Abstract

Planting in the natural forests without disturbing the existing vegetation is a simple way to increase the rattan resource. Planting stock can be produced by different methods. Rattans produce seeds in large quantity and the germinability is high if sown soon after collection. If seeds are not available due to various reasons, vegetative propagation using suckers can be resorted for clustering rattans. The methods for collection, pretreatments for root induction and nursery maintenance of suckers were standardised for Calamus hookerianus and C. thwaitesii, two commercially important rattans of Kerala. The successful method involves collection of suckers during monsoon, treatment with a growth regulating substance - naphthalene acetic acid for root induction and maintenance in the nursery in polythene bags under partial shade for about ten months before outplanting. Depending on the species 50-60 per cent of the suckers established in the nursery