Study on the Seed Germination and Rapid Propagation Technology of Calotropis gigantea

PurposeThis study focused on the germination and tissue culture of Calotropis gigantea and aims to make it germination and propagation rapidly.

MethodThe seeds were quickly germinated in mechanical treatment, and rapid propagation technology was studied by taking stem with buds of aseptic seedling as explants, and different basic media and plant growth regulators were tested.

ResultThe seed germination of C. gigantea was not homogeneous because of the physical dormancy. The germination rate was 98% and the germination index was 29.6 after mechanical treatment. Compared with control group, their germination rate and index of the test material increased by 24% and 21, respectively. We found the ideal rapid propagation medium for explant bud was MS+2.0 mg/L 6-BA, and the average number of induced buds was 4.9 and the frequency of shoot induction was 100%. Whereas the optimal medium for root induction was WPM+0.15 mg/L IBA, and root frequency was up to 100%, and every explant had 11.6 roots. The survival rate of rooted saplings was up to 90% when using WPM as the basic culture medium. The survival rate increased by 30% compared with the rooted saplings which used 1/2 MS as basic culture medium.

ConclusionThis study identified the suitable seed germination method and the establishment of the rapid propagation system, which in turn provided the theoretical basis and technical guidance for the large propagation of the plant material in the short term.