Corm reserve composition during dormancy, sprouting and early plant development of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.)

The changes in corm reserve composition during dormancy, sprouting and early plant development were analysed in four varieties of gladiolus viz., Red Ginger, Little Prince, Sunset Jubilee and Pacifica. The results showed that starch and total lipid content of gladiolus corms were increased to 2.62 and 1.08 mg g⁻¹ f.w., respectively during sprouting stage and after that declined in regardless of varieties. While protein content decreased during sprouting of corms (1.76mg g⁻¹ f.w.) and then increased during early plant development (2.20 mg g⁻¹ f.w.). Total phenol content was increased progressively from dormant (10.06 mg g⁻¹ f.w.) to early plant development stage (14.43 mg g⁻¹ f.w.). The results of the study highlighted the potential of these gladiolus species (corms) has been established, based on the synthesis and accumulation pattern of bioactive constituents during sprouting and early plant development of gladiolus corm.