Research Articles
Selection of suitable potting media for the propagation of Evolvulus alsinoides L. (slender dwarf morning glory) through seeds and stem cuttings
Authors:
Niluka Nakandalage ,
University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, LK
About Niluka
Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture
H. I. G. K. Anuruddi
University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya, LK
About H. I. G. K.
Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture
Abstract
Evolvulus alsinoides Linn (Vishnukranthi) is a multipurpose medicinal herb used to treat various ailments in traditional Ayurveda medicine. Less availability of quality planting materials exist as a major bottleneck for its commercial scale cultivation. Therefore, a series of experiments were undertaken to evaluate the most promising media for seed and vegetative propagation of Evolvulus alsinoides. Seed viability was tested by Tetrazolium test (TZ test). Suitable seed germination media was tested using seed trays filled with eight potting mixtures in a completely randomized design with five replicates. The effect of auxin (Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) at 3000 ppm) and rooting media on soft wood and semi hardwood cuttings of Evolvulus alsinoides was tested. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with a statistical analysis system at 5% significance level, and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. TZ test exhibited the seed viability percentage as 87%. Early and significantly (P≤0.05) higher seed germination (79%) was observed in the soil: sand (1:1) nursery media. Sand was the best media to propagate stem cuttings of E. alsinoides. The highest plant height of 20.3 cm was observed with IBA treated top wood cuttings. Semi hardwood cuttings treated with IAA reported the best performance in terms of number of leaves, number of branches, shoot dry weight, root dry weight and whole plant dry weight of E. alsinoides. Therefore, seed germination in soil: sand (1:1) media and semi hardwood cuttings established in sand media treated with 3000 ppm of IAA were most suitable for propagation of E. alsinoides in mass scale. Potential farmers could easily adopt these findings for cultivation of this valuable medicinal plant.
How to Cite:
Nakandalage, N. and Anuruddi, H.I.G.K., 2022. Selection of suitable potting media for the propagation of Evolvulus alsinoides L. (slender dwarf morning glory) through seeds and stem cuttings. AGRIEAST: Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 16(1), pp.14–24. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/agrieast.v16i1.108
Published on
18 Aug 2022.
Peer Reviewed
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