Pembesaran Biomassa (Rimpang-rimpangan)

Summary

In this video, Edi Sandra, a lecturer at IPB University and owner of Esa Flora, addresses the common issue faced by ginger farmers where the plant grows well, but the rhizomes yield poorly. He explains how to optimize rhizome growth by using specific plant hormones, especially 2,4-D, to redirect the plant's energy towards the roots. By applying a carefully crafted hormone formula after the plant reaches full vegetative maturity, farmers can increase rhizome biomass. This method may result in less top growth, but the focus on rhizomes leads to a more successful harvest.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding why ginger rhizomes grow well initially but yield less after harvest: It's due to misdirected growth allocation.
• 😀 The importance of optimizing plant biomass growth for increasing rhizome size.
• 😀 For optimal rhizome growth, focus on vegetative growth first before redirecting energy toward the rhizomes.
• 😀 Hormonal formulas can guide plant growth toward maximizing rhizome biomass, specifically using root growth hormones.
• 😀 A key hormone for increasing rhizome biomass is 24D, which directs plant energy toward root and rhizome development.
• 😀 A formula with 70% focus on 24D, 10% on kinetin, and 20% on gibberellins is suggested to promote rhizome growth.
• 😀 Apply this formula when the plant reaches full vegetative maturity to ensure it focuses energy on the rhizomes.
• 😀 Using a concentration of 80 mg/L of 24D for root growth and 10 mg/L of kinetin, 20 mg/L of gibberellins is effective.
• 😀 Apply the hormone mixture at 10 mL per liter, focusing on the base of the plant or the rhizomes during spraying.
• 😀 The plant's top growth (leaves) may not look optimal, but as long as photosynthesis continues, energy is directed to the rhizomes.

Q & A

Why do rhizome plants appear healthy but produce small rhizomes after harvesting?

This could happen if the plant's biomass growth is not optimally directed towards the rhizomes. Even though the plant appears healthy, the growth might be more focused on leaves and shoots rather than rhizomes, resulting in smaller rhizomes.

What is the first step in improving rhizome growth for plants like ginger?

The first step is to ensure the plant's vegetative growth is optimal. This means promoting healthy and strong growth before focusing on directing energy toward rhizome development.

What hormonal treatment is recommended to enhance rhizome growth?

A hormone formula with 24D (a root-promoting hormone) is recommended to enhance rhizome growth. This hormone helps direct energy toward the rhizomes and encourages their expansion.

How is the hormonal formulation designed to support rhizome growth?

The formulation consists of 70% 24D, which targets root (rhizome) growth, 10% Kinetin to stimulate shoot growth, and 20% Gibberellin to support general plant growth. This combination helps ensure that energy is directed towards the rhizomes.

What is the optimal concentration of 24D for promoting rhizome growth?

The optimal concentration of 24D is around 80 mg per liter. This concentration is effective in stimulating root and rhizome growth without causing harm to the plant.

How should the hormone solution be applied to the plants?

The hormone solution should be sprayed directly onto the base of the plant or the rhizome area. A concentration of 10 ml of the solution per liter of water is recommended for effective application.

When should the hormonal treatment be applied to the plants?

The hormonal treatment should be applied once the plant has reached an optimal vegetative state. This ensures that the plant is strong enough to handle the redirection of energy towards the rhizomes.

What happens if the hormone treatment is applied too early in the plant's growth cycle?

If applied too early, the plant may not have sufficient vegetative growth to support the hormone treatment. This could lead to a weak plant or incomplete rhizome development.

What effect does applying the hormone treatment have on the plant's vegetative growth?

The application of the hormone treatment redirects energy away from the leaves and shoots, resulting in less robust vegetative growth. However, this does not harm the plant as long as photosynthesis continues and the plant remains healthy.

Why is it important to focus on root and rhizome development rather than shoot growth?

Focusing on root and rhizome development ensures that the plant produces larger and more abundant rhizomes, which is the primary objective for crops like ginger. By limiting shoot growth, more energy is allocated to the rhizomes, improving their size and yield.