STANDARDIZATION OF PROPAGATION THROUGH STEM CUTTINGS OF FIVE SALACIA SPECIES, IMPORTANT ANIDIABETIC MEDICINAL PLANTS OF WESTERN GHATS.

Studies on the standardizion of vegetative propagation protocols through stem cuttings with growth regulators for five species of Salacia L. viz S. brunoniana, S. malabarica, S. oblonga, S. gambleana and S. Fruticosa belonging to the family Celastraceae was carried out at Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur. Semi hard wood cuttings were treated with Indole Butyric Acid and Naphthalene Acetic Acid in different concentrations. Rooting response was measured after two weeks in the mist chamber. Variations were also observed in the establishment and root induction after five months of treatment according to the species and concentrations of Indole Butyric Acid. Among the treatments, cuttings treated with Indole Butyric Acid showed good results as far as rooting of the cuttings and establishment of rooted cuttings