Propagation and conservation of Himalayan Yew (Taxus baccata L.) through air layering: A Simple Method of Clonal Propagation

Himalayan Yew ( Taxus baccata L. subsp. wallichiana (Zucc.) Pilg.) is a valuable medicinal plant of Hiamalayan region. Yew is used by Himalayan people by various ways like medicinal, timber and making drinks etc. Poor seed germination, slow growth rate and excessive harvesting of T. baccata from the forests, all along the Indian Himalayan Region are the main reason for regeneration failure of this species. In the present study role of some auxins, indol-3-butyric acid (IBA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) have been examined for their stimulatory effects on adventitious root formation in air layered shoots of this species. Various concentrations of auxins were applied by using soil paste and with cotton plug on girdled shoots of healthy plants in high altitude forests of Munsyari. The higher concentrations (1000µM) of IBA effectively resulted in rooting in air layered shoots, compared to no rooting in control. Clonal plants raised through this method were successfully established in situ (Native Habitat) as well as ex situ (Mist Chamber and garden) conditions.