Post-cultivation evaluation of germplasm in Himalayan threatened medicinal herbs: implication for ex-cultivation and conservation.

摘要

Seventeen high value Himalayan threatened medicinal plant species have been studied to evaluate post-cultivation propagation potential of their seeds and vegetative parts (rhizomes/roots/tubers). Propagules of the selected species collected from different nurseries/cultivation sites (Mohal: 1170 m; Kasol: 1600 m; Shat: 1800 m; Shilha: 2200 m; and Tindra: 2500 m) and wild habitats (1800-3300 m) in district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India, were used and compared. It was observed that propagation of the selected species can be done more conveniently through vegetative parts as compared to seeds. Moreover, seeds of high altitude species from cultivation showed better germination as compared to that of wild seeds, which indicates good adaptation of these species under ex-situ conditions, arousing their cultivation possibilities at relatively low altitudes. These results are suggested for implementation as baselines for selection of suitable cultivation sites, developing agrotechniques and conservation strategy for these threatened species.