Enhanced rate of multiplication and rooting through the use of coir in aseptic liquid culture media

In the quest for cheap and suitable eco-friendly matrix with liquid culture to facilitate rooting three matrices, viz. paddy straw, jute and coir were chosen. Of the three matrices, coir was selected due to its higher water retention capacity compared to the other two matrices. Coir was used with aseptic liquid media for rooting of ten plant species, viz., Nicotiana tabacum, Andrographis paniculata, Chenopodium album (2n=54), C. album (Broad leaf diploid), C. album (Narrow leaf diploid), C. murale, Beta vulgaris (Sugar beet and Table beet), B. palonga (Indian spinach), Tectona grandis and Musa spp. Higher number of roots with profuse root hairs were recorded in all the plant materials in liquid medium with coir compared to conventional agar-gelled media. Apart from rooting, the rate of multiplication, maintenance and concomitant hardening were also found to be more effective in comparison to agar-gelled media. The economical aspect of use of coir instead of agar is also discussed.