Production Of Planting Material Research Articles

Improving the efficacy of potato clonal micropropagation by inoculation with the rhizosphere bacteria Azospirillum baldaniorum Sp245 and Ochrobactrum cytisi IPA7.2.

Sustainable development of agriculture depends on the provision of quality seeds to the market. Inoculation with plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria in in vitro culture can be used to improve the growth eff icacy and performance of microplants. We examined the effect of in vitro inoculation of microplants of the cultivars Nevsky and Kondor with the strains Azospirillum baldaniorum Sp245 and Ochrobactrum cytisi IPA7.2 separately and in combination. We examined the morphological variables of plant growth in in vitro culture and under ex vitro adaptation conditions; we also investigated the growth and performance of the plants in the greenhouse. The dependence of the inoculation eff icacy on potato genotype, growth stage, and inoculum composition was ascertained throughout the experiment. In vitro, A. baldaniorum Sp245 alone and in combination with O. cytisi IPA7.2 promoted the formation of roots on the microplants of both cultivars and the growth of Nevsky shoots. During plant growth ex vitro, all growth variables of the Nevsky microplants were promoted by O. cytisi IPA7.2 alone and in combination with A. baldaniorum Sp245. In both cultivars grown in the greenhouse, shoot growth was promoted in most inoculation treatments. The survival ability of the Nevsky microplants in the greenhouse increased 1.7-fold under the effect of simultaneous inoculation. Inoculation of microplants with a combination of A. baldaniorum Sp245 and O. cytisi IPA7.2 increased the number of Nevsky minitubers 1.5-fold and the number of Kondor minitubers 3.5-fold. Inoculation with the tested strains can be used to promote the growth of microplants and increase the yield of minitubers in potato seed breeding for the production of healthy planting material.

Biology and biotechnological aspect of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.): a commercially important tuber crop

This review highlights the economic importance of sweet potato and discusses new varieties, agronomic and cultivation practices, pest and disease control efforts, plant tissue culture protocols, and unexplored research areas involving this plant. Abstract Sweet potato is widely consumed in many countries around the world, including India, South Africa and China. Due to its valuable nutritional composition and highly beneficial bioactive compounds, sweet potato is considered a major tuber crop in India. Based on the volume of production, this plant ranks seventh in the world among all food crops. Sweet potato is considered a "Superfood" by the 'Centre for Science in the Public Interest' (CSPI), USA. This plant is mostly propagated through vegetative propagation using vine cuttings or tubers. However, this process is costly, labour-intensive, and comparatively slow. Conventional propagation methods are not able to supply sufficient disease-free planting materials to farmers to sustain steady tuber production. Therefore, there is an urgent need to use various biotechnological approaches, such as cell, tissue, and organ culture, for the large-scale production of healthy and disease-free planting material for commercial purposes throughout the year. In the last five decades, a number of tissue culture protocols have been developed for the production of in vitro plants through meristem culture, direct adventitious organogenesis, callus culture and somatic embryogenesis. Moreover, little research has been done on synthetic seed technology for the in vitro conservation and propagation of sweet potato. The current review comprehensively describes the biology, i.e., plant phenotypic description, vegetative growth, agronomy and cultivation, pests and diseases, varieties, and conventional methods of propagation, as well as biotechnological implementation, of this tuber crop. Furthermore, the explored and unexplored areas of research in sweet potato using biotechnological approaches have been reviewed.

Phyllanthus amarus shoot cultures as a source of biologically active lignans: the influence of selected plant growth regulators

This is the first comprehensive study of the influence of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on the development of shoots and accumulation of biologically active lignans—phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin, in the shoot culture of P. amarus Schum. & Thonn. (Euphorbiaceae) obtained by direct organogenesis. The following PGRs were included in the experiments—cytokinins: kinetin (Kin), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP), 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl)urea, thidiazuron (TDZ) and auxin, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and used at various concentrations. Depending on PGRs and their concentrations, differences in the culture response and lignan accumulation were observed. The highest content of the investigated compounds was found in the shoot culture grown on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with Kin 0.25 mg/L. The sum of phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin was ~ 10 mg/g of dry weight (DW), which was similar or even higher than that in the plant material obtained from natural conditions. The results of the research provide new data on the selection of the optimal growth medium for the production of plant material with a significant level of phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin biosynthesis. The obtained data may also be valuable in designing systems for large-scale cultivation of P. amarus shoots with high productivity of hepatoprotective lignans.

