Study on growth, development and some biochemical aspects of several varieties of Nerine

Nerine fothergillii bulbs were stored at different temperatures for a certain period of time and then planted and grown in an open condition. The effect of the different storage temperatures on carbohydrate content and endogenous gibberellins was examined in relation to flowering. Flowering percentage and flower number in each umbel was reduced when the bulbs were stored at 30o C while bulbs which received 5o C treatment possess earlier flowering and longer flower stalksthan bulbs without 5o C storage treatment. Carbohydrates in both outer and inner scales of N. fothergillii were examined semi-quantitatively by paper chromatography. Glucose, fructose and sucrose have been identified from paper chromatogramS. Endogenous gibberellins in N. fothergillii have been identified by GC - SIM and full mass spectra from GCMS. These include GA19, GA20 and G Al, their presence suggests the occurence of the early 13 - hydroxylation pathway. The response of N. bowdenii grown under Long Day (LD) and Short Day (SD) conditions was studied. Ten plants from each treatment were examined at intervals of 4 weeks. Photo\\ period did not affect the growth and development of N. bowdenii but it influenced the flowering time. SD conditions gives earlier flowering than LD condition. Anthocyanins in Nerine have been examined using paper chromatography. The solvents used were BAW and MAW. Five major anthocyanins (pelargonidin, cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin and peonidin) have been identified from several varieties of Nerine .