Lycoris propagation
James Waddick (Tue, 09 Aug 2005 13:34:49 PDT)

Dear friends;
I have recently intensified my research into propagation of
Lycoris by vegetative means. I have come across two studies that I
would like to summarize since I found both very interesting:

'Propagation of Bulbous Ornamentals by simple culture of bulb
scale segments using plastic vessels' by Y Yanagawa, Kyoto University
Acta Horti. 673 ISHS 2005

The author used 26 species of Liliaceae and Amaryllidaceae,
but I will relate only in regard to Lycoris. Single and twin scale
segments were made of L. sprengeri and placed in either 1 gall
Ziploc* bags or 4 cup Glad* disposable containers. They were filled
with 800 ml(2 cups)(bags) or 350 ml (1 3/4 cup)(containers) of
vermiculite and 80 ml ( 1/4 cup) of ionized water. Up to 50 segments
were put in each container and these were sealed and stored at 25 C
(78F) for 12 weeks in the dark. Findings:
Larger segments produce more bulblets. But more and smaller
bulbs resulted from single scales in total.
Bulblets were produced only from near the basal plate section.
Containers produced a higher percentage of bulbs than bags.
Twin scale segments produced bulblets around 70%; single
scale about 40% and without a basal plate none were produced.
Please note conversions of volume and temp are approximate only.

The second article 'Effect of different bulb sections on
Lycoris bulblet multiplication by chipping' by Amico Roxas, et al
(all Italian) Acta Hort517 ISHS 2000

The authors used 2 species of Lycoris and divided bulbs into
1/4, 1/8, 1/16 ths and planted in plastic boxes with 50% peat and 50%
perlite. There are many detailed charts showing the rate of bulblet
production, growth, root initiation and more. In summary they found
that larger segments produced more and large bulblets (by weight and
circumference. Mother bulbs when chipped produced from 5.2 to 7.2
bulblets in 6 months.
Bulbs cut into 1/4 produced fewer bulbs than bulbs cut into 1/8, but
they were larger and 'marketable' in 2 - 3 years. These bulblet
production rates compared to that of Narcissus

END
I had until these article not seen confirmation that Lycoris
responded to propagation by cutting into segments or bulb scales.
Although the results are obvious, the details provide an easy method
to follow. There are still questions such as when is the best time of
the year to cut bulbs?

Hope you find the info of interest. Jim W.

* Glad and Ziploc are trademarks and used just for convenience. The
articles contain far more detail especially in regard to use of
fungicides and details of the method. These articles should be
available at any large university library.

--
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph. 816-746-1949
Zone 5 Record low -23F
Summer 100F +