Influence of propagules and growth regulators on the performance of underutilized spice - Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.)

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of propagules of spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L) as influenced by growth regulators in the Forestry Nursery of North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology during 2018 and 2019. Spiny coriander is an underutilized culinary spice; a medicinal and aromatic plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae. The study consisted of 14 treatments involving two levels of propagules like stem cuttings (S1) and suckers (S2) and seven levels of growth regulators namely Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) and Indole-3 Acetic Acid (IAA) [each at 0, 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm]. The results indicated that the treatment T9 involving sucker (S2 + IBA 500 ppm) was found better in terms of growth and it was comparable with T12 (S2 + IAA 500 ppm) during both years. Suckers treated with IBA 500 ppm and IAA 500 ppm showed significantly superior performance over the stem cuttings. It is concluded that suckers (7-10 cm) of Eryngium foetidum may be used as propagating material for commercial cultivation, as it is an easy, quick and economical method of propagation.