Simple Semi-Hydroponic System for Single Leaf Propagation of Baliospermum montanum L. - An Important Medicinal Plant

Author: Karthik S., Basker S., Dheeban Shankar P., Saravanan K., Abdhul K., Ramya E.K., Sharmila S. and Anbazhagan M.

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Abstract

In natural medicinal system, the usage of herbs plays a vital role in curing various ailments. Baliospermum montanum L., a regionally vulnerable important herb needs conservation efforts. Studies have been conducted on the propagation through stems, seeds, and micropropagation. The availability of enough plants becomes a major criterion for raising medicinal plants on a large scale. This study aimed to investigate the role of different root-inducing substances and their rooting potential in single-leaf cuttings. In the first experiment, different aged leaves (old, mature, and young) were tried, and the results indicated that the mature leaves had a positive impact on all plant growth regulator (PGRs) cuttings, especially the auxins that were tested. No response was observed for other compounds such as honey, sugar, or undiluted tender coconut water (TCW). Leaf health scores were recorded based on changes in leaf color. The second experiment targeted varying levels of PGRs on the rooting parameters of the mature leaves. In terms of root numbers, IAA (500 ppm) produces 12.5 roots per leaf cutting followed by 11.1 in IAA (1,000 ppm) and 11.1 in IAA (200 ppm). It is superior to IBA and has a minimal response in the NAA. The root length was highest in IBA (1,000 ppm) immersed leaves at 13.6 cm followed by 12.4 cm and 9.8 cm in IAA 500 ppm and IAA 200 ppm respectively. Rooted leaves were planted in wet soil for further root and shoot growth. A reasonable rooting rate in IAA alone was observed after 7 weeks in the soil. So, we minimized the starting material through this leaf propagation procedure.

Keywords

Baliospermum montanum, advantageous root, single-leaf cutting, water, PGRs, auxin

Conclusion

B. montanum is a regionally vulnerable plant. Regeneration of this plant by all possible means is the need of the hour. Therefore, alternative approaches to the conventional system will be a useful technique to raise these plants in large numbers. Conservation of this vulnerable plant using an innovative leaf propagation technique is tried in the present study. An attempt is made in the present study to efficiently regenerate the entire plant from a single leaf which serves as a remarkable technique without sacrificing the plant.

References

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How to cite this article

Karthik S., Basker S., Dheeban Shankar P., Saravanan K., Abdhul K., Ramya E.K., Sharmila S. and Anbazhagan M. (2023). Simple Semi-Hydroponic System for Single Leaf Propagation of Baliospermum montanum L. - An Important Medicinal Plant. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 371-380.