Pandey, S and Kushwaha , R and Bhattacharya, Amita and Prakash , Om and Ahuja, Paramvir Singh (2005) Ex situ conservation of Aconitum heterophyllum Wall.—an endangered medicinal plant of the Himalaya through mass propagation and its effect on growth and alkaloid content. Plant Genetic Resource, 3 (2). pp. 127-135.

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Abstract

The endangered alpine plant Aconitum heterophyllum was conserved under ex situ conditions (greenhouse and open) of Palampur by overcoming seed dormancy and plant establishment through hot water treatment (40–60 8C for 30–120 s) of seeds. High seed germination (88 and 76%) was obtained when seeds were treated with hot water at 45 and 50 8C for 90 s. Correlation studies also revealed that treatment enhanced vegetative growth and reproductive yield of the plants. The total alkaloid content of the roots and rhizomes of the plants growing under ex situ conditions was lower than the ones collected from the natural habitat in the 1-year-old plants. However, in the 2-year-old plants, it was almost at par with the ones collected from nature. The life cycle of the plants growing under ex situ conditions also did not vary largely from the plants growing under in situ conditions. Therefore, the present study indicates the successful adaptation of A. heterophyllum plants in conditions other than their natural habitat and hence its potential for sustainable commercialization.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	aconitin; Aconitum heterophyllum; ex situ conservation; hot water treatment of seeds; seed germination; seedling growth
Subjects:	Nutraceuticals
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Dr. Aparna Maitra Pati
Date Deposited:	02 Jan 2012 10:22
Last Modified:	02 Jan 2012 10:22
URI:	http://ihbt.csircentral.net/id/eprint/234

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