Vol. 18 No. 1
An unconventional exploration of axillary buds in Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) for planting material production
Author(s): H. A. Mondal
Abstract: A protocol was developed for new planting material (NPM) production from axial bud in controlled environment exploring artificial substrate and auxin enriched power in yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius). Yacon, a perennial herbaceous plant from the family Asteraceae was conventionally propagated by propagating roots (corms). The corm production was not fast and easy enough to meet the growing demand for NPM. Aerial stem cutting was an option but it destroyed the mother plant. Seed produced in a plant is of poor quality and most of the seeds are sterile. Thus, assuring the genetic purity, the present innovation identified a continuous and exponential process of NPM production without destruction of the mother plant as well as without sacrifying below ground rhizome. It has potential to produce maximum of 45.16±1.95 NPM per plant. To the best of my knowledge, the production of NPM is being reported from auxiliary bud directly for the first time in yacon.