Effect of low temperature on breaking dormancy and flowering of Arisaema sikokianum (Araceae)

Arisaema sikokianum (Araceae) native to Japan is classified as a vulnerable species in the Red Data Book of Japan. Control of dormancy is essential for efficient corm production and forcing culture. Sprouting of both vegetative and reproductive corms was enhanced by exposure to low temperature. Vegetative corms exposed to low temperatures at 5 °C longer sprouted faster when grown at 20 °C. Effective temperatures for breaking dormancy was 5 °C. Reproductive corms treated at 5 °C longer showed shorter days to flower. Successful forcing culture was achieved; corms treated at 5 °C from November for 30 days flowered on 5th February.