Development of ex-situ conservation protocol of Ceylon gooseberry [Dovyalis hebecarpa (Gardner) Warb.]

Abstract

Ex-situ conservation techniques are used effectively to preserve many threatened plant species including Ceylon gooseberry from imminent extinction. The present study was conducted to evaluate an integrated conservation approach which includes seed treatments, seedling establishment and rooting of stem cuttings of Ceylon gooseberry (Dovyalis hebecarpa). Three experiments were set up at the Faculty of Agriculture University of Ruhuna from September 2020 to January 2021. Six seed treatments (seed clipping, cold water soak, hot water treatment, rubbing with fine sand, wood ash, and sandpaper) were used to induce germination of seeds. Germination percentage and germination time were significantly different among treatments. The highest final germination percentage (53%) was recorded when seeds were clipped. The best potting mixture for the seedling growth was observed as topsoil: sand: coir-dust: compost, 1:1:1:2 ratio having 60% seedling survival rate. The commercially available PGR and Aloe vera gel were used to induce rooting in semi-hardwood cuttings. Total root length, number of roots, germination percentage, root and shoot vigour were significantly different among treatments. Ceylon gooseberry seedlings and rooted cuttings could be produced in large scale and establish in the field by adopting the propagation protocol developed in the present study.