Combining air-layering and stem cutting techniques to optimize the production of quality planting materials for agroforestry tree species: a case study of Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. (Burseraceae)

ABSTRACT Using Canarium schweinfurthii as biological model, the present study evaluated the potential of combining air-layering and stem cutting techniques to optimize the production of agroforestry trees’ propagules. Three substrates and five concentrations of indole butyric acid (IBA) were tested for their effects on the rooting of air-layers. Stockplants were raised from air-layered propagules and used for stem cutting trial. Three levels of stockplant irradiance and five IBA concentrations were tested for their effects on the rooting of stem cuttings. Results showed that the combination of Sawdust substrate and 5 g/l IBA resulted in highest percentage of rooted layers (79.3 ± 7.6%) and highest number of roots per rooted layer (34.9 ± 0.7). Sawdust recorded the lowest layers’ mortality rate (6 ± 1.9%). Alive cuttings sprouted and rooted at 100%. The lowest mortality rates of cuttings (14 ± 4.8%) and the highest number of roots per rooted cutting (25.5 ± 0.1) were recorded with 10 g/l IBA × 50% ambient sunlight treatment combination. Using air-layered propagules for stockplant production could make it easy to achieve stockplant management practices like shading. Combining air-layering and stem cutting techniques enhanced the multiplication rate of propagules. This provides valuable insights for tree domestication practices worldwide.

Using benzyl adenine or coconut water to induce taro sucker and stolon production for increased planting material propagation

This study evaluated the effect of coconut water and benzyl adenine on the stimulation of corms for stolon and sucker production for increased planting material production. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used. There were four levels of benzyl adenine (BA): 5 mg L-1/plant, 1.0 mg L-1/plant, 1.5 mg L-1/plant and zero treatment as control; four levels of coconut water (CO): 10 ml/plant; 15 ml/plant; 20 ml/plant and zero treatment as control and two taro varieties; BLSM 80 and BLSM 16. Results showed that the appropriate level of benzyl adenine required for inducing more stolon and sucker production was 1.5 mgL-1. Optimum levels of coconut water required was 15 ml. A multiplication ratio of 1:15 and 1:16 suckers and stolons for CO and BA treatments, respectively was achieved. Planting the suckers in three cycles in a year, a potential of 3,375 or 4,096 stolons and suckers could be generated when the taro is treated with either CO or BA respectively. Benzyl adenine or coconut water can be used to induce many stolons and suckers to generate more planting materials. Farmers who cannot obtain commercially made benzyl adenine can use coconut water for the process.

In vitro study of virus new strain JLCuGV infected nodal explants and production of planting material through meristem culture from virus-infected Jatropha curcas plants

Abstract Jatropha curcas is an important biodiesel plant as its seed contains 27–40% oil. The virus infection causes adverse effects on plant growth, and yield. The present study was carried out to develop plantlets from virus-infected plants using meristematic cultures. Cultures were also raised using nodal explant to figure out culture loss caused by the new strain of Jatropha leaf curl Gujarat virus (JLCuGV). Poor (48.3 ± 15.1 %) shoot bud induction was noted in virus-infected explants on MS medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Severe culture loss was noted upon subsequent sub-cultures of nodal explants. Apical meristem (MC) developed the highest (86.3 ± 12.5 %) shoot bud induction on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L Thidiazuron (TDZ). Best results in shoot proliferation and elongation were achieved on 1.0 mg/L BAP, 1.5 mg/L IAA and 0.5 mg/L Gibberellic acid (GA3) containing medium with 9.9 ± 1.7 number of shoot buds of 5.2 ± 0.5 cm shoot length. It was interesting to note that the rooting percentage was not affected by virus infection. Shoots obtained from virus-infected and meristem cultures rooted well without any significant difference in rooting percentage. It was known by the study that the generation of planting material from virus-infected plants was possible with meristem explants but recalcitrant with nodal explants.

