Vegetative propagation of Epimedium elatum C. Morren and Decne.

Abstract

Epimedium L. is a celebrated medicinal genus of Chinese pharmacopoeia comprising of sixty two species, with only one species, Epimedium elatum C. Morren and Decne., in Indian subcontinent. The species is endemic to Kashmir Himalaya and grows wild as undergrowth in forests. It is a slow-growing and slow-reproducing medicinal herb, with a huge potential for being exploited for therapeutic uses, thereby necessitating its conservation, cultivation and propagation. In this context, the present work has been undertaken to develop its propagation protocol. In spring, rhizomes were divided into different sizes on the basis of the number of buds and fresh mass; planted in 10 cm pots and then evaluated for survival, growth, production and multiplication. Similarly, the divisions were made in different seasons to study the seasonal effect. Single bud divisions, with or without roots, were also made to study the effect of IBA on rooting. Rhizome divisions of larger size produced plants with the best growth characteristics and propagation potential. Plants produced from the rhizome divisions of small size didn’t flower, but showed high bud production efficiency. Rhizome divisions of spring significantly produced plants of bigger size, with better growth characteristics, than plants produced from divisions of summer and autumn. When treated with different concentrations of IBA, single-bud divisions without roots, rooted successfully; however, rooting and survival rate was significantly higher at IBA concentration of 800 ppm as compared to other two IBA concentrations. The present study indicates that small size divisions can be used in nurseries to produce more plants from a smaller number of mother stock, while large size divisions can be used to produce and cultivate mature plants. Though division of Epimedium elatum rhizomes can be undertaken at any time of the growing season, spring is the best season.