Cultivation Technique of an Important Medicinal Plant Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. (Gurmar)

Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. is an important medicinal plant which grows wild in the tropical forests of central, western and southern India and in the tropical areas of Africa, Australia and China. Due to increase in demand and destructive harvesting, the plant has become vulnerable. Field experiments were conducted during 2004 to 2007 to develop some important aspects of cultivation techniques of the species. Different experiments were carried out to standardize seed germination, vegetative propagation and cultivation practices of the species. The study revealed that the species can be cultivated successfully by seeds as well as by rooted cuttings at a spacing of 50 x 50 cm. It was observed that pretreatment of seeds in cold water for 24 h improves the seed germination. For vegetative propagation, hard wood cuttings of 10-15 mm diameter having three nodes were found most suitable. March and July was found the best time for vegetative propagation. Among hormonal treatments, dipping of cuttings in 500 ppm IBA solution for 30 min was suitable for maximum rooting (52.50%). Application of 4000 kg FYM/ha was found promising in terms of growth and yield. Total yield of dry leaves was found to be 1.5 tones/ha. The crop became ready for harvest after two years of plantation and harvesting can be done twice a year in the months of October and June.