Survival of Nardostachys Jatamansi DC. - An endangered medicinal herb at three different altitudes

Propagation of Nardostachys jatamansi through vegetative propagation as well as seedlings (60, 90 and 180 days old) transplantation methods was carried out for three consecutive growth seasons and survival percentage of transplanted plants was analyzed at three different altitudes, i.e. natural habitat (3600 m), middle altitude (2200 m) and lower altitude, (1800 m). Plant survival percentage varied with altitude and treatments and was minimum in 60 days old seedlings and maximum in vegetatively propagated plants under various treatments. Seedlings (90 and 180 days old) and vegetatively propagated plants showed better ability to survive as compared to 60 days old seedlings under similar treatments. No seedling mortality was recorded during third growth season at 2200 m and 3600 m, whereas total plant mortality was observed at 1800 m in all the treatments. Transplantation during the month of May in raised beds with farm yard manure (FYM) treatment at 3600 m and plain beds with FYM treatment at 2200 m are suitable for better survival of the species.