Propagating crotons from leaves

The present investigation was conducted in the Department of Horticulture, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai during the period of 2011 to 2012. The croton leaves were placed in water for observation. Within a month, it was observed that, roots appeared from the petiole region of the leaves. The root length varied from 1.5 to 4 cm. Further, secondary roots were also observed from primary roots after one month. The rooted leaves were then placed in coir pith media and watered regularly. There was no symptom of shoot formation from the leaves. Leaves remained green for few months without showing any sign of wilting or drying.   Key words: Croton leaves, root, shoot, wilting, drying.