Studies on Growth and cultivation of Coptis Japonica Makino : II. On forward cultural effects of 3 elements of fertilizer, minor elements and gibberellin

Abstract

An experiment was conducted for the forcing culture of Coptis Japonica Makino by means of chemical fertilizers and gibberellin (GA). Young plants of Coptis japonica Makino (sown in 1961) were sand-cultured for five months from April 1 to August 31, 1963, in 10 plots including those given a Hoagland & Arnon's cultural solution for testing element deficiency, a control plot and two more in which 10 ppm GA and 100 ppm GA were added to the control plot, and thus their growing condition was observed and the dry matter weight of their terrestrial parts, subterranean stems and roots were measured. 1. The 10 ppm GA plot showed the best growth, leading to a delay in the differentiation of flower buds, which resulted in a prolonged vegetative growth period and an increased dry matter weight. In the 100 ppm GA plot, the flower bud formation was hastened and even after flower buds were formed, adventitious buds and monster leaves appeared, resulting in a decrease, especially in the drymatter weight of the subterranean stems and roots. 2. The control plot, K deficient plot and Ca deficient plot all showed a satisfactory growth but generally there were indications of excessive fertilization, as seen in some burnt leaves. 3. Chemical injury was conspicuous especially in the double quantity plot, P deficient plot and S deficient plots: in the double quantity and P deficient plots almost all the terrestrial parts withered in about 60 days after planting. 4. Fertilization in a comparatively low temperature period up to the beginning of June was found to give comparatively small chemical damage. 5. The young plant growing period could be shortened by a combined use of N and P fertilizers in proper quantities and 10 ppm GA.