[Study on cutting and gemmae propagation of Huperzia serrata]

An efficient and stable artificial propagation system of Huperzia serrata was established by developing the wild semi-assisted reproductive system with gemmae or the cutting of stem tip.

The study was explored in the forest farm of Yantuozhai, Gaowangjie,Guzhang County, Xiangxi state and designed as a L9 (3(4)) orthogonal experiment, which consisted of three factors including cutting length, NAA concentration and soak time, to research their effect on rooting of perennial branches attached tip. The experiment also investigated the gemmae's occurrence, distribution and growth development through wild observation of two years and the gemmae germination of placed in different soil layers were studied.

In the original habitat, the best treatment was the cutting of 6 cm length with NAA 20 mg/L immersing for 5 min. The white adventitious root occurred 60 d later whose survival rated up to 90%. The cutting growth increased distinctly after 210 d. The gemmaes developed in July to September every year, matured in March to April next year. After separated from the mother plants, the gemmaes could germinate and grow as seedlings when the condition was suitable. Germination experiments showed that light and humidity were the main factors affecting gemmae germination.

It is feasible to establish the cutting propagation of Huperzia serrata in natural habitat. An efficient and stable regeneration system was developed with gemmae's artificial germination. This study is of great significance to alleviate the meager resources of Huperzia serrata.