Protocol for vegetative propagation of Trillium govanianum Wall ex D. Don

Trillium govanianum Wall ex D. Don (Melanthiaceae) is a perennial rhizomatous herb endemic to the Himalayas. The species has high commercial demand and is threatened in the Indian Himalayas. The potential of T. govanianum for ex situ regeneration (vegetative and in vitro propagation) was investigated. For vegetative propagation, whole rhizomes with incisions at apical portion, and apical, middle and distal sections of rhizomes were used. In vitro regeneration potential of the species was tested by using roots (R), rhizomes (RH), leaves (L), stems (S), shoot tips (ST) and complete shoot buds (CSB) as explants in MS medium/modified MS medium. The apical portions of the rhizomes were found capable of developing roots and buds. Middle and distal portion of the rhizomes did not respond; they were either rotted or did not show any growth. Multiple buds (2–4) and roots (2–5 each bud) were induced in the rhizomes given incisions at the apical portion. Of the different explants type tested for in vitro propagation; only ST and CSB were found capable of developing shoots and callus-like structures. The CSB (obtained from vegetative propagation) cultured on different media types developed complete plantlets. The maximum leaf area was recorded from the CSB cultured on ½ strength MS medium supplemented with 60 g/l sucrose, 1 % activated charcoal and BA (2.5 ppm). The present study offers first reliable propagation protocol of the species whereby two means of propagation i.e. vegetative propagation and tissue culture complement each other for the generation of a simple protocol.