Standardization of adventitious root induction in stem cuttings of Cynometra travancorica Bedd Willd., an endangered tree species of Western Ghats

Abstract

Cynometra travancorica Bedd. belonging to family Fabaceae is an endangered tree species endemic to Western Ghats with restricted distribution. There is an urgent need for conservation of this endangered species and the vegetative propagation techniques can play major role in planting stock production. Present study focuses on the standardisation of vegetative propagation protocol of C. travancorica using stem cuttings with different concentrations of three plant growth regulating substances in different season. The anatomical, physiological and biochemical changes of the sprouted cuttings belonging to different growth regulator treatments were also conducted. Softwood, semi hardwood and hardwood cuttings were collected in three seasons (January–April, May–August and September–December) and treated with indole 3 butyric acid, indole 3 acetic acid and naphthalene acetic acid in different concentrations. Rooting response was measured after 45 days in the mist chamber. The adventitious rhizogenesis of C. travancorica stem cuttings was influenced by type of cutting, season of collection, type of growth regulator and its concentration. Semi hardwood cuttings collected during season III treated with 8000 mg l−1 IBA recorded about 84% rooting. Anatomical studies on the sprouted cuttings treated with different growth regulator did not show any significant differences, whereas physiological and biochemical parameters of sprouted cuttings varied. Hence, we recommend this treatment combination for the large scale planting stock production.