Morphological Characterization of Some Colocasia (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) genotypes of North- East India

Author: Ramdeen Kumar, S. Alam, D.B. Phookan, N.S. Barua, Prakash Kalita and Partha Jyoti Borah

Download PDF

Abstract

A morphological study was conducted in Assam state in 2017-18 to compare fifteen varieties of Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott). The aim of this study was to provide plant taxonomists with valuable information that could assist in distinguishing and defining these varieties. The results revealed that the petiole length was highest (103.40±68.40cm) in Moh-Khuti, whereas the least was in Ghoti-Kachu (56.80±32.60cm). The plant girth ranged from 17.48cm (Moh-Khuti) to 13.28cm (Red Garo), while the number of leaves ranged from (4.67) Bor-Kachu to AAU-Col-32 (2.93). This research highlights the distinctive and distinguishing morphological features that can aid in the identification and description of various varieties of C. esculenta. Furthermore, it offers supplementary data that could potentially contribute to resolving the existing taxonomic debate surrounding colocasia. The outcomes of this study may ultimately facilitate the accurate delimitation of C. esculenta.

Keywords

Colocasia, Diagnostic characters, Morphological characters, Plant taxonomy

Conclusion

This study addressed the existing knowledge gap by providing comprehensive information on morphology of fifteen varieties of Colocasia esculenta var. stolonifera found in the northeastern state of India. Prior to this research, there was lack of detailed morphological data on these varieties. Furthermore, the study presented compelling evidence that indicates close relationship between C. esculenta var. stolonifera and C. esculenta var. esculenta. The findings of the study also identified specific diagnostic characters for distinguishing Moh-Khuti and Ghoti-Kachu, two particular varieties within the species. Conspicuous diagnostic characters observed in the petiole length was highest (103.40±68.40cm) in Moh-Khuti, whereas the least was Ghoti-Kachu (56.80±32.60cm). The plant girth ranged from 17.48cm (Moh-Khuti) to 13.28cm (Red Garo), while the number of leaves ranged from (4.67) Bor-Kachu and least AAU-Col-32 (2.93). This study has provided valuable information regarding diagnostic and differential morphological characters that can aid in the identification and description of various varieties of C. esculenta. Notably, it was found that the cultivar Bor-Kachu exhibited the maximum number of leaves per plant followed by Moh-Khuti and Ahina. Additionally, Moh-Khuti displayed the longest petiole length with Naga-2 following closely behind. Plants are typically categorized into groups based on their similarities and differences in various traits including petiole length, plant girth, number of leaves, leaf color and petiole colour. These distinctive morphological characteristics play significant role in the classification and taxonomy of colocasia varieties. By providing additional morphological information, this study contributes to resolving the ongoing controversies in the taxonomy of colocasia. The obtained data can potentially aid in the delimitation of C.esculenta by facilitating the identification and differentiation of specific varieties within the species.

References

-

How to cite this article

Ramdeen Kumar, S. Alam, D.B. Phookan, N.S. Barua, Prakash Kalita and Partha Jyoti Borah (2023). Morphological Characterization of some Colocasia (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) genotypes of North- East India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 159-163.