B.M.K.A.P. Bamunusinghe, L. M. Rifnas, P.B.D. Jeewanthi and A.J.M.C.M. Siriwardana
Bamunusinghe, B.M.K.A.P., L. M. Rifnas, P.B.D. Jeewanthi, and A.J.M.C.M. Siriwardana. 2025. “Evaluating Seed and Stem Cutting Methods for Efficient Propagation of Passiflora Foetida”. Asian Journal of Research in Crop Science 10 (2):98-109. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajrcs/2025/v10i2355.
Publication year: 2025

Aims: The escalating medicinal demand for Passiflora foetida has led to extensive harvesting from natural habitats, resulting in genetic erosion and posing a significant threat to its survival. This study aimed to develop and evaluate effective propagation methods through seed and stem cutting techniques to facilitate sustainable cultivation and support long-term conservation strategies.
Study Design: A factorial experimental study comprising two separate trials on seed germination and vegetative propagation.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Institute for Agro-technology and Rural Sciences (UCIARS), University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, from August to December 2023.
Methodology: Two factor factorial experiments were carried out in a controlled net house environment. The first experiment assessed the impact of germination-inducing treatments, gibberellic acid (GA₃), hot water soaking, and no treatment on seeds grown in three different media: sand, topsoil, and a sand-topsoil (1:1) mixture. Parameters such as germination rate, seedling height, and vigor index were evaluated. The second experiment focused on the rooting performance of softwood, semi-hardwood, and hardwood stem cuttings planted in sand, coir dust, and a sand-coir (1:1) mixture. Root initiation, sprouting rate, and survival percentage were recorded.
Results: GA₃ treatment significantly improved seed germination rate and seedling vigor across all media types (P < 0.05), while hot water treatment in topsoil yielded the highest survival rate. Among cutting types, softwood cuttings exhibited the best rooting success and sprouting performance, particularly in the sand-coir mixture, suggesting optimal aeration and moisture retention. Hardwood cuttings had the lowest performance across all media.
Conclusion: The study establishes baseline propagation protocols for P. foetida, demonstrating the effectiveness of GA₃ for seed germination and softwood cuttings in sand-coir media for vegetative propagation. These methods offer flexible solutions for cultivation and conservation of this overexploited medicinal species.