Propagation of Acorus gramineus from Seeds and In vitro Culture

Rhizomes of Acorus gramineus Soland have been used as sedatives, analgesics, and stomachics in Korean medicine. Even though A. gramineus produced in Korea is known as having better efficacy of a remedy than that in China, its cultivation area has not increased because of the lack of seedlings. To solve this problem, seed propagation method was tested. Seeds were harvested and sowed three times in June, 2005. The best results showed at greenish yellow seed stage harvested in mid June, and its germination ratio was 90.7%. Seeds were well stored at for 30 days. As for in vitro culture, multiple shoots were induced first in MS basal medium supplemented with NAA plus BA, and then roots were induced in MS basal medium containing BA or NAA plus BA. Growth of A. gramineus seedlings in Wonyesangto, potting material sold in markets for horticultural plants, was superior to vermiculite.