Advances in propagation and conservation of medicinal plant species: A review
187
Authors
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Tai Kharat
Regional cum Facilitation Centre-Western Region (National Medicinal Plant Board, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune , Maharashtra 411 007, India
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D N Mokat
Regional cum Facilitation Centre-Western Region (National Medicinal Plant Board, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune , Maharashtra 411 007, India
Keywords:
Conservation, Dormancy, Medicinal Plants, Propagation, Tissue cultureAbstract
Many medicinal plants are on the verge of extinction from their natural habitats, due to global climate change, over-exploitation, anthropogenic activities, destructive harvesting, natural calamities, low quality seed set, low seed viability, pests and diseases etc. Hence there is an urgent need for medicinal plants propagation and conservation. Considering this, the current review is written on propagation methods of medicinal plants. The finding revealed that root and stem cutting treated with different plant growth regulators was the most effective practice for propagation of medicinal plants. This review examines the propagation of medicinal plants through sexual (seed), vegetative (stem and root cuttings) and in vitro micropropagation methods. Application of plant growth regulators has been shown to significantly improve propagation efficiency: IBA (1000 ppm) achieved 86–96% rooting and establishment, NAA and IAA (500–2000 ppm) yielded 70–90% rooting success and GA₃ (200–1000 ppm) enhanced seed germination to 85–97%.
Promoting propagation and ex-situ conservation can help ensure sustainable supply, preserve genetic diversity and support commercialization of endangered medicinal plant species.
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