Rooting of Stem Cuttings of <I>Cerbera manghas</I> (L.) and <I>Merope angulata</I> (Kurz) Swingle through Application of Growth Regulators: a Tool for Conservation of Endangered Mangroves

Abstract

Poor natural regeneration by seeds in Cerbera manghas and Merope angulata in Bhitarkanika Mangrove forest in Orissa has resulted these two species into endangered category. Vegetative propagation through rooting in stem cuttings of these two species have been tried under the regimes different growth regulators IAA, IBA, NAA and commercially available rooting powders, Rootex and Keradix in an improvised low cost poly house in the field conditions. It was observed that the hormones IAA 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, IBA 1000 ppm and NAA 500 ppm, 1000 ppm were found to be effective in inducing rooting in both the species. However, both the species, showed delayed rooting response Commercial rooting powders did not induce any rooting response in either of the species. Between the two species, C. manghas was seen to be better responding to rooting hormones as compared to M. angulata