Techno-economy Analysis of Shallot Seedling Production form TSS (True Shallot Seed) with LCAC (Low Cost Aeroponic Chamber) Technology

The decline in the productivity of shallots occurred in almost all areas of shallot production centres in Indonesia. One of the factors in the decline in productivity is that farmers are still dependent on tuber seeds that are produced by themselves from generation to generation without any risk of carrying degenerative diseases from previous shallots. Another problem is that the cost of providing seeds is quite high, reaching 40% of the total production cost, with an average requirement of 1-1.5 tons/hectare. Planting shallots using TSS (True Shallot Seed) is an alternative solution, in terms of seed requirements, only 3-5 kg/ha is needed. However, an initial activity is needed in the form of the production of shallot planting material before it is transferred to the land. This study aims to conduct a technoeconomic analysis of shallot planting material production from TSS with LCAC (Low Cost Aeroponic Chamber) technology. Techno-economic analysis is carried out by calculating the basic costs for producing shallot seeds, and economic analysis related to NPV, IRR, Net BC Ratio and Payback Period. This study uses a scenario design of production scales of 200, 500, 1000 trays, and 1 million seeds on a production schedule of 3 cycles per year and 6 cycles per year. The NPV calculation yields profits ranging from 4,750,650 - 822,448,953 IDR, IRR 9.87 - 65.40% above the discount rate used of 6%. Net B/C ratio 1.12 - 2.24 and initial investment will return to investors in the range of 5.23 to 1.28 years after production starts.

English

An efficient callus-mediated regeneration system was developed for high-frequency production of planting material of sugarcane genotypes LSC and B36464. Spindle leaf segments cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with 2,4-D or picloram at 1, 2, 3 or 4 mg/L resulted in callus induction. Callus induction was higher on 2,4-D amended medium compared to picloram. Nevertheless, for both auxins, callus induction improved significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with increasing concentration; the highest (82 and 82.5% for B36464 and LSC respectively) was achieved at 4 mg/L. For shoot induction, calli were transferred to MS medium supplemented with BAP (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mg/L). The highest number of shoots (18.13 and 16.75 for B36464 and LSC respectively) was achieved at 1.5 mg/L. Serial subculture at four-week intervals on a higher concentration of BAP (2.5 mg/L), in combination with NAA (0.5 mg/L) and GA3 (0.5 mg/L), resulted in a four-fold increase in shoot number within 16 weeks. On this medium, 40% of shoot clusters of B36464 formed well-defined shoots. On MS medium containing solely NAA (3 mg/L), 88 and 72% (B36464 and LSC respectively) formed roots. Post-flask acclimatisation of the plantlets led to 85 and 91% survival rates in LSC and B36464 respectively after which plantlets were successfully transferred to field conditions. The callus-mediated regeneration system reported in this study has the potential to sustainably provide sugarcane planting material for the emerging sugar industry in Ghana.   Key words: Sugarcane, spindle leaf explants, callus-mediated organogenesis, plantlet regeneration, 2,4-D, Picloram.

