Vegetative propagation of Lisianthus genotypes through stem cuttings: a viable alternative to seed propagation

Lisianthus is a potential new flower crop that has been recently introduced in India. The propagation of lisianthus through seeds has emerged as a great challenge for its commercialization. In the present study we have explored the possibility of vegetative propagation of lisianthus crop through stem cuttings. The effect of different doses of growth regulators viz. Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA: 250&500 ppm) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA: 250&500 ppm) either alone or in combinations on rooting of stem cuttings was assessed in seven lisianthus genotypes. Treatment of lisianthus cuttings with 250 ppm IBA for 5 minutes induced the maximum rooting. The number of roots per cutting, root length and fresh and dry weight of the root was found maximum when the cuttings were treated with 250 ppm IBA for 5 minutes. The genotypes Echo Double Pink Picotee, Echo Double White and Echo Double Blue exhibited more than seventy percent rooting indicating the scope for their vegetative propagation. Among the different lisianthus genotypes, the maximum rooting was observed in Echo Double Pink Picotee. The maximum number of roots per cutting (11.6) and the maximum root length (7.9 cm) was observed in Echo Double Blue. When the lisianthus crop raised through rooted cuttings and seedling methods were compared, it was observed that the crop raised through rooted cuttings performed better than the seedling raised crop. The vegetative propagation through stem cuttings can be a viable alternative for the propagation of lisianthus.