Effect of preplanting water dip treatments on sprouting and yield attributes of Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth

Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth is an endangered, high value, perennial medicinal plant which is generally propagated through stolon cuttings. However, rooting of cutting is affected by several factors like portion of cutting and pre-planting treatments etc. Studies were undertaken during 2005 to 2007 to standardize portion of stolon and pre-planting water dip treatments to achieve better sprouting, survival and yield. It was observed that top portion of stolon cuttings should be preferred over middle and basal potion for maximum sprouting and rootstock yield. Water dip for 36–60 hours to top portion of stolon cutting performed better and gave higher growth and yield.