GERMPLASM CHARACTERIZATION AND PROPAGATION STUDIES IN MADHUNASHINI [Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Schult.]
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Date
2022-11-28
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College of Horticulture, Mudigere, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticulture Sciences, Iruvakki, Shivamogga
Abstract
Madhunashini [Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Schult.] is a highly valued medicinal crop for its anti-diabetic and immense therapeutic properties. The current investigation was carried out at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, to characterize 35 accessions of Madhunashini for morphological traits and active bio-component ‘gymnemagenin'. Morphologically, the accessions were characterised for nine quantitative and eight qualitative traits. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used for the characterization and quantification of the gymnemagenin content. Wide morphological and biochemical variations were observed between the 35 accessions studied. Higher magnitude of GCV and PCV (>20 %) accompanied by higher heritability (> 60 %) and genetic advance over mean (> 20 %) were recorded for fresh and dry leaf yield per plant and gymnemagenin content which indicated predominance of additive gene action for these traits and hence direct selection would be more effective in improving these traits. The correlation and path analysis studies revealed that, fresh leaf yield per plant and gymnemagenin content among the accessions shall be considered for selecting superior genotypes with better quality attributes. The accessions IIHR- GS-9, IIHR-GS-25, IIHR-GS-37 and IIHR-GS-44 performed better for growth, yield and quality traits. These promising accessions can be further deployed in future crop improvement programs for promoting cultivation and commercialization. Further, standardization of the propagation method in Madhunashini to produce quality planting materials was carried out. The effect of different types of cuttings, growth regulators and their combinations on the shooting and rooting behaviour revealed that the basal cuttings pre-treated with a combination of IBA @ 750 ppm + NAA @ 250 ppm exhibited early sprouting, more leaves per cutting, higher root length, maximum sprouting and rooting per cent and maximum fresh and dry weight of both roots and sprouts. The results of the research are useful in the identification of elite genotypes, promotion of its cultivation and conservation of the endangered medicinal plant in its natural habitat.