscorea bulbifeia L.plantlets were observed regularly and data was analyzed statistically.[Result]Low concentration of chitosan enhanced the root and bud elongation to some extent in D.bulbifeia and the effect was most significant at 0.5 g/L concentration of chitosan.High concentration of chitosan inhibited the growth of root and bud in D bulbifeia stems.At 1.0-2.0 g/L concentrations,the effects were more pronounced.Chitosan also reduced the leaf growth of D bulbifeia plants,and the effects were more pronounced at its 1.0 g/L concentration.[Conclusion]Low concentration of chitosan promoted the growth and development of D.bulbifeia stems,while high concentration of chitosan showed contrary results.