Project No. : AP-02/2007-08
Year. : 2007-08
Project Title: Investigation on the effect of brassinosteroids on the performance of Piper longum Linn.and Coleus forskhlii brig. With particular reference to improvement of root growth.
State: Andhra Pradesh
Theme: Exploration/evaluation/ plant variety /conservation
Plant species: Coleus forskohlii , Piper longum
Principal Investigator & Organization : Prof. Seeta Ram Rao, Department of Botany, Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500007
Status: Closed
Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : Two bioactive brassinosteroids viz., 24-epibrassinolide and 28-homobrassinoslide were selected to investigate their effect on the performance of Coleus forskohlii and Piper longum. The studies with Coleus foeskohlii was pursued in two lines – propagation studies, growth and root yield studies. In propagation studies Coleus forskohlii plant cuttings were given basal treatment of brassinosteroid solution and transplanted in nursery covers filled with garden soil. Application of brassinosteroids substantially increased rooting of the cuttings. Further, the plants developed from such cuttings exhibited better growth as compared to control plants. In growth studies very dilute concentration of brassinosteroids were given as foliar spray three times to the Coleus forskohlii young plants maintained in pot cultures. Exogenous application of brassinosteroids caused good increase in the growth and contents of chlorophylls, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, protein in the plants. In addition there was enhancement in the tuber yield. Tubers obtained from different treatments were used for extraction and quantification of forskolin. Methanolic extract was subjected to HPLC analysis. The studies clearly proved the positive impact of brassinosteroids in enhancing the levels of forskolin. Growth and root yield was induced by the application of brassinosteroids in field studies also.
