Trial for the propagation method in Flemingia spp., a shrub plant and a lac insect host in Thrissur, Kerala

Abstract

Due to the challenges posed by the poor availability and germination of Flemingia spp. for lac insect cultivation, the Kerala Forest Research Institute in Thrissur experimented with the air layering method and stem cutting (Vegetative Propagation) to enhance the number of seedlings. The layering method was successful for all three treatments, although it is observed variations in the length of the roots. The plant treated with coco peat exhibited longer roots and a greater number of roots, followed by the plants treated with only soil and vermiculite. The stem cutting method (vegetative propagation) was also successful for both plants, suggesting that both techniques can be used as alternatives for cultivating lac insect host plants instead of relying on seed germination.