Abstract

A simple but unique protocol was developed for root production and clonal propagation of Piper longum L. (pippali), an important medicinal plant of India. Roots and shoots were induced in apical and basal petiolar halves of leaf using auxins. Average root number, root length and survival of rooted leaf cuttings were not significantly affected by type of auxin and leaf cuttings. Highest number of roots (13.40), root length (9.65 cm), rooting behaviour (91.69%) and survival of rooted cuttings (83.33%) were recorded in petiolar leaf cuttings treated with indole 3-butyric acid (IBA)/naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (1000 ppm each). The petiolar leaf cuttings treated with IBA/NAA showed significantly higher percentage of shooting (83.33). The shoot number (2.0 per cutting) was also significantly highest in IBA/NAA treated leaf cuttings. Pippali can be regenerated via leaf-cuttings, either without hormone treatment, or for better results by using low concentrations of IBA or combination of IBA and NAA hormones. Production of planting material using leaf can substitute traditional propagules such as sucker, vine cutting, etc.

Key words: Auxins, indole 3-butyric acid (IBA), medicinal plants, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), vegetative propagation.