Influence of Propagation Techniques and Harvesting Time on Root Yield and Alkaloid Contents of Rauvolfia serpentina

Abstract

Rauvolfia serpentina (Fam. Apocynaceae) is an important medicinal plant. Mass scale collection of this plant from natural habitats has lead to a depletion of plant resources. In order to reduce the pressure on natural resources a profitable cultivation technique to obtain higher root yield and alkaloid content is essential. A field experiment was carried out to find out the influence of propagation techniques and harvesting time on root yield and total alkaloid content of the crop under tropical climatic conditions. The crop was propagated by transplanting seedlings raised through seed and vegetatively by root and stem cuttings. Results revealed that harvesting time had pronounced effect on quality and yield of the herb. However, propagation techniques did not have significant effect on total alkaloid content. Highest root yield and alkaloid content was obtained in the crop raised though seeds harvested after 18 months of planting. December was found ideal time to harvest the crop as it yielded higher alkaloid content.