Breaking Bud Dormancy in Corms and Trees with Sulfide Compounds in Garlic and Horseradish

Abstract

Volatiles from garlic and horseradish paste broke corm dormancy of springflowering gladiolus ( Gladiolus × Tubergenii Hort. Effective substances in garlic were allyl sulfide, methyl disulfide, n-propyl disulfide, and those in horseradish were allyl sulfide, allyl isothiocyanate, and n-propyl sulfide. Monosulfide extracted from garlic paste, allyl sulfide, and allyl disulfide were effective in breaking corm dormancy of summer-flowering gladiolus ( Gladiolus spp .). Methyl disulfide promoted sprouting and flowering of tree peony ( Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) and flowering of ornamental cherry ( Prunus spp.) without phytotoxic symptoms.