Micropropagation of Vaccinium corymbosum L.: An Alternative Procedure for the Production of Secondary Metabolites

In vitro culture has become a dependable approach for the mass production of plant material as the market for innovative plant-derived medicinal approaches has grown significantly. Furthermore, because it permits manipulation of biosynthetic routes to boost the production and accumulation of certain compounds, this technology has enormous potential for the manufacture of natural bioactive chemicals. As a result, the goal of this study was to develop an efficient micropropagation system for biomass production and to investigate the accumulation of bioactive compounds from Vaccinium corymbosum L., Duke and Hortblue Petite cultivars. Two in vitro plant tissue culture systems were used for shoots production: a solid medium (5 g/L Plant agar) and liquid medium (Plantform bioreactor). The culture medium used was Woddy Plant Medium (WPM) supplemented with two growth regulators: 0.5 mg/L and 1 mg/L zeatina (Z) and 5 mg/L N6-(2-Isopentenyl) adenine (2iP). The content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and chlorophylls of the in vitro shoot extracts were examined via the HPLC-DAD-MS/MS technique. The results showed that cv. Hortblue Petite produced a higher amount of biomass compared with cv. Duke, on all variants of culture media in both systems (solid and liquid), while the shoots extract of the Duke variety in the liquid culture system (under all concentrations of growth regulators) had the highest content of total phenolic compounds (16,665.61 ± 424.93 μg/g). In the case of the lipophilic compounds analysed (chlorophylls and carotenoids), the solid medium reported the highest values, whereas media supplemented with 0.5 mg/L Z was proved to have the richest total content for both cultivars.

Performance Evaluation and Correlation Coefficient Studies in Dek Tree

Twenty five plus trees of dek were selected from agro-climatic regions of Haryana, Punjab and Uttrakhand. The plus trees were selected on the basis of the different characters of economic importance viz. straightness, clear bole height, self-pruning ability, acute branch angle etc. Among all the plus trees the maximum tree height was observed in MC21 (17.9 m) whereas, the minimum in MC3 (6.5 m). The girth at breast height (gbh) of the selected plus trees varied from 60.9 to 180.8 cm and clear bole height was recorded highest from MC-21 closely followed by MC-13. The correlation among morphological traits of selected plus trees exhibited that clear bole height had positive and highly significant association with the tree height (r = 0.941) closely followed by crown spread (N-S direction) (r = 0.910). At the age of six months, progeny from MC-18 showed maximum shoot length (98.59 cm) followed by MC-16 and MC- 17 progenies. However, the highest root length was observed in the progenies from MC12 (20.84 cm) closely followed by MC-22 (20.46 cm) and MC13 (20.06 cm) progenies. The highest collar diameter was observed in progeny MC17 (13.73 mm) and lowest in MC5 (4.89 mm). The significant variation in growth attributes of progenies of selected plus tees at juvenile stage may be exploited for subsequent breeding programme and establishment of seed orchard for production of quality planting material of this versatile tree species.

VARIABILIDAD GENÉTICA DE AISLADOS DE PRSV-p DE PAPAYO EN LA ZONA CENTRO DEL ESTADO DE VERACRUZ, MÉXIC

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The <em>Potyvirus Papaya ringspot virus </em>type P (PRSV-p) causes the papaya (<em>Carica papaya </em>L.) ringspot disease, which causes damage to the plantations of this crop. In regions where there is movement of plant material and continuous production processes, there is greater genetic variability of this virus; such is the case of the State of Veracruz, Mexico, one of the main papaya producers in the country. <strong>Objective: </strong>To analyze the genetic variability of isolates of PRSV-p, present in commercial papaya plantations in the central zone of the State of Veracruz. <strong>Methodology: </strong>Leaves with differential symptoms of the disease were collected. The capsid protein (CP) coding region was amplified by RT-PCR to confirm the identity of the virus.<strong> </strong>The sequences obtained were analyzed, aligned and a phylogenetic tree was obtained. <strong>Results: </strong>The presence of PRSV-p was confirmed by RT-PCR. Through sequence analysis, high diversity was observed in the first 50 amino acids encoded in the N-terminal region of CP. In the phylogenetic tree, three viral genetic groups were obtained. The largest conserved sites of interest (even the WCIEN box and QMKAAA) were found near the C-terminal region of the CP.<strong> </strong>100% homology was observed in the central and C-terminal region of the Ver75Co isolate, with respect to the consensus sequence<strong>.</strong> <strong>Implications: </strong>The results show the genetic diversity of the virus in the central zone of the state of Veracruz, which will allow genetic modifications to improve resistance in papaya plants. <strong>Conclusions: </strong>There is genetic variability of PRSV-p in Veracruz, there are conserved sites of interest (WCIEN and QMKAAA) and changes in the N-terminal region, which includes the EK repetitive region and the DAG codon. These changes may be a genetic characteristic of the virus for adaptation. The Ver75Co isolate may be the point of change that gives rise to the other isolates of this work. The phylogenetic tree shows a single genetic group of the virus, which is distributed in three different clades.</p>

