Study the effect of Ca(NO3)24H2O on root initiation in notch no. 3, 4, 5, 6 of the 5th leaf of Bryophyllum.

Abstract

The role of ages of leaf, the position of notch on the leaf, supplemented nutrients and growth regulators etc. on the initiation of adventitious roots and their subsequent growth in excised Bryophyllum leaves was investigated, notches of Bryophyllum leaf was the most important site for the initiation of adventitious roots. Adventitious roots were initiated from the notches when isolated leaves were placed on soil or sand sprayed with water frequently. The number of notches in a Bryophyllum leaf ranged between six to thirty-six but adventitious roots didn't develop equally on all the notches present. It might so happen that the root hormones present at the notches responsible for root initiation were not present in the notches in suitable concentrations other physiological conditions prevailing at the notches might also be responsible for root initiation. Depending on the interesting behaviour of Bryophyllum leaves, a study on the physiology of initiation of root and subsequent growth of those roots in 5th leaf particularly 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th notches in presence of externally supplied Chemicals like Ca (NO3)2 4H2O carried out. As various factors played major role in production of adventitious roots and buds in the notches, a preliminary screening was done to ascertain the most suitable leaf in regard to root initiation number of root produced per notch, length of each root time taken for root initiation, in the notches. Further it was thought essential to select the most suitable notch for early initiation of root production of maximum number of roots and the maximum growth of roots. During the course of the research, it was found. That in the young Bryophyllum plants the 5th leaf (counted from the apex toward the base, leaving the young terminal bud) showed early rooting, maximum number of roots and longest roots. Then could possibly be attributed to the most capable leaf.