Optimization of adventitious root induction from stem cuttings of medicinally important Leptadenia species through aeroponics for mass clonal propagation

The present investigation was focused on mass clonal propagation of Leptadenia pyrotechnica and Leptadenia reticulata using the aeroponic technique. These multipurpose plants, belonging to the family Apocynaceae, have immense medicinal properties. The shoot cuttings were treated with various concentrations (50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 mg L⁻¹) of IBA and NOA for different treatment times (5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 min). IBA was found to be more effective in promoting adventitious root development compared to NOA. For L. pyrotechnica, stem cuttings treated with 500 mg L⁻¹ IBA for 30 min responded up to 78.67 ± 1.54 percent and produced 22.00 ± 2.00 roots per cutting. In the case of L. reticulata, the maximum response rate was 98.67 ± 1.53 percent with the treatment of IBA 100 mg L⁻¹ for 30 min, and the highest root production was 62.67 ± 6.03 number of roots per cuttings with 200 mg L⁻¹ IBA for 15 min. The rooted cuttings transferred to the soil polybags were successfully hardened in the greenhouse, achieving a hundred percent survival rate. This standardized protocol could be a useful means of mass clonal propagation of these species, highlighting their potential applications.