The Bud Development and Physiology of Three Species of Pleione during Cold Storage

Purpose In order to provide a reference for the cold storage of Pleione species, the dormant pseudobulbs of P. aurita, P. yunnanensis, and P. forrestii were used as materials to investigate the bud development and physiology during the cold storage.

Method The pseudobulbs were stored at (4±1) ℃, the lengths of new bud were measured, as well as the soluble protein content, SOD and POD activity after 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 days.

Result The buds started to germinate after 60 days. For P. aurita, the soluble protein content decreased slightly, while SOD activity declined significantly on 120 day. POD activity declined from 30 to 60 days, and then increased from 90 to 120 days. The soluble protein content of P. yunnanensis and P. forrestii increased during this period, while the change of SOD activity was not significant. The POD activity declined from 0 to 30 days, and then increased from 30 to 60 days.

Conclusion After stored at (4±1) ℃ for 60 days, the dormant pseudobulbs of P. aurita, P. yunnanensis, and P. forrestii should be planted. The decreased of POD activity promoted the germination of new bud.