Advances in propagation and conservation of medicinal species: A review
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Authors
KHARAT TAI DADA
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411 007, India
Keywords:
Conservation, Dormancy, In vitro micro-propagation, Tissue cultureAbstract
As many medicinal species are on the verge of extinction from their natural habitats, due to global climatic change, over-exploitation, anthropogenic activities, destructive harvesting, natural calamities, low seed viability, pests and diseases etc. Hence, there is an urgent need for conservation of medicinal plants. This review examined the propagation of medicinal plants through sexual (seed), vegetative (stem and root cuttings), and in vitro micro-propagation methods. Considering this the current review reported that root and stem cutting treated with different plant growth regulators is the most effective practices for propagation of medicinal plants. 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 commercialisation of endangered medicinal plant species.
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