An Efficient Root Induction Protocol for Mass Propagation of Jasminum sambac L.: (Madurai Jasmine)

Abstract

Jasminum sambac L is an ornamental plant that produces white flowers with a very pleasant fragrance, extensively used in perfumery and religious purposes. Flowers and flower buds are used for making garlands, bouquets, hair adornments and religious offerings. Moreover flower oil used in cosmetics industry and the plant has a medicinal value. Since this plant is poorly set seeds and not respond well to other vegetative propagation methods developing a reliable propagation method for commercial production is timely important. Hence the present study was conducted to find out an efficient method for vegetative propagation of J. sambac using different concentrations (5-25 ppm ) of plant growth regulator; Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and distilled water as control. Semi hard wood cuttings of J. sambac were used for propagation in a hydrorooting system. The experiment was arranged as a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with nine replicates. The highest number of roots was observed in 25 ppm IAA but 15 and 20 ppm IAA did not show significant difference from 25 ppm. In all IAA treated cuttings, root initiation was observed 2 weeks after immersing in the solution where it was taken 8 weeks to initiate roots in control. The 25 ppm IAA showed the highest root length which was significantly higher than that of all other concentrations. In conclusion, 15, 20 and 25 ppm IAA concentrations were effective in inducing roots and 25 ppm IAA was effective in obtaining highest root length in semi hard wood cutting of J. sambac within 2 weeks in a hydro rooting system.