Ravinder Raina

Reproductive biology of Swertia chirayita – a temperate critically endangered medicinal plant

Swertia chirayita (family Gentianaceae), is a high-demand temperate pluri-annual critically endangered medicinal plant demanding immediate in situ and ex situ conservation efforts, for which understanding of its breeding behaviour, ploidy status, etc, is important. Pollination studies conducted reveal this species to be both self as well as cross compatible, as 91.60% fruit set in open pollination conditions, 87.60% under controlled xenogamy, 44.20% under geitonogamy and 34.80% under autogamy are obtained. The flower is protogynous and the stigma becomes receptive to pollen germination while still in bud condition, which would allow forced bud pollination for hybrid development. The species is genomic allotetraploid (2n = 26) with about 69% pollen stainable. Flowering and fruiting commence during August to November in its third year of growth, after which the whole plant dies.

New insights into the phenology, genetics and breeding system of critically endangered Nardostachys grandiflora DC

Abstract The critically endangered Nardostachys grandiflora DC is a highly renowned medicinal and aromatic plant of the Western Himalayan region, traditionally used in treating heart palpitations, convulsions, epilepsy and insomnia, as well as being a source of aromatic oil used as incense, flavoring agent and in quality perfumes. This species is on the verge of extinction due to over-exploitation and habitat destruction and needs immediate preventive measures. Despite being essential for domestication, there have been few studies of the natural variation, breeding and genetic system of this species possibly due to its remote location and sparse populations. The present study has revealed that N. grandiflora, which is restricted to specific ecological niches in high alpine regions 3000–5000 m asl, is under stress due to its infrequent flowering nature, which limits generation of new variation, although some intra-population variability with regard to lamina margin (dentate and wavy) and type of stigma (capitate and trilobed) were observed. This limited variability prevents the species from colonizing new niches, as it mostly multiplies through rhizome ramets. Several interesting features have also been revealed, e.g. presence of bicolpate, tricolpate, tetracolpate and pentacolpate pollen grains as well as isobilateral, decussate and tetrahedral types of tetrad within the same or in different flowers. This study also establishes a new diploid chromosome number (2n = 78), the plant’s genomic allohexaploidy, up to 58% cross pollination; protoandry, its infrequent flowering nature, a high pollen ovule ratio of 6135 ± 327.86 per flower and poor seed set.

Effect of hydropriming on seed germination parameters in different accessions of Withania somnifera

Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, is a commercially cultivated medicinal plant species having a consistent demand in pharmaceutical industries. Although propagated through seeds, there is always a scope for enhancement of seed germination capacity either through selection of accessions that have natural high seed germination rate or through some physiological interventions. We have examined the influence of hydropriming treatment on seed germination parameters that have revealed a positive correlation between hydropriming and higher germination rates.

Performance of Lepidium sativum (Asalio) under mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Seeds of Lepidium sativum Linn. (Family:- Brassicaceae) possess significant anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, coagulant, rubefacient, chemopreventive, chemotherapeutic, diuretics, aperients, aphrodisiac, febrifuge, antirheumatic, thermogenic, depurative, galactogogue, emmenagogue properties and also used in the treatment of asthma, pneumonia, diarrhoea, indigestion, dysentery and several other diseases. The seed oil is rich in alpha linolic acid as well as omega-3 fatty acid. The leaves are also used as a vegetable or salad. It is one of the few medicinal plant species that is under cultivation in many parts of the country. However, its performance under mid hill conditions is unknown. Studies conducted under mid hill have revealed that seed yield ranged from 1225–1611 kg/ha and seed oil yield from 260.55 to 367.79 kg/ha. Accession MLS-1007 was identified as a good yielder of aerial herbage as well as seed.

Studies on seed source variation and seedling vigour in Aconitum heterophyllum Wall.

Ex situ cultivation has been recommended as a conservation strategy in Aconitum heterophyllum (Ranunculaceae), endemic and critically endangered medicinal plant species in the Himalayas, Although sporadic reports of the species being capable of vegetative propagation are known, seeds are commonly used for cultivation as well as to produce large number of plants inexpensively. Present studies have demonstrated that seed source variation with regard to mean daily germination, peak value, germination value, germination percentage, germination energy index, mean germination time and speed of germination is prevalent in this species that can be exploited for getting good quality planting material. One wild and another domesticated population has been identif ied with maximum germination percentage as well as better seedlings.

Impact of gamma rays on amarogentin and amaroswerin content in M1 generation of Swertia chirayita (Roxb. Ex Fleming)H. Karst.

Amarogentin and amaroswerin are therapeutically most important bio-compounds present in medicinally important endangered temperate medicinal plant species, Swertia chirayita. In the absence of any known elite strains in S. chirayita so far, strains with enhanced biocompounds are needed as this species is under focus for large scale cultivation due to widespread demand for its raw material. Present studies have demonstrated the potential of gamma rays in enhancing these bio-compounds.