One-step in vitro protocol for clonal propagation of Dendrobium Yuki White, a high value ornamental orchid hybrid

A novel and accelerated one-step protocol for complete in vitro mass propagation of Dendrobium Yuki White was optimized for the first time. Rapid shoot-root initiation and multiplication was simultaneously achieved from apical shoot segment explants on Murashige and Skoog basal medium fortified with 0.5 mg L−1 N6-benzyladenine (BA), 0.1 mg L−1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid, along with 40 mg L−1 adenine sulphate as an additive. Maximum number of shoots per explant (12) was obtained within eight weeks of culture. Maximum number of root induction (17) and elongation (6.5 cm) were recorded within this period. On the other hand, the matrix plot, network plot, and principal component analyses illustrated the association of auxin-cytokinin and the multiple growth attributes under study. In a simple acclimatization procedure, involving primary acclimatization in charcoal blocks for six weeks, and followed by a combination of coconut fibre and charcoal (1:1; v v−1) with intermittent water spraying ensured 97% survival rate in the next ten weeks. Based on the comprehensive information developed in this study, this protocol should be of immense importance for large-scale production of planting materials as well as for exploring the possible comparative roles of the auxin-cytokinin combinations used in this study.

The growing peculiarities of pear tree planting material in conditions of Her-Her community of Vayots Dzor region

The current work pursues production goals, particularly from the prospect of expansion of pear tree nurseries. In our republic the great part of pear tree nurseries dries out due to the bacterial leaf blight, improper selection of rootstock and scion (grafter) varieties, as well as to the random selection of rootstocks. Analyses on the planting stock quality have been conducted during the work implementation in the nursery farm of Herher community considering the inosculation results of various rootstocks. Application of different rootstocks in the nursery farms promotes the establishment of saplings with high survival rate and productivity. It is impossible to develop the branch of horticulture in the Republic of Armenia without the operation of nuresery farm system and sustainable production of healthy, purebred, reliable and high quality planting material. It is relevant to use the seed plants of Willow-leaf pear tree and quince tree rootstock for the pear tree varieties investigated by our research group. Propagation via shrubs has been singled out as an efficient method for clonal rootstock propagation.

Effect of light quality on the growth and main chemical composition of Bletilla striata

This study aimed to investigate the effects of light quality on the morphological traits, photosynthetic pigment content, protective enzyme (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) activity, and bioactive compound (BSP, total phenol, and militarine) content in Bletilla striata. Plants of B. striata were grown under light filtered through three differently colored films. The treatments were red film (RF), yellow film (YF), and blue film (BF), and an uncovered treatment was included as a control (CK). Compared with the B. striata plants in the RF, YF, and CK treatment groups, those receiving BF treatment showed significantly promoted growth of the aerial parts. Meanwhile, the total phenol and militarine contents in B. striata tubers were increased without affecting the accumulation of B. striata polysaccharides. These results show that growing B. striata plants under blue film could be a useful technique to improve quality and production. This technique is conducive to achieving large-scale sustainable production of high-quality plant materials.

