Propagating for Survival: Conservation Strategies for the Endangered Himalayan Medicinal Plant Picrorhiza kurrooa

Authors: G. G. Mohi Ud Din; Irshad A. Nawchoo; B. A. Wafai
Propagating for Survival: Conservation Strategies for the Endangered Himalayan Medicinal Plant Picrorhiza kurrooa
DOI
10.25125/ijoear-sep-2026-6
DIN
IJOEAR-SEP-2026-6
Abstract

Studies on propagation and conservation of an endangered medicinal herb - Picrorhiza kurrooa reveals that the seed germination did not occur in darker conditions and seem to be photoblastic. Among various treatments the species showed 93.33±2.88% germination when the seeds were germinated in a medium of 0.125mM GA₃ with mean germination time (MGT) of 8.0±0.866 days as against the MGT 18.66±0.57 days of controlled seeds (seeds without any treatment). In field conditions however, the seeds germinate only when placed on the upper layer of soil covered with a thin film of water exposed to light. Although the plants grew nicely on various soils, maximum plant survival and vigorous growth was obtained in loamy and sandy loam textured soils. The plants responded to various nutrient treatments and in loamy textured the maximum dry biomass was shown by the plants treated with nitrogen (500mg/kg soil) produced 9.50±2.50gm dry biomass and the plants treated with NPK (500mg/kg soil) produced 9.16±4.481gm dry biomass as against the control of 4.83±0.473gm in loam textured soils. In sandy loam (1:2) textured soils the plants treated with nitrogen and NPK (500mg/kg soil) produced the dry biomass of 13.66±0.581 and 10.16±0.763gm respectively as against the control of 5.06±1.401gm per individual. The experimental manipulations also reveal that the species has a potential to propagate through underground stem cuttings in sandy loam soils. The cuttings treated with IAA, IBA and GA₃ showed 93.33, 80.0 and 95.0% survival in top segments while as 60.0, 55.0 and 68.0% survival in basal segments respectively as against the control of 75.0% in top and 42.10% in basal segments.

Keywords
Picrorhiza kurrooa endangered medicinal plant propagation growth regulators NPK treatments seed germination ex situ conservation.
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Introduction

P. kurrooa (English: Hellabore; Hindi: Kutki; Punjabi: Karu; Kashmiri: Koad) is the major source of a multipurpose drug valued as a bitter tonic, antiperiodic, laxative and cathartic, when used in small and large doses respectively (Kirtikar and Basu, 1988) and hepatoprotective (Ansari et al., 1991). In the entire range of distribution the species is confined to alpine habitats and when viewed from a global perspective, the distribution range of the species turns out to be negligibly small. Even in this extremely narrow range of distribution, the species constitute small sized populations which are sparsely distributed and contain scant individuals. Justifiably therefore, the herb have been recognised as endangered (EN) (P. kurrooa) and accordingly listed in Red Data Book of BSI (Nayar and Shastry, 1998). Despite the poor and dismal populational picture of the herb in its range of distribution, the underground plant parts, which represent the main sources of its survival and multiplication over generations in natural setting, are ruthlessly and indiscriminately extracted from the soil as drugs. This practice has been going on for years together and continues unabated even today. The result is that most of the populations are bereft of this herb and that day is not far when no single plant will be traceable to the posterity. There is an urgent need to rise to the occasion and come up with proactive strategies to salvage whatever is left and plan long term rescue measures not only to save this high potential herb from loss but also to rejuvenate the species, return to its natural ecosystem and ensure supply of raw material to the drug industry on sustained basis. In this backdrop the present studies have been conducted. The specific objectives of this study were: (i) to develop efficient seed germination protocols for P. kurrooa; (ii) to evaluate the species' performance on different soil types and nutrient regimes for ex situ cultivation; and (iii) to develop vegetative propagation techniques using stem cuttings for conservation and commercial multiplication.

Conclusion

The present study has successfully developed comprehensive propagation and conservation protocols for the endangered Himalayan medicinal plant Picrorhiza kurrooa. The key findings reveal that:

  1. Seed Germination: The species is photoblastic, requiring light for germination. Maximum germination (93.33 ± 2.88%) was achieved with 0.125mM GA₃ treatment, with significantly reduced mean germination time (8.0 ± 0.866 days) compared to control (18.66 ± 0.57 days). The failure of natural recruitment is attributed to the combination of photoblastic nature, small seed size, fragile seedlings, and harsh alpine conditions.
  2. Ex Situ Cultivation: The species performs best in loamy and sandy loam soils, with maximum dry biomass production (13.66 ± 0.581g) achieved in sandy loam (1:2) soil with nitrogen supplementation (500mg/kg soil). NPK supplementation also significantly improved biomass production.
  3. Vegetative Propagation: Underground stem cuttings provide an efficient alternative for multiplication, with GA₃ (100ppm) treated top segments showing 95.0% survival and rapid shoot regeneration (4-10 days).

Recommendations for Conservation and Cultivation:

  1. Seed-Based Propagation: For large-scale multiplication, seeds should be germinated in vitro with 0.125mM GA₃ treatment under light conditions at 15-20°C, followed by careful transplantation of seedlings.
  2. Vegetative Propagation: For quick multiplication, underground stem cuttings (top segments) treated with GA₃ (100ppm) should be used, ensuring high survival rates and rapid regeneration.
  3. Cultivation: Plants should be grown in sandy loam or loamy soils with adequate organic matter, under diffused light conditions, with nitrogen or NPK supplementation (500mg/kg soil).
  4. Conservation: In situ conservation should focus on protecting natural populations from overexploitation, while ex situ cultivation should be promoted to meet the demand for raw material and reduce pressure on wild populations.

Limitations of the Study: The study was conducted at a limited number of sites in the Kashmir Himalaya, and the findings may not be directly applicable to other regions. The long-term survival and reproductive success of propagated plants in natural habitats were not assessed. Future research should include reintroduction trials, genetic diversity studies of propagated populations, and assessment of the economic viability of large-scale cultivation.

Agriculture Journal IJOEAR Call for Papers

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