Morphological character and corm quality of somatic hybrid of taro (Colocasia esculenta Schott)

Morphological character and quality of corm in somatic hybrid No. 12 obtained by protoplast fusion between taro (Colocasia esculenta Schott) cvs. 'Yatsugashira' and 'Malaysia No. 4' were investigated. The number of shoot and leaf was smaller than those of 'Yatsugashira' and was larger than 'Malaysia No. 4'. The length of leaf blade and petiole were shorter than the two parents. The number of corm was smaller than the two parents. Generally, the shape of top was compact as compared the two parents. The total weight of corms was about a half of that of 'Yatsugashira', and a third of that of 'Malaysia No. 4'. The weight of mother corm of somatic hybrid No. 12 was 400-500g. The corm morphology of somatic hybrid No. 12 was almost intermediate between the two parents. The upper surface of mother corm of somatic hybrid No. 12 was smooth; it was much different from that of mother corm of 'Yatsugashira'. Starch content of corm was similar to 'Yatsugashira' and smaller than 'Malaysia No. 4'. Sugar and amino acid contents of somatic hybrid No. 12 were higher than those of the two parents. Calcium oxalate content was similar to the two parents.