Effect of graded levels of NPK on growth and leaf nutrient content of apple (Malus × domestica) nursery plants

An experiment was conducted during 2017–18 to study the effect of different N, P and K doses on vegetative growth and leaf nutrient content of apple nursery plants of cultivar Starking Delicious and to find out the optimum dose of nutrients for production of healthy planting material for Merton 793 rootstock. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design comprising 12 combinations of N, P2O5 and K2O {3 levels of N (12, 15 and 18 g/m2 nursery bed), 2 levels of P (3 and 6 g/m2 nursery bed) and 2 levels of K (4.5 and 9 g/m2 nursery bed)}, Jeevamrut and control. The results revealed that maximum linear growth of plant, number of leaves, leaf area, length of main root, total root length, fresh and dry weight of roots, leaf P, Mg and Ca contents were recorded in the plants fertilized with NPK @18:6:4.5 g/m2. However, radial growth of plant, internodal length, fresh and dry weight of shoots, total biomass, leaf N and K were highest in the plants treated with NPK @18:6:9 g/m2 nursery bed. NPK @18:6:4.5 g/m2 nursery bed and NPK @18:6:9 g/m2 nursery bed were found statistically at par with each other with respect to plant growth and leaf nutrients. Thus, nursery bed with 18.0 g N, 6.0 g P and 4.5 g K per m2 was found most suitable for production of quality nursery plants of apple plantlets on Merton 793 clonal rootstock.

The Conservation and Restoration of Riparian Forests along Caribbean Riverbanks Using Legume Trees

In the actual context of global change and biodiversity depletion, soil bioengineering represents an important tool for riparian ecosystem restoration and species conservation. Various techniques have already been implemented, but their adaptation still must be carried out in Caribbean Islands biodiversity hotspots, where suitable species remains unknown. Nitrogen-fixing legumes are particularly relevant for ecological restoration and the diversity of native Caribbean legume trees is promising in the search for suitable species for soil bioengineering. We hypothesized that Caribbean legume tree species present a growth performance and set of biotechnical traits compatible with their use in soil bioengineering. We selected five native legume trees, adapted to riparian environments, in different ecosystems (swamp forest, evergreen seasonal forest, rainforest) based on their ecology, resistance to disturbance and seed production characteristics. We measured root traits relevant for soil bioengineering on nursery grown 3-month-old seedlings. Despite their differences in sensitivity to herbivory and in growth strategies, the selected species have a high potential for use in soil bioengineering, with high seed production, high germination rates—from 88 to 100%—, and 100% survival rates, and are therefore compatible with large scale plant material production. We provided practical guidance tools for their integration into soil bioengineering techniques.

Clean Citrus Planting Materials Production through Shoot tip Grafting and Biological Indexing

Huanglongbing (Citrus Greening) is the most devastating citrus disease caused by phloem-inhabiting bacteria carried by the insect vector, Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri). In Bhutan, the production and movement of citrus seedlings and new orchard establishment have been restricted after the Citrus Greening disease was detected in most citrus orchards. To address this problem, Agriculture Research and Development Centre-Wengkhar has initiated research on clean citrus propagation through shoot tip grafting. This study assessed the efficiency of shoot tip grafting for the production of clean planting materials. Sweet orange was used as an indicator plant to study disease transmission and symptom expression in some of the potential and released citrus varieties. A total of 15 plants, 3 plants of each cultivar (AREP-1, AREP-2, Aoshima, Wengkhar Tshelu-2 and Yoshida Ponkan) produced through shoot tip grafting were used for bio-indexing. The cultivars were grafted on indicator plants using different grafting techniques (T-budding, side grafting, wedge, and split grafting). A total of twenty-six samples with two samples per cultivar was sent to the National Plant Protection Centre for PCR analysis. The result of PCR showed negative result for Huanglongbing. Thus, shoot tip grafting could be one potential method for clean citrus planting material production.

