Effect of Seedlings Conservation Methods on Physiological Recovery and Tuber Yield of Solenostemon rotundifolius [(Poir.) J.K. Morton]

Abstract

Despite its many advantages, Solenostemon rotundifolius remains underutilized. Inadequate seedling conservation impairs their quality and reduces germination and yield. This study evaluates the effect of conservation methods on physiological recovery and tuber yield. A trial was conducted during the 2023/2024 rainy season using a split-plot design with three replicates. The main factor was the seedling conservation method, with nine treatments: in canaries, “bitatoré” (without additives or combined with millet husks, sand, or wood chips as additives), and the Triple S system.  The secondary factor was genotype (E120, E165, E186, ‘white’, and UW086 M). The parameters studied included the germination rate, growth rate, number of tillers, and tuber yield parameters. The results showed that conservation methods significantly influence the number of tubers, their diameter (P < 0.0001), and their weight (P = 0.001). In contrast, germination and growth remain similar. Seedling conservation methods in the “bitatoré” with or without an additive promote an increase in the number of shoots (from 8.00 ± 0.83 to 8.18 ± 0.83 shoots) and tuber weight (153.86 ± 23.95 g to 186.72 ± 28.78 g). Overall, the use of appropriate methods for seedlings conservation, particularly the “bitatoré” method, appears to promote better plant establishment and improved tuber yield in S. rotundifolius, although genotype also plays a decisive role in performance.