Abstract

A systematic investigation was undertaken to develop a suitable rooting material and technique for the vegetative multiplication of a newly bred hybrid strain of O. gratissimum (Clocimum). Of the three different types of cuttings, viz., current year young lateral shoots, tender stem cuttings from one year old branches, older stem cuttings from 2 or 3 years old branches, the current year young lateral shoots were found to be the best material for rooting in ‘Clocimum’. The cuttings were rooted in a specially made solar heated nursery beds. A large number of cuttings were raised during February and March and during this period there are some local rains in North West India which provides good humid field conditions required for transplanting. The solar heated nursery beds are also found to be suitable for rooting the cuttings of many medicinal, aromatic and horticultural plants.

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