Air Layering in Semecarpus anacardium L. f.: A Novel Approach to the Propagation and Conservation of an Important Wild Edible Fruiting Species

Abstract

Semecarpus anacardium L. f. (Bhilawa), a significant wild edible fruiting species with prominent medicinal value, is renowned for its bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins, which contribute to its therapeutic applications in both traditional and modern medicine. Despite its immense potential for combating malnutrition and supporting sustainable development goals, the species faces a decline in natural populations, primarily due to poor seed viability and challenging propagation traits. This study explores the use of air layering as an innovative vegetative propagation method for S. anacardium, aimed at addressing these challenges. We evaluated the effectiveness of four distinct air layering media—soil, cocopeat, sphagnum moss, and soilrite—both individually and in combination with the bio-regulator indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at 1000 ppm. Our results reveal that the combination of soil and IBA at 1000 ppm yielded the highest callus formation (72.66%), rooting percentage (80%), and root development (27.34 roots per layer). Additionally, this treatment resulted in the highest survival rates, with 13.43% survival in nursery conditions under partial shade and 7.30% in open-field conditions. These findings emphasize the significance of selecting optimal air layering media and bio-regulators to improve rooting efficiency and plant survival. This study lays the groundwork for developing effective propagation protocols for S. anacardium, supporting its conservation and sustainable utilization for future generations.