Standardisation of propagation through stem cuttings in Celastrus paniculatus Willd, a threatened medicinal plant

Celastrus paniculatus is one of the red listed medicinal plant species belonging to the family Celastraceae. Traditional propagation techniques cannot cater to large-scale planting stock production of this valuable species due to poor seed set and seed germination hence, the vegetative propagation has to be resorted. Present investigation was carried out to standardize the vegetative propagation protocol of C. paniculatus through stem cuttings with growth regulators in different season. The anatomical, physiological and biochemical changes of the sprouted cuttings were also analysed. The adventitious rhizogenesis of C. paniculatus stem cuttings was influenced by type of cutting, season of collection, type of growth regulator and its concentration. Semi hardwood cuttings collected during season III treated with 8000 mg l⁻¹ IBA recorded over 80% rooting. Hence, we recommend this treatment combination for the large scale planting production of C. paniculatus. Anatomical studies on the sprouted cuttings treated with different growth regulator did not show any significant differences, whereas physiological and biochemical parameters of sprouted cuttings varied due to growth regulator application.