Conventional Vegetative Propagation studies in Madhuca diplostemon (C.B.Clarke) P. Royen (Sapotaceae): A Critically Endangered and Endemic Iconic Tree of Kerala, SW. India

Preliminary vegetative propagation trials were carried out as part of the ex-situ conservation of Madhuca diplostemon, a critically endangered and endemic tree of Kerala (south-west India). Being a lone species seen only in a single fragile locality, four conventional propagation techniques viz. stem cuttings, air layering, softwood grafting, and approach grafting with nursery-raised seedlings were undertaken to save the species from extinction. Stem cuttings treated with the gel of Aloe vera achieved 100% rooting, compared to 70% in controls, and rooted earlier. Air layering was a complete success, yielding well-developed roots within 100 days in control. Both softwood and approach grafting into Madhuca neriifolia rootstocks yielded complete success. The study highlights the potential of vegetative propagation as an effective means for ex-situ conservation and mass multiplication of this imperilled species.