Germplasm Resource Collection, Preservation, Ornamental Value Evaluation And Rhizomes Storage Of Curcuma

Most of Curcuma inflorescences are vigorous and visible for ornamental planting. However, there is limited information about germplasm resource collection, ornamental evaluation and rhizomes storage basing on ornamental application. This research was conducted to provide evidences and materials for creating new ornamental varieties. Varying of Curcuma genetic resources were collected and evaluated. Effect of reagents immersing on rhizomes of C. kwangsiensis var. nanlingensis during storing six months was investigated. The main results were as follows:1.14 materials of 10 species were collected from Guangdong province, Guangxi province, Yunnan province, Sichuan province and Guizhou province, China, respectively. All of them were individually maintained into tubs. Seeds of C. yunnanensis, C. longa and C. aromatica which were triploid were discovered. Diploid C. exigua were seen again and a new distribution was found in Xishuangbanna, Sichuan. Two unknown but valuable species were discovered.2. An evaluation model for ornamental application was built by analytic hierarchy process (AHP).12 materials of 10 species of Curcuma were evaluated by means of AHP. Results showed that color of coma bract apex and diameter of inflorescence had the most important effect for Curcuma as ornamental plants. C. elata had great potential for further development and utilization since it was optimized as cutting flowers, potted flowers and field plants in gardens. Spike central of C. attenuata, spike lateral of C. nankunshanensis and C. yunnanensis were optimized as potted flowers. C. attenuata, C. rubescens, C. kuangsiensis var. nanlingensis was excellent as potted foliage plants. C. attenuata and C. longa were optimized as field plants in gardens.3. Rhizomes of C. kuangsiensis var. nanlingensis immersed into varies concentration levels of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000), aluminium sulfat [Al(SO4)3], chitosan [C6H11NO4) N] were storing under 13℃ ±1 ℃. Physiological substances were measured once a month. Results indicated that reducing sugar in rhizomes immersed into respectively 3000 mg·L-PEG-6000、100 mg·L-1 Al(SO4)3 and 2000 mg·L-1 (C6H11NO4)N was still high after storing for 6 months. However, quality of rhizomes decreased during storing.