Seed physiology and germination in sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua

摘要

A study was carried out at ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research (DMAPR) with an objective to evaluate seed physiology parameters and seed germination of an important medicinal species viz. sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) for standardizing efficient germination procedure and to determine minimum seed standards. In the study, effect of different temperatures (20,25 and 30°C) and storage duration from harvest to 6 months old seeds was evaluated on germination. Results revealed that seed germination was >60% at 25°C in 3 months old seeds reaching a maximum of 66%. However, it varied with storage duration and temperatures. Time taken for germination i.e. first count and final count was on 1st and 9* day, respectively at 20°C and25°C. Seed germination was maximum at 25°C with 66%. Seed physiology parameters were evaluated after a complete sieving of seeds which could be achieved after 5th sieving following harvest. Study has made it possible to develop a seed standard protocol under laboratory condition with a package of seed sieving to get pure seed.