Propagation of Some Wild Edible Ferns for Environmental Sustainability and Nutritional Security in Sikkim Himalaya

Abstract

Wild edible ferns are considered as high value nutritive indigenous crops in Sikkim Himalayan region. These edible ferns are directly harvested from the wild and sold in local markets. Foraging is an age old tradition in the Sikkim Himalayas which has adverse effects. Wild edible ferns are given least attention on their conservation as compared to higher plants and indiscriminate collections and foraging endangered the very existence of wild edible ferns. Therefore, the present study aimed at propagating three edible fern species viz. Dryopteris cochleata, Diplazium esculentum and Tectaria coadunata through rhizomes in hydroponics and soil and through spores in soil has been attempted as part of our continued efforts to conserve these species through cultivation. Growth parameters like germination percentage, time taken for germination, time taken for harvest, length and weight of the crozier, leaf per rhizome were recorded during the growth period. This study can be useful for the propagation and conservation of wild edible ferns.