Determination of carbohydrate accumulation and plant growth dynamics in snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii Hook.) response to moisture levels in different substrates

Abstract

In terms of botany, geophytes are known by their own survival strategy due to have a swollen storage organs. Snowdrops (Galanthus, 20 spp.; Amaryllidaceae) are important type of wild-sourced ornamental bulb genus in all geophyte species. Also, have a great deal of potential for use on landscape designs. Whereas, not much study has been done regarding the growth dynamics of snowdrops at harsh environmental conditions. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of abiotic stress conditions on the performance of snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii Hook.) in soiless culture. Substrates and moisture were the variables. Peat + perlite and cocopeat were used as a substrate in pots. Moisture levels were applied; ML1, ML2 (well-watered and moderately tolerant treatments), ML3 (moderate stress) and ML4 (severe stress). Moisture had a statistically significant effect (P < 0.05) on circumference size, height and weight of the snowdrop bulbs. Plant height and carbohydrate accumulation were also affected by moisture levels in different substrates. The correlation between total carbohydrate (r = 0.95) and starch (r = 0.98) were positively determined. The reduced sugar, total sugar, starch and total carbohydrate values were increased by the severe stress treatment (ML4).