Conservation Strategies of Euphorbia wallichii Hook. f—A Species with Cryptocotylar Seeds

Abstract

Euphorbia wallichii locally known as Kaali Heerbi is used as a folk medicine for the treatment of various dreadful diseases. A study was carried out to examine the seed germination pattern and propagation strategies of Euphorbia wallichii. The seeds show cryptocotylar development, i.e. two cotyledons remain halted in the endosperm except for their petioles. The cotyledon excised from the endosperm consists of plumule, ecophylls, radicle and hypocotyl. The present results reveal that Euphorbia wallichii has a very low percentage of seed germination. The highest percentage germination (20 ± 5.0), highest seed survival (53.3 ± 7.6) and seed vigour index (1.4) were found in 300 ppm thiourea. Vegetative propagation through rhizomes is one of the potential means of propagation for Euphorbia wallichii. The highest percentage survival was observed in the cuttings treated with 200 ppm GA3 (72.4 ± 4.0), 100 ppm GA3 (58.3 ± 8.7) and 50 ppm IBA (21.9 ± 9.9). Maximum sprouting occurs in 200 ppm GA3 (89 ± 12.42), and maximum rooting occurs in 50 ppm IBA (75 ± 0). The studies on agro-techniques reveal that maximum sprouting (75 ± 0) occurs in sandy soil followed by sandy loam (68.75 ± 12.5) and loam soil (62.5 ± 14.4). These findings reveal that better results are obtained in more sandy soils. This information, in turn, helps in restoring the natural populations and to supply raw materials to the drug industry on a sustainable basis.