Propagation dynamics and morphological-biochemical insights of Lilium (Lilium hybrida L.) scales in soilless media under north-western plains of India

Lilium (Lilium hybrida L.) is an important ornamental bulbous crop valued for its beautiful cut flowers. It is propagated by bulbs, bulblets and scales. Scaling is an important technique of propagation as it results in rapid formation of bulblets and subsequently flowering-grade bulbs. This process is greatly influenced by the growing media in which the scales are raised. Hence, the present study was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to standardize the best soilless growing media substrate composition for improved bulblet formation and development. The different media compositions included cocopeat, perlite, vermiculite and spent mushroom compost in varying ratios. The results revealed that better bulblet growth in terms of minimum days taken for sprouting (28.27), days taken for visible bulblet production (17.22), maximum number (3.07), weight (1.45 g) and diameter of bulblets formed per scale (1.33 cm) as well as no. of roots/scale (4.90) were observed in media containing perlite + cocopeat (1:1). Additionally, the biochemical parameters analysed for starch content (106.11 mg/g) and total soluble sugars (71.28 mg/g) were found maximum in the bulblets raised in the same media composition. Therefore, the soilless media comprising perlite + cocopeat (1:1) was found the most suitable for the rapid multiplication of Lilies from scaling.