Optimization of aerial node mediated emergence and field performance in lower altitude of a higher altitude specific endangered medicinal plant, Valeriana jatamansi Jones

A study was undertaken to develop a convenient, low cost, and an efficient technique for rapid propagation from aerial node of Valenaria jatamansi Jones directly in artificial soil formulations. The performance of aerial node mediated emergence was also evaluated in higher altitude (HA) as well as lower altitude (LA) to monitor the above and below ground growth parameters in a year in addition to active marker component analysis. The combination of supplemented artificial soil (SAS) having NPK, PSB and Tricoderma asperellum along with critical environment that initiated the high emergence as well as growth benefit at early time point (49 days). The two-node containing aerial cutting (wt.=0.580 ± 0.156g; emergence=87.383 ± 2.483%) showed maximum emergence as compared to one node containing aerial cutting (avg.=0.165 ± 0.016g; avg. emergence=63.883 ± 2.77). Concomitantly, injection of 2 μL of 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BA; 0.25 mg.lt-1) into an aerial node also enhanced early time point growth benefits like significantly higher number of root initiation. The 4-month-old plant produced around 10 additional aerial nodes that could be explored for next round planting material production and original plant will be directly transplanted into main field with more than 90% survival rate without additional acclimatization and hardening steps. Therefore, a continuous and exponential rate of mass clonal propagation could be achieved from one-time requirement of aerial nodes. The 235 days exposure in lower altitude environment produced a significantly higher number of leaves, larger petiole length, smaller leaf length and breadth as compared to natural habitat grown plant in higher altitude. The above ground mass and root production were significantly higher in LA environment as compared to HA environment, but not in total rhizome production with variation in marker active component. The present study developed for the first time a new plant emergence from aerial node in SAS. Hence, it was breakthrough that aerial node produced Quality Planting Material (QPM) directly. Hence, it will be easy to bypass the costly process like tissue culture for clonal propagation of V. jatamansi, an endangered medicinal plant.

Effect of growth regulators concentrations on in vitro multiplication of three elite sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Genotypes using shoot tip culture

Conventional vegetative propagation of sugarcane generally has low multiplication rate and allows distribution of diseases. Micropropagation is the only practical means of achieving rapid, large-scale production of disease-free quality planting material. Experiments on shoot tip culture initiation and shoot multiplication were laid out in completely randomized design with 2x3x3 and 4x5x3 factorial treatment arrangements respectively. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means were separated using Duncan's multiple range tests. With regard to shoot multiplication, genotype Q200 showed a maximum of 13.59 shoots per explant with 5.83cm shoot length on a medium fortified with 2 mg/l BAP alone, while genotype Q217 produced a maximum of 15.28 shoots per explant with 5.37cm mean shoot length on a medium supplied with 2.0 mg/l BAP and 0.25 mg/l kinetin. Likewise, Co-0238 produced a maximum of 13.56 shoots per explant with a mean shoot length 6.50 cm on medium fortified with 1.5 mg/l BAP + 0.5mg/l kinetin.

Impact of growth hormones on vegetative propagation of Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb.

Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. commonly identified as ‘rudraksha’, belonging to Elaeocarpaceae possess a great religious, spiritual and materialistic significance which is placed under the threatened category in the tropical wet evergreen forests of North East India. Because of its over-exploitation, poor germination, low viability rate and hard seed coat, an attempt has been done for mass production of planting materials through cuttings and air layering’s. Cuttings trials were conducted during three different periods, mid - March, mid – July and mid – November by using Indol butyric acid and Napthalene acetic acid of 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000 ppm where air layering’s were done during mid - May by treating IBA and NAA solution of 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm in combination with para-hydroxybenzoic acid of 2000 ppm as synergist. Application of IBA and NAA of different concentration did not encourage the growth in the cuttings in all three periods. Air layering’s treated with NAA 1000 ppm+2000ppm para- hydroxy benzoic acid and IBA 500 ppm +2000ppm para- hydroxy benzoic acid resulted the highest and same value of callusing and rooting percent (70 and 66.67%), respectively while minimum callusing and rooting percentage (56.67 and 51.67%) was recorded in control. The present study focused on the mass production of planting materials in shorter duration with a reasonable cost for enhancing production as well as socio-economic conditions.