Propagation Of Hippophae Salicifolia D.Don Through Air-Layering

Abstract

Hippophae salicifolia (Seabuckthorn) belongs to family Eleagnaceae. The plant is undergoing apocalyptic decline due to which it has been listed as a threatened species. Measures should be taken at an earliest to conserve this species. Natural Propagation through seeds and seed establishment is rare and problematic in this species. To overcome such problem, an attempt has been made to conserve this threatened plant species through Air-layering. Two auxins namely IBA (Indole Butyric acid) and IAA (Indole acetic acid) in different concentration were used in spring and rainy season to induce rooting in stem cuttings. IBA at 50 ppm in spring season showed maximum number of roots and root length as 9±1 and 7.92±1.22 cm respectively. In rainy season IBA at 50 ppm showed maximum number of roots 24±5.47 with root length 9.88±0.342 cm. Air-layered branched treated with IBA 50 ppm had shown maximum number of roots as well as root length in rainy season. The well rooted branches were transferred and planted to polybags for hardening. Present study showed vegetative propagation through Air-layering when propagation through seeds in nature is scare. This method is cost-effective with large scale production rate in relatively shorter period of time