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Reproductive biology and breeding system of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde: a vulnerable medicinal plant

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Title Reproductive biology and breeding system of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde: a vulnerable medicinal plant
 
Creator G. R. Smitha and V. Thondaiman
 
Subject Saraca asoca, IUCN, Conservation, Phenology, Reproductive biology, Pollination
 
Description Not Available
Ashoka (Saraca asoca) is a perennial, evergreen tree valued for its ornamental flowers
and medicinal values. This species is classified as ‘vulnerable’ under IUCN list due
to its dwindling population because of destructive harvesting from natural habitats.
Therefore, conservation and multiplication of this species is need of the hour to utilize
its astonishing medicinal uses eternally. Conservation approaches of any plant species
require in-depth study of its reproductive biology, which is lacking in this species. The
present study is the first detailed report on reproductive biology of S. asoca. This tree
bears fragrant flowers in paniculate corymbose inflorescence from December end to
May, with peak flowering during February–March. The fruits attain its maturity during
last week of May–July. Seeds were dispersed from the pod to the tree premises upon
complete maturity. The time of anthesis in this species is noticed in the early morning
from 3.00 to 5.30 am, which coincided with anther dehiscence, stigma receptivity and
insect activity. The length of the stamen and pistil points towards the pollination compatibility
in both male and female parts. Pollen viability was maximum within 2 h of
anthesis, which decreased thereafter and no pollens were viable after 6 h. The stigma
was receptive at the time of anthesis and continued for 24 h. The tree produces bright
colour attractive flowers, which changed from yellow/light orange to scarlet/red from
the inception of buds to wilting. The bright color of the flowers attracted floral visitors/
pollinators thereby facilitated the pollination in this species. The observations of the
floral biology and breeding system indicated the cross pollination behaviour, which
limited the production of selfed seeds and would help to maintain the sustainable
levels of heterozygosity among the various populations. Considerable amount of seeds
produced in this species indicated that the species is capable of sustaining its progenies
in the natural populations. Polyembryony to an extent of 5% was also recorded in
this species.
Not Available
 
Date 2019-10-19T09:50:38Z
2019-10-19T09:50:38Z
2016-11-01
 
Type Article
 
Identifier Not Available
Not Available
http://krishi.icar.gov.in/jspui/handle/123456789/23665
 
Language English
 
Relation Not Available;
 
Publisher Springer