A simple method of induction of in vitro microrhizomes and their field performance in ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

Microrhizomes were produced from tissue culture derived shoots of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) by culturing them in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with an enhanced concentration of sucrose (9–12%). Sucrose at 9% was most suitable for induction of microrhizomes. Microrhizomes were formed at the base of the shoots after 30 days of incubation at temperatures of 22±2°C and 25±3°C. The number of shoots produced from microrhizomes ranged from 5– 10. Weight of microrhizome per explant ranged from 12–50 g fresh weight in 4–6 months. These microrhizomes could be directly planted in the field with 90–100% survival, thus eliminated the need for hardening. Microrhizomes gave good yields of about 500 g of fresh rhizomes/plant (12–20 kg/3m²) bed. The yields are similar to those when normal seed rhizomes of 50 g per plant are used. The seed rate requirement per 3 m² bed is about 400 g for microrhizomes compared to 1.5–2 kg in case of conventional planting thus saving huge amounts of seed. In addition microrhizomes are good source of disease free planting material due to its aseptic origin. Microrhizomes were produced independent of seasonal fluctuations. The microrhizome cultures could be stored up to 12–15months in vitro facilitating safe and disease free germplasm exchange.