Comparative Analysis for Propagation of Crocus sativus Through Plant Tissue Culture and Hydroponics

By : Bhumika Bharoliya , Farzin M. Parabia

Page No: 334-338

Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a valuable geophyte plant and one of the most expensive spices in the world. In this study, two propagation techniques are used: plant tissue culture and hydroponics for vegetative propagation of Crocus sativus (Corms used) under controlled conditions. The study’s purpose is to compare and identify which propagation method will cover current and future demand with good yield, low cost and time. In plant tissue culture method, corm segments were cultured on MS media supplemented with various concentration of plant growth regulators. 60 tubes were inoculated and maintained at 20 °C with 16h light and 8h dark period. In hydroponics methods, saffron corm was inoculated in cocopeat and placed inside the plant tissue culture room at 19.5°C 16h light and 8h dark and at 47% room temperature. Using both techniques, the plant tissue culture approach revealed 15 (25%) tubes out of 60 showed germination and via the hydroponics method 11 corms (91.66%) showed single shoot germination with flowering (8.33%) after 7 weeks. It was concluded that hydroponic method is more practical for the saffron production in term of production, labor work, cost and time when compared to plant tissue culture technique.

Authors:
Bhumika Bharoliya : Ph.D Scholar, Department of Bioscience and Shree Bapalal Vaidhya Botanical Research Center, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Gujarat, India.
Farzin M. Parabia : Associate Professor, Department of Bioscience and Shree Bapalal Vaidhya Botanical Research Center, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Gujarat, India.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPSR.2024.40.02.14