Macropropagation of Endemic and Threatened plants of Southern Peninsular India

INTRODUCTION

In fulfilling the target 4 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (2020-30), concerted efforts are need to augment the existing populations of threatened plants through appropriate cost-effective propagation methods. Sri Krishnadevaraya University Botanic Garden located in Ananthapuramu of Andhra Pradesh State (India), has undertaken propagation of selected endemic and threatened plants of Eastern Ghats of India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Propagation through seeds and stem cuttings were taken up with various pre-treatments. Selected endemic and threatened plants for propagation are:  Chloroxylon swietenia (Rutaceae); Decalepis hamiltonii (Apocynaceae); Ficus dalhousiae (Moraceae); Hildegardia populifolia (Malvaceae); Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. (Fabaceae); Santalum album (Santalaceae) and Saraca asoca (Fabaceae). Except for Ficus dalhoisiae and Hildegardia populifolia where stem cuttings were used, all other plants were propagated through seeds. Seeds were soaked in cold water for 24 hours for all the species and alternatively treated with growth regulators GA3 and IBA at 500, 750 and 1000 ppm concentrations; KNO3 and H2SO4 in different concentrations. With respect to stem cuttings; they were dipped in Aloe vera gel and alternatively treated with 500 and 750 ppm concentration.

RESULTS

Chloroxylon swietenia: 70% germination when kept in cold water. Decalepis hamiltonii: 70% germination is observed when soaked with KNO₃. Ficus dalhousiae: 60% sproutings achieved when treated with IBA at 1000 ppm. Hildegardia populifolia: 95% sproutings with 500 ppm IBA and 89% of seeds when soaked in cold water. Pterocarpus santalinus: 50% of seeds when soaked in cow dung slurry. Santalum album: 60% germination when soaked in GA₃. Saraca asoca: 10% germination was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our studies revealed that seed pre-treatment with GA3 are more effective to enhance germination rate wherever applied and IBA is most recommended for stem cuttings. These findings will helpful to further improve macro-propagation of threatened plants.