ARS | Publication request: Development and Efficient In Vitro Clonal Propagation of an Ornamental Ginger Hybrid

Submitted to: Extension Publications
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 24, 2007
Publication Date: October 4, 2007
Citation: Sakhanokho, H.F., Kelley, R.Y., Pounders Jr, C.T. 2007. Development and Efficient In Vitro Clonal Propagation of an Ornamental Ginger Hybrid. Proceedings 34th Ann. Mississppi State Univ. Hort . Field Day.

Technical Abstract: Hedychium species are multipurpose plants which are used as ornamentals, for making perfumes because of their scented flowers, and raw material for manufacturing paper. They are also used in ethnomedicine because of their antibacterial and antifungal activities. However, they are not generally suited as potted plants because most Hedychium species grow too tall and experience lodging. The purpose of this study was to develop: (1) a dwarf and compact cultivar and (2) an efficient and rapid in vitro clonal propagation system. A semi dwarf cultivar was obtained following the crossing of Hedychium muluense with the cultivar ‘White Starburst’. H. muluense is a dwarf epiphytic tropical that bears small but pretty flowers with green petals, an orange stamen, and a twisted white labellum and lateral staminodes. White Starburst is a hybrid ginger with white flowers in a circular, wheel-like arrangement around small spikes. An efficient in vtiro clonal propagation system based on somatic embryogenesis was developed using leaves and